In October last year, I moved into Shrub Mount to become my mum's full-time carer.

Before she moved there, we had asked for a two-bedroom property so that I could officially live with her and be added to the tenancy. 

Unfortunately, after months of waiting, only a one-bedroom property was available. I asked to be added to the tenancy, but I was refused because the property was designated for single occupancy. I have email evidence confirming that I made this request before my mum passed away.

Despite this, I moved in with Mum and cared for her throughout her illness. Together we made this house our home, and I dedicated countless hours to transforming both the house and the garden into a peaceful, beautiful place where Mum could enjoy her final months. Before she passed away, she made it very clear that it was her wish for me to continue living here.

I am not asking to keep two homes. I have a two-bedroom Harbour Homes property in Leith, and I am willing to surrender that tenancy so it can be given to another family who needs it. I simply want to remain in the one-bedroom home where I have been living and caring for Mum.

This home is about much more than bricks and mortar. My auntie and cousin live directly across the road, and I help care for my auntie as well. This community has become my support network.

I also brought my cat, Sheba, here when I moved in to care for Mum. She has settled beautifully and loves the freedom and safety of the garden. We are surrounded by birds, squirrels, hedgehogs and other wildlife, and caring for the garden and being immersed in nature has helped me cope through the hardest year of my life. After losing my mum and the breakdown of my relationship shortly before her death, everything feels like a blank canvas. This home has given me peace, stability and hope when I have needed it most.

Returning to a flat after everything that has happened would have a significant impact on my wellbeing. Remaining here would allow me to continue rebuilding my life in the place that Mum loved, while honouring her final wish.

I respectfully ask Edinburgh City Council to review my case as an exceptional case. I ask them to take into account that I was Mum's full-time carer, that I asked to be added to the tenancy before her death, that I am willing to surrender my two-bedroom Harbour Homes property, and that allowing me to remain here would not increase the demand for housing but would instead free up a larger family home.