The Big Issue Man

I have the agree with Julia S below. I pass him every morning walking to work. In fact this morning as I passed him, I thought this is his routine. This is his 9 to 5. Good for him! He’s always out no matter the weather — rain or shine. He’ll also give you a nice ‘morning!’ greeting. He adds to the ‘Edinburgh experience,’ and I don’t my morning walk to work would be the same without him! It these little things in life that make you smile.

I feel justified in reviewing this man because I once read about him in a newspaper. I mean, I will not vouch for the quality of the newspaper he was in (mainly because I can’t remember), but he was in one, so I’d say he’s an important feature of Edinburgh’s landscape. I happen to know of someone who featured him in a poem. So there.
There’re few ways to go from Marchmont (or anywhere south of Marchmont) to anywhere north of the Meadows. By that I mean about 3. The most popular way is up Middle Meadow Walk. And when you get to the junction where all the wee walks meet big Middle Meadow, you’ll find this Big Issue Man.
And, believe me, you’ll hear him before you’ve even seen him. He’s famous for his catchy chant that goes: «Don’t be shyyyyyy, give it a tryyyyy. Buyyyyy the Big Issuuuue!» And believe me, it seems to work. And it’s the kinda rhythmic chant that’ll stay in your head all day: a bit like Like a Virgin, or Europe’s Final Countdown. He’s also the chattiest of the Big Issue people I’ve ever encountered. He’ll tip his hat and say hello. You might even get a wink, who knows.
Beware, children, when crossing the Meadows. Never will you hear a catchier tune.