Picture Gallery
Funeral viewers
The BBC'S coverage of the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh was watched by an average of almost seven million people. Viewing peaked just after 3pm, as the ceremony started, with 11.3 million people tuning in, the BBC said.
I watched most of it. It was very dignified, a fitting tribute.
Anne Horne
It was very moving a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man
Irene Herbertson
I’ve heard of people crashing weddings, but no, I don't watch the funerals of other people's relatives. That would be a bit weird.
Dali Invades
An average of almost seven million, so not even a tenth of the population. Staggering;
Alistair Kirk
Wonderful ceremony – thesinging and military were utterly flawless. Stunning but simple.
Rhian Franklin
I expect to watch it again. That glorious chapel, that fabulous music, hundreds of years of history.
Laura Charles Smith Turner
I was finishing my decorating so watched some paint dry instead.
Andy Duncan I would not have missed it for the world.
Jacqueline Scott
Tourism fears
One of Britain’s leading heritage campaigners – Loyd Grossman – has urged Edinburgh to conduct a total rethink of its city centre as it emerges from pandemic restrictions toavoidit relying too heavily on tourism in future.
I moved across the pond as a child. I return every couple years to visit my family in Edinburgh but it is no longer
the home I remember – it’s a carnival now. Very sad. I dont think the economy should rely on tourists .
Terri Cowan Someone has to stay in all the hotels that the council has approved.
Aileen Rutherford The council will continue to chase tourists unless and until they are removed from office. Tourists are the VIPS in Edinburgh, with cyclists and students a close second. Residents don’t count at all. Residents are regarded as a disposable resource, a council tax cash cow, a nuisance and have no voice at all in matters relating to the city. The council has amply
demonstrated its ability to totally ignore all its residents’ wishes and requests.
Jon Clark
We get huge benefits from tourism and students. I consider myself very lucky to live in an amazing city where others come on holiday. However, there's certainly a balance to be struck – I'd like to see higher taxes on holiday lettings, for example.
Colin Gilbert
The whole of Scotland depends heavily on tourism – not just for income but also for employment. Covid is going to leave a massive hole in local council budgets and anything to fill the gap and get things up and running again needs to be looked at.
Elizabeth Mcarthur
I f they close the borders to give local businesses a chance at recovery staycationers will fill the gap. No-one will be rushing off to foreign parts with the risk that poses so they will be spending their money here. It's our best chance at full reopening with everyone vaccinated and safe from outside re-infections sending us into closures again. And the weather will be lovely, like last year, because there will be less pollutution.
Lioslaith Rose
Given our economy is based on tourist and other service industries I find it difficult to understand the apparent demonisation of a successful tourist industry.
Paul Taylor
Digital drinks
A charity has warned that older people who do not have smartphones to order food and drinks at pubs and restaurants are at risk of being discriminated against. Age UK says asking custmers to order using online apps rules out half of those aged 65 to 74 and 70 per cent of the over-75s because they do not use smartphones.
The apps for ordering were put in place last year, by a lot of premises after the first lockdown. There are also under-65s who do not have smartphones. In cases where people do not have smartphones, a person will take the order at the table. That's what happened before.
Lizz Rennie
Coming soon: if you want a foreign holiday you will need a passport and a smartphone to flash your Covid QR code. Digital exclusion of the elderly is a real concern.
Rory Macgill
I have a smartphone but I am not installing an app to order beer in a pub.
Alastair Browne