14 year old selling"Big Issue" on Scotish streets
Outside the Bank of Scotland, in Dingwall, Ross-shire, Scottish highland a young woman whom I recognised as someone who busks in Inverness with an accordion, [alongside 2 other girls also playing accordions] was selling the BIG ISSUE.
Last year I was homeless and a BIG ISSUE seller: Vendor No: 131106
I said to the Big Issue Vendor (BIV) that I had been a BIV last year and where was she from?
She replied, “Romania”, I think it was [or possibly Bulgaria].
I replied, “You should go back home, you are not homeless,. I was a tourist in many countries and slept in fields and on the street but I was not homeless.”
“Every tourist who comes to Scotland is homeless, but they get either a hotel, B&B, camp or sleep in the fields. They are not ‘homeless’.
There was a small altercation in the street with some passers by. As a result of this I have police evidence that the girl claims to be 14 years old.
This was a school day and to get a BIV badge one MUST be 16 or over.
I saw her on the streets again after I recieved the police evidence and should have reported to the police. She and her 2 chums seem to have left the Highlands.
I have been told that selling the "Big issue" is a registered job, and forgien nationals can apply for this job then come to the UK.
I cant say too much as ongoing court case but contact me if futher details required.
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