How the Stockbridge area will bounce after being impacted by the COVID 19 crisis.

(article produced when studying journalism at Edinburgh Napier University)

The neighbourhood of Stockbridge is well known for being a historic and charming village at only 10 minutes walk from Edinburgh city centre. Its bohemian vibe makes it very attractive in the Scottish capital. It is a lively area thanks to its various shops, cafes, and restaurants.

However, since the pandemic has started and the world is in crisis, many people and business owners have been struggling, financially speaking, and socially speaking. Thus, how will this urban life survive and how will it bounce from the covid 19 crisis?

Tannis Dodd, the secretary of the Stockbridge community council testified of the covid impact on Stockbridge’s life.

Stockbridge being an attractive area of Edinburgh makes the current situation difficult for the neighbourhood’s businesses. The lockdown stopped all commercial activity. “I am sure there has been a negative economic impact on the shops and restaurants that have been unable to open for months.” said Tannis Dodd. Even if during these several lockdowns, actions have been taken in order to help and save businesses: “Especially during the first lockdown that various businesses popped up delivering food and the local shops that were able to be open set up deliveries.” Some of them also started selling online.

Apart from the economic impact, there is also a detrimental social impact. The most vulnerable are suffering from isolation and are at risk for the virus. The community council of Stockbridge played a significant role in this crisis and implemented services: “There was also an initiative to help your neighbour especially the elderly and vulnerable with shopping etc.” This action was set up in the city by the UK community network.

However, Tannis told me the community council was “relatively quiet” due to the pandemic. As a matter of fact: “We only resumed meetings in November because our chair does not do the internet.” She said “The community council main issue we have had to consult on is the new Spaces for People walking areas in Raeburn Place. We consulted with the council on the implementation of these.”

According to Mrs. Dodd, the Stockbridge population did respect the restrictions: “I think that most people abided by the lockdown restrictions - there have not been any outbursts of Covid in the area as far as I am aware”.

The secretary of Stockbridge community council concluded: “I think the area will bounce back quite healthily - it is a popular town centre in Edinburgh and there is a strong vibrant community. People are good at supporting the local businesses.” Therefore, there is hope for the area to recover from the crisis and to return to normal.