An Edinburgh businesswoman has launched a pioneering app designed to bring remote workers out of their homes and into co-working spaces amid the easing of coronavirus restrictions.

'Work surfing' platform SWURF - set up by entrepreneur Nikki Gibson - will allow those who have been working at their kitchen table over the last year to swap their home office for a number of Capital locations, including top restaurants and hotel chains.

Plush hotels including Kimpton Charlotte Square and Moxy have signed up to host flexible workers as part of the Capital rollout of the system, which is free to download and use, before it is taken nationwide.

Top eateries Chaophraya and Morningside gastropub McLarens on the Corner have also opened their doors to remote workers searching for a new space after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon eased restrictions to allow the hospitality sector to reopen last month.

Gibson said: “Working from home this past year has shown employers and employees across the world that you don’t need an office to do your best work.

“With my experience and knowledge of venue sourcing, I wanted to create an app that would help remote workers to find welcoming spaces to work in whilst supporting venues such as hotels, restaurants and cafes looking to promote their facilities to this rapidly rising community.”

Nikki Gibson founded SWURF to connect remote workers with friendly, safe spaces. (Image: SWURF)

Nikki Gibson founded SWURF to connect remote workers with friendly, safe spaces. (Image: SWURF)

An estimated 23 million people across the UK work remotely, with millions more forced into unconventional 'offices' during lockdown.

Recent reports however suggest one in five workers have admitted to struggling with loneliness and Gibson said she is hopeful the app can build relationships and collaboration.

“There is no doubt that a positive company culture is strongly linked to mental health and wellbeing,” she added.

“For many workers, they will benefit from finding new places to meet with colleagues, for others they will be missing the connection of office working, they need to escape working from home or looking to avoid the distractions of kids at home.