Edinburgh is grappling with a significant housing crisis exacerbated by a surge in demand for tourist accommodations during Taylor Swift's concerts at Murrayfield Stadium on June 7, 8, and 9, 2024. Edinburgh City Council has indicated that this demand will make it difficult to book temporary lodgings for homeless families, highlighting a broader "housing emergency" in the city.
Councillor Jane Meagher explained that due to a shortage of social housing and increased rental costs, the council occasionally relies on tourist accommodations for homeless families. These accommodations become scarce during peak tourist seasons, such as during the Swift concerts. Despite the competition, the council assures that no homeless individuals are being moved to accommodate fans and is actively seeking alternative housing solutions.
Shelter Scotland, a housing and homelessness charity, reported that some homeless people are being sent to other cities like Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Newcastle to find temporary lodgings, describing the situation as a "blatant injustice." The charity and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton have called for more advanced planning and increased housing efforts to address these challenges.
The Edinburgh housing crisis was formally declared by the city’s council in November, citing record homelessness and a severe shortage in adequate housing solutions. As a result, issues similar to those arising from the Taylor Swift concerts could persist during other large events such as the Fringe Festival.