Capital’s citizens plan to make up for lost time
Almost three quarters (72 per cent) of people in Edinburgh promise to be more spontaneous now that restrictions have eased, as they say they’re more likely to live life in the moment, and over two thirds (68 per cent) want to make lots of plans while they can.
New research by Fort Kinnaird reveals that people in Edinburgh are planning to make the most of the rest of the summer, having missed out on what is estimated to be almost a month of non-stop quality time with family and friends since the pandemic began last year.
While many admit they took the simple things for granted before lockdown, such as the freedom to go out when they wanted (44 per cent) and spending time with friends (34 per cent), people in Edinburgh are ready to start enjoying some of their favourite things again.
Over half (51 per cent) put spending time with friends at the top of the list of things they’re going to enjoy the most now that restrictions have eased and over a third (39 per cent) said enjoying more days out.
Meanwhile, for over a third (35 per cent) going to the beach or on a staycation is high on the list of priorities, along with going to the pub (28%), eating indoors with friends (24%), going on a shopping spree (19%) and going to the cinema (17%).
Surprisingly, throwing a party (12 per cent) and seeing an unlimited group of people (16 per cent) are lower on the priority list even after restrictions have eased, suggesting people are looking to spend more quality time with those closest to them.
The research also revealed what those in Edinburgh missed the most when non-essential shops and indoor dining were closed. The top three things most missed about shopping in real life were picking up what you need when you need it rather than waiting for an online order to arrive (34 per cent), the joy of window shopping (28 per cent) and having a big shopping day out with friends (27 per cent).
Meanwhile, when it came to indoor dining, having an evening meal out with friends and family (43 per cent), eating food that has been cooked by a professional (33 per cent) and having someone serve your meal to your table (26 per cent) were the things respondents missed the most.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Our research shows that people are gearing up to make up for lost time with loved ones.
“We’ve seen lots of families and groups of friends visiting the centre to enjoy a day or evening out since restrictions started to ease and we’re looking forward to welcoming more visitors.”
Fort Kinnaird continues to have extra measures in place to help visitors feel safe. It remains mandatory for visitors to wear a face covering in all indoor settings if they can, and hand sanitising stations remain throughout the centre along with enhanced cleaning regimes.
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