A Scottish man has been sleeping in his car in protest against the Russia - Ukraine war.
Saturday night marked the seventh day David Fraser spent the night in his car, a Tesla, which is parked right outside the Russian Consulate in Edinburgh's West End. Wrapped in the Ukrainian flag colours with 'Free Ukraine' written on the side, the dad of five certainly doesn't plan on being covert.
Speaking exclusively to Edinburgh Live, the freelance business consultant explained that he has grown 'frustrated' that the Russian Consulate is still operating. He believes people have become 'bored' of hearing about the Russia - Ukraine war. He hopes he can continue raising awareness with his vigil as the fighting in Europe rages on.
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He's taken to TikTok and Instagram to document his support for Ukraine with many people flocking to the comments to cheer him on.
"Being here with a big message saying 'Free Ukraine' on the side of the car and people coming and going [in support], sends a message. The car also plays a music from external speakers, I play Ukrainian music, and it also does light shows," David said.
His relationship with Ukraine started back in 1997 when he went over to help with living conditions with Bethany Christian Trust, and has continued going back to the country regularly. Since February 24, when Russian troops invaded, he says he's been back over to Ukraine every four to six weeks, delivering cars that can be used on the front line.
David said: "I started going over in 1997, I was the manager of the drug and alcohol rehabilitation center with the Bethany Christian Trust down in Leith. I was sent over there to offer advice about living conditions and to build relationships. I've been back and forward over there since.
"When the war started, I became involved with Cars For Ukraine - they supply vehicles for the military. We help convert cars from the UK into military vehicles.
"The men who are driving these cars are very brave and deserve our support. The cars [once they are over in Ukraine] only have a lifespan of about ten days."
While he's been staying in his car on Melville Street, he said the police have spoke to him twice, but he says they only asked him if he was 'all good?', to which he replied, 'yes.' Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.
A Tesla, that David insists is cheaper that a Vauxhall Astra, operates heated leather seats and automatically puts the heating on when the temperature drops below 6C. He reassures that he's perfectly fine.
With a can of deodorant stashed down the side of the car door, his vape charging on the dashboard and a sleeping bag, clothes, and a Ukrainian flag piled up on the back seats - the HGV driver looks like he's in it for the long haul.
Now living in the borders, the former Edinburgh resident has driven the blue and yellow Tesla all over the the UK in protest, and once even parked on the pavement on Downing Street during a protest he took his 12-year old daughter to earlier this year.
David explained: "I got this car wrapped on the second week of the war. The job of this car now is just to get it out there and spread the message. At that time we thought it would go on for six months...but it has obviously been longer."
Since Sunday, December 4, David's only left the parking spot to charge up the car and is attempting to live on less than £10 a day.
"So far I've only bought one coffee", David said on the fourth day.
"People have seen my TikToks and joined me. They come and go and lots of people drop off food and drinks, the support's been fantastic! One Ukrainian girl dropped off a traditional meal, it was great."
As people walked past the car, which was showing off a light display and playing a Ukrainian song, they waved and gave a thumbs up in support. With a grin, he said: "That happens a lot."
David added: "Everyone round here has been lovely, no bother and genuinely supportive."
The dad-of-five went on: "I mostly fund myself by driving lorries. I'm a HGV driver too [as well as running his own business consultancy], so you might see me driving a Tesco van about - unless I'm still here.
"I don't know when I'll end this [the vigil]. I'm keeping costs down as much as I can and neighbours I know are letting me shower."
He admits he's only getting around five hours of sleep a night in the car but says he's 'well known in the Ukrainian community' and has kept in touch with people all over the world. So if he can't sleep, "Someone will be awake", he adds.
Despite the temperatures plummeting and snow fall, David continues to camp out and has not set an end date.
"I look about a 100 years older than when I arrived, but there you go. There is no way the Consulate should be operating in Edinburgh. Thank you for everyone's support and thank you who are doing similar things around the world. Slava Ukraini", he said on his most recent video.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson has previously described the presence of Russian diplomats in Scotland as ‘intolerable’. However, because Scotland is not independent and has no powers in this regard, responsibility for foreign diplomatic missions in the UK currently rests with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office."
The Russian Consulate has been contacted for comment.
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