EAGER diners have spent £16,000 at a Scots restaurant during lockdown — even though they haven't eaten a bite.

Bosses at Edinburgh's Tapa have thanked customers for keeping them afloat during the pandemic after a funding campaign went more than three times over its target.

The Spanish bar and restaurant opened a “pay it forward” scheme after the pandemic forced it to close its doors.

This offered vouchers that will be worth almost twice the price when the kitchen reopens.

Bosses hoped to raise £5000 over one month, but were stunned when they hit £16,000 in under a fortnight.

Now restaurant director Daniel Shearon has vowed the “Wish You Were Here” drive, which pledges to recreate a summer holiday experience for Scots who will not be able to travel to Spain this year, will live up to its promises.

He said: “We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support that we have received to get the restaurant going after lockdown.

"As a small independent business operating in the hospitality industry, we have felt the effects of the pandemic more keenly than most.

“We’ve always been proud to have a core base of loyal customers. They motivate us to improve as a restaurant by enhancing their dining experiences.

"However, their generosity, trust and support have surpassed all our expectations.

“We can’t wait to be back and welcome our customers, to who we owe the survival of Tapa, and whistle them away to Spain for a few hours in return.”