Beggars Belief

[Jordyboy9]

My journey from Edinburgh’s south side to the foot of leith walk last Friday,
I counted 17 beggars on the pavements,and I probably missed some,
What kind of impression does this leave about a capital city?
I have since been told most of them get dropped off in the morning and picked up at night,if this is true surely the police could put a stop to this,
I suppose it’s the Edinburgh council I have to blame ,and not Nicola, that’s a first.

[Buenchico]

40% of those begging in Edinburgh are rough sleepers, with 60% having accommodation of some sort (but possibly still with difficulties in getting money):
https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/1712291/Shelter_Scotland_Street_Begging_Final_Report_Jan_2019.pdf/_nocache

Yes, there are 'professional' beggars but there are also many genuine ones too.

In the half-mile walk from Ipswich station to the town centre and back, on a Sunday evening, I've been approached by no fewer than 15 beggars, while managing to avoid contact with quite a few more. I sometimes give to those I know to be genuine (simply because they're the ones who're out in all weathers and when there are few people about) and they've often told me of the antipathy between them and the 'professional' beggars.

[bookbinder]

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinburgh-council-encourage-rough-sleepers-beg-money-646907

[douglas9401]

Not beggars as such but a stealth way for the council to fund the extension of the vanity tram project doon the Walk.

Mony a mickle and all that.

[retrocop]

Well Sturgeon wants more immigrants in Scotland. She can take the majority of ours in London. Roma and East European should be OK in colder climes.