Edinburgh Homeless Relocated for Taylor Swift Concerts

As Taylor Swift fans gear up for her highly anticipated concerts in Edinburgh, concerns arise over the displacement of the city’s homeless population to make room for incoming tourists. Reports from Scottish outlet TFN suggest that numerous unhoused individuals have been removed from their temporary accommodations by the Edinburgh City Council to address lodging shortages for Swift’s concerts and summer vacationers.

Swift, 34, is set to perform three shows at Murrayfield Stadium from June 7 to June 9, drawing fans from across the country. According to the BBC, many affected homeless individuals were transported to nearby cities like Glasgow and Aberdeen. Some were even offered accommodation as far away as Newcastle, about 160 kilometers from Edinburgh. However, the BBC contradicts TFN’s claims, stating there is no evidence of homeless populations being forced out of existing hotel-style accommodations. Instead, newly declared homeless individuals are being sent outside Edinburgh, as emergency shelters in the city are legally required.

Edinburgh City Council has denied evicting anyone from temporary emergency housing for concertgoers. Councillor Jane Meagher emphasized that using tourist accommodations for homeless populations is a “last resort” and not a sustainable solution, especially during busy months. “We’re aware of the situation and are working with the affected households to find appropriate, alternative accommodation,” Meagher told the BBC.

Homeless Network Scotland criticized the situation, calling it “appalling” and highlighting the severity of the housing crisis in Edinburgh.

The organization urged for more significant investment in social and affordable housing, especially given the city’s declaration of a housing emergency last year. This month, the Scottish government also declared a national housing emergency.

TFN reported that 19 hotels, hostels, and B&Bs in Edinburgh have been used as temporary shelters for the homeless over the past five years. Only four of these locations had availability during Swift’s concert weekend, with the cheapest room costing £340 (about C$590) per night.

Looking ahead, housing advocates in Edinburgh fear similar measures might be implemented during the city’s Fringe Festival in August, potentially displacing more homeless individuals.

In the meantime, Swift’s Eras Tour will soon visit Canada, with six shows in Toronto starting November 14 and three shows in Vancouver beginning December 6. Both cities are preparing for the influx of fans, addressing concerns about accommodation, economy, and traffic congestion.

This incident underscores the urgent need for sustainable housing solutions in Edinburgh and across Scotland, as the country grapples with a deepening housing crisis amidst major events and festivals.