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Empty Edinburgh – one year on


By - Richard - 30th March 2021

Empty Edinburgh – one year on. Almost exactly one year ago, I went out on my bike for what would be one of the strangest and most eerie experiences I’ve ever had whilst exercising.

The roads were empty and there was not a person in sight. This is not how Edinburgh – my home – is supposed to look.

At the time I didn’t want to publish this footage. I just felt it had nothing positive to say. But as we head out of lockdown (again), this footage now serves as a reminder of how far we have come. A brighter future lies ahead of us.

In this video I reflect on the ‘Empty Edinburgh’ footage and then go back into the city one year after my experience of filming this.

I wander through Princes Street Gardens, up to Edinburgh Castle and around the Royal Mile. I also visit my favourite part of Edinburgh – Calton Hill – and film panoramic shots of the city.

This short video offer a cinematic look at some of the most beautiful and popular parts of Edinburgh city centre. Filmed at the end of March 2021.

About the Author

Richard Nicholls - Managing Director

Before launching Swift Films, Richard worked as a broadcast TV director and editor, working on programmes for the BBC, ITV and Sky.

A multi-skilled and technically-minded filmmaker, Richard is equally at home coming up with creative concepts as he is on location filming or pulling footage together in the edit suite.

Richard is a member of Independent Producers Scotland and has a love of cats, football, chocolate and Film Noir (in that order).