In the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, a 62-year-old homeless Briton named Scott Friday has been living in a cold garage for several months, where kind people have taken him in. Despite the lack of electricity and low temperatures, he does not lose hope of surviving the winter.
A young man named Ulan helped Scott make his temporary shelter more comfortable: he brought things and visits him from time to time, providing food.
We met with Scott Friday to find out what brought him to Kyrgyzstan, why he left his homeland, and how he manages to survive far from his usual life.
Reasons for Leaving: How Scott Left England
Scott left England almost without means and clear plans, hoping to reach China. His journey began with a ferry from Dover, a British town in Kent, to Calais, France.
This step was not an attempt to improve his life — it became a forced escape from the injustices he claims to have experienced in his country.
From a Cabin Boy to a Colony: Unfulfilled Dreams
In his youth, Scott was an excellent student, and his teachers predicted a career for him as an officer in the Royal Navy. However, at 16, his life changed after a fight with the police, resulting in a three-month stay in a juvenile detention center — this became a turning point.
Since then, his friends, family, and society gradually distanced themselves from him.
Eventually, he found himself on the streets, forced to live in shelters with people suffering from addictions. Starting a family remained an unattainable dream, as the struggle for survival consumed him entirely.
Scott never owned his own home, and his relationships with relatives were strained, which pushed him to leave England in search of a new life.
On the Road: Through Turkey and Iran to the Unknown
The journey began on February 14, almost two years ago. Scott traveled through Europe, then through Turkey and Georgia.
He tried to get to Armenia, but due to the military conflict with Azerbaijan, the borders were closed. The only available route led to Iran, but this direction was closed to a Briton. He had to turn back.
His next destination was Kazakhstan, which he could only reach by plane, flying from Tbilisi to Almaty and spending about two weeks there.
At this moment, his social benefits in the UK were stopped. He planned to use the next payment to cross the border into China, but the money stopped coming at the most critical moment.
Life in Bishkek: Cold Garage and Humanity
Scott arrived in Kyrgyzstan in June 2025, spending his last funds on a bus from Almaty. His journey lasted about four months.
He speaks warmly of life in Bishkek: the locals show him respect and support, allowing him to survive in a garage without electricity. For example, Ulan helped to arrange his shelter and sometimes brings food.
The only serious incident occurred when his phone was stolen. He reported it to the police, but his acquaintances found the thieves and returned the device, albeit broken.
Scott rarely consumes alcohol and only in company. When asked about friends in Bishkek, he says that the word is too strong, but there are kind and responsive people nearby.
Waiting: Between Appeal and Prayer
Last summer, Scott applied for political asylum, but in August he was denied and advised to contact international organizations, which he does not trust.
At the moment, he is in uncertainty: he needs to file an appeal, but he does not know where to start.
He desperately needs electricity, as without it he cannot boil water for tea or charge his phone, and it is very cold in the garage.
Scott rates his health as tolerable and does not know what diseases may develop, but feels relatively normal.
He eats what he can find, sometimes what kind people leave behind, and understands the risks, trying to be careful with food.
When asked if he would like to change his life if given the opportunity, Scott answers negatively. He believes he is under God's protection and is fulfilling His will, which gives meaning to everything happening.
He is not afraid of ending his life in a garage; he is only afraid of one thing — losing faith.
Scott Friday
Looking back on his life, Scott feels no regrets.
If he had documents and status, he would not seek a "normal" life but would dedicate himself to helping people in similar situations.
I would not seek a "normal" life. I would help those who find themselves in the same plight.
Scott Friday
