Competition for hotel rooms is fierce ahead of the Taylor Swift concerts in Edinburgh, with homeless people being sent out of the city to make way for tourists, according to a report by BBC News.
Shelter Scotland revealed that several homeless individuals they support had been sent to cities like Aberdeen, Glasgow, and even as far as Newcastle due to a shortage of accommodation in Edinburgh. This move has sparked outrage, with the housing charity calling it a “blatant injustice” for homeless people to be in direct competition with tourists.
The upcoming Taylor Swift concerts at Murrayfield stadium have led to a surge in demand for hotel rooms, leaving many homeless individuals without temporary accommodation options. The situation has highlighted the ongoing housing emergency in Scotland, with the Scottish government recently declaring a national housing emergency in response to record homelessness figures and rising rental costs.
Shelter Scotland director Alison Watson emphasized the urgency of the housing crisis, stating that families experiencing homelessness should not have to be displaced from their communities to find emergency accommodation. The issue is expected to resurface during the city’s Fringe Festival in August if no action is taken.
Edinburgh City Council denied claims of moving tenants out of temporary accommodation for Taylor Swift fans, but acknowledged the use of tourist accommodation as a last resort due to the housing emergency. The council is working to find alternative accommodation for affected households.
The situation in Edinburgh serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by homeless individuals in the midst of high-demand events like concerts and festivals. It underscores the need for sustainable solutions to address the housing crisis and ensure that all individuals have access to safe and stable accommodation.
