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Thousands of protesters are set to take to the streets of the capital to demand an end to in-work poverty , increased investment in public services and improved social security. The Scotland Demands Better march in Edinburgh on October 25 will demand more from all politicians, at Holyrood and Westminster. Along wit h anti-poverty campaigners , trade unions, civic groups, environmental activists, faith groups and charities, the rally – expected to attract 5000 people – will meet at Holyrood before heading through the city. More than 200 groups have signed up to support the protest, including the Church of Scotland, the STUC, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Aberlour children’s charity, the EIS teaching union, Amnesty International, Oxfam, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and the Poverty Alliance. Peter Kelly, chief executive of Poverty Alliance said: “People from across Scotland are demanding better. “Carers, firefighters and other public sector workers and the public they serve, people struggling with energy bills, people in-work and struggling to pay the bills and people who just want to have enough to live a fulfilling and dignified life are all demanding better. “As people find themselves under increasing pressure, we need our political leaders to deliver on their promises they have made. “People are feeling angry and overlooked, they see promises not kept but a better future is possible. People are coming together to demand better pay, better investment in life essentials and better social security. “That’s the only way we can create the Scotland we all want to see.” Author Darren McGarvey will also be a speaker at the rally, with musical acts including Bemz, Declan Welsh, and Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5. Glasgow band Captain Mustard and the Dijon 5 said: “The inequality in society is what fuels poverty and injustice. We include teachers and nurses in our ranks and see the difficulties of people living in poverty and always strive for equality, fairness and respect. “We are proud to be playing at the Poverty Alliance march where we can stand shoulder to shoulder with people who want a better and more equal society for all and look forward to bringing the festival atmosphere for a party at the end, to celebrate the unity and hard work that has gone into the day.” Declan Welsh said: “There’s simply no need for anyone in this country to be living in poverty in 2025.” Hip-hop artist Bemz added: “I’m looking forward to taking part in this event, it’s a great initiative and something I feel passionate about.” The campaign, Scotland Demands Better , will culminate in a march in Edinburgh on October 25, walking from the Scottish Parliament, up the Royal Mile and along George IV Bridge to The Meadows. AVEEN Khalli, is a Syrian refugee who has been living in Dundee since 2019. She said: “Poverty is not just about empty wallets, it’s about choices people can’t make, opportunities and self-confidence. “Poverty is when parents worrying about heating, families need to choose between food and transport and migrants struggling to settle while learning new language and navigating unfamiliar systems. “Poverty takes away dignity and hope. “When I arrived from Syria six years ago, everything seemed overwhelming and poverty made it harder, made me feel invisible. “But through my work with organisations like Dundee international women centre, I have seen compassion, resilience and a desire to build a fairer Scotland. “These groups remind us while poverty is real, it is a challenge we can overcome together.” DAVEY Strachan is a firefighter based at Edinburgh’s Marionville fire station which is proposed for closure. He said: “The station that for 57 years protected the people of the city, is proposed for closure. This means response times will increase for tens of thousands of people in the city. “Edinburgh is seeing unprecedented population growth which is due to continue. "This is after the loss of 1250 firefighters in Scotland and a 20 per cent rise in response times since 2013. It defies logic to claim that the closure of Marionville Fire Station won’t increase risk to residents, students and tourists. “Any claim of this nature is dangerously misleading. “There have been huge real-terms budget cuts to the Fire and Rescue Service since its inception in 2013, despite repeated assertions from government that investment has increased. “It has to stop. We demand better. Scotland Demands Better.” Steven Myles is an Energy Adviser from Glasgow. He said: “My job is to help people manage energy use in their homes but in reality, I spend most of my time supporting people in immediate crisis. “I work with households regularly disconnecting from prepayment meters because their budgets simply won’t stretch. Many have been pressured into unaffordable debt repayment plans they can’t maintain. "When they reach out to their energy company, instead of finding compassionate support, they’re often left feeling humiliated, and intimidated by the threat of forced prepayment meter installations. As providers of a necessary utility, energy firms have a duty of care to support customers.” LINDA Craik is a carer and member of End Poverty Edinburgh. She said: “The true effects of Poverty are about much more than just money. The impacts on education, physical and mental health are well documented. “On top of the daily financial struggles, there is isolation, judgment and stigma that comes with living in poverty. "For myself, and the 800,000 other unpaid carers in Scotland, every day is a challenge to cover the cost of essentials and keep those I care for safe, nourished,and warm. “Many people in paid employment still struggle to make ends meet with the rising costs of food, heating, rent payments or child care. We all contribute to society yet feel invisible”
