Edinburgh bin man shares experience of 'cherishable' lockdown friendship

‘It honestly makes my week seeing her there each time, it’s an experience I am absolutely going to cherish from this pandemic.’

Covid-19 has restricted family and friends from seeing each other for months, but one Edinburgh key worker has developed a close bond with a resident during his time working in lockdown.

Kevin Doc, a bin man from Meadowbank, has spoken to Evening News about an unusual friendship that he has formed with an elderly woman after collecting her food waste for weeks throughout the pandemic.

The 52-year-old said since the country went into lockdown in March, the loyal resident, whose name he does not know, has stood in her window every Wednesday to wave at him as he goes about his daily work routine.

Kevin Doc and his new lockdown friend who he has seen every Wednesday since the end of March while he is outside her home collecting her food waste

“Every week, she’s there at 6.30am, without fail, to say hello to me from her window,” Kevin said.

"It honestly makes my week seeing her there each time, it’s an experience I am absolutely going to cherish from this pandemic."

Kevin, who was going to get married this Saturday, but had to cancel due to the pandemic, said many residents have shown their appreciation for him and his colleagues working throughout lockdown.

Yet, this elderly woman, who lives near the Seafield Depot, has been particularly noticeable for him during his weekly bin collections.

“I know there have been many messages of appreciation over the last few months where people have shown their support for workers, like putting drawings on bins and in windows, and residents giving you the thumbs up as you pass by, but this lady is there, on the dot, every time I am outside her home,” Kevin added.

"It’s moved me so much I actually bought her a bouquet of flowers today and left them on her doorstep for her.

“She came out to receive them and was just over the moon.

"We didn’t exchange many words, she thanked me for what I was doing and it really meant a lot.”

Next week Kevin will be on holiday and a colleague of his will step in temporarily to cover his shifts.

"She might be a bit confused by not seeing me next week, but I booked this holiday ages ago given it’s when I was meant to be getting married,” Kevin added.

“But if she sees this article, then hopefully she’ll know that I will be back the week after.

"It’s something really special to have developed during lockdown, and I am going to hold on to this wonderful experience forever.”

Kevin collects food waste on behalf of Edinburgh City Council where he has worked as a bin man on and off for the last two years.

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