Emotional tributes have been paid to a popular magazine vendor in Edinburgh after his sudden death.
Big Issue seller Stevie was a much-loved member of the community in Stockbridge before he was tragically found dead in his B&B last weekend.
He regularly set up shop selling the publication outside the Costa Coffee on Raeburn Place, according to Edinburgh Live .
Since his passing, locals in the plush inner city area came together in honour of the 49-year-old.
One person described Stevie as "always smiling" and would even sing "don't be shy, give it a try, I'm just a wee homeless guy".
The Big Issue reports a regular customer, Susan Bittker, penned a heartfelt letter that was left at his pitch.
She wrote: "The sudden death of Steven (also known as Stevie or Stef to his friends) has left Stockbridge (Edinburgh) residents shocked and bereft.
"Steven was very much a part of the Stockbridge community: he worked really hard at the job he loved – selling The Big Issue – and made a big impression because of his positive outlook, his smiling face, and the fact that he always loved to chat with his customers.
"Sometimes you’d have bought your Big Issue from him, said goodbye, and moved on, and he’d still be calling after you to ‘have a good day’ and ‘god bless.’ As one of his friends said ‘he was one in a million.’
"I hope he knew how much the people of Stockbridge cared about him and are grieving for him. I’m writing this letter on behalf of all of his customers and friends."
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Rhys Corley-Morgan, The Big Issue’s Sales and Operations Manager for Scotland, said: “Stevie was selling the magazine consistently and was doing well trying to save up for a new moped so he could be a mod again.
“We are all saddened by the news of his death and he will be much missed by everyone here at The Big Issue in Edinburgh.”
