In the center of Kyrgyzstan's capital, Bishkek, 62-year-old homeless British citizen Scott Friday has been living in a small garage for several months. This place has become his temporary refuge thanks to the kindness of caring local residents. However, the conditions here leave much to be desired: there is no electricity, and the temperature sometimes drops to critical levels. Despite all the hardships, Scott continues to fight for survival and hopes to endure the harsh winter.
A young man named Ulan agreed to help him adapt to life in the garage, bringing essential items and doing everything possible to make the space more comfortable. Ulan periodically visits Scott, bringing food and moral support.
We met with Scott Friday to learn about his fate, what made him leave his homeland, and how he manages to survive in a foreign country.
The Path to Escape: Reasons for Leaving England
Scott left England effectively without means, without a clear plan. His dream was to reach China. The journey began with a ferry that departed from Dover, located in Kent, to the French port of Calais.
This step was not driven by a desire for a better life — rather, it was a forced departure from circumstances that he deemed unfair.
Lost Dreams: From Young Cadet to Prisoner
In his youth, Scott was a promising student, and teachers predicted a career for him as an officer in the Royal Navy. However, at the age of 16, his life changed after a fight with police, which led to his placement in a juvenile detention center.
The three months spent among juvenile delinquents were pivotal for him. Since his release, his friends, society, and even family began to turn away from him.
As a result, Scott found himself on the streets, where he had to live in shelters surrounded by alcoholics and drug addicts. He didn't even dream of starting a family, as the struggle for survival consumed him entirely.
He never had his own home, and his relationships with relatives remained strained. A sense of hopelessness and loneliness pushed him to leave England and venture into the unknown.
Journey to Asia: Through Turkey and Iran to New Horizons
Scott began his journey on February 14, nearly two years ago. He traveled through Europe and then through Turkey and Georgia.
From Georgia, he attempted to reach Armenia, but due to the military conflict with Azerbaijan, the borders were closed. The only route open was through Iran, but for the Briton, that direction was also closed. He had to turn back.
His next destination was Kazakhstan. Scott reached there by plane, flying from Tbilisi to Almaty, where he spent about two weeks.
During this time, his social benefits in the UK were completely halted. He hoped to use the funds to cross the border into China, but the money stopped coming when he needed it most.
Life in Bishkek: Cold Garage and Humanity
Scott arrived in Kyrgyzstan in June 2025, spending his last money on a bus to Bishkek. His journey from England to the capital of Kyrgyzstan took about four months.
He speaks warmly of local life. People here show respect and kindness, and thanks to them, he can survive in a garage without electricity. For example, Ulan, the young man, helped him set up the space and periodically brings food.
The only significant incident was the theft of his phone. Scott reported it to the police, but his acquaintances among the locals found the thieves before the police did and returned the device, albeit broken.
Scott rarely consumes alcohol and only in company. When asked about friends in Bishkek, he replies that the word is too strong for him; rather, they are friendly and responsive people.
Life in Waiting: Between Prayer and Appeal
Last summer, Scott applied for political asylum. In August, he was denied and referred to international organizations, but he does not trust them, believing they do not act in the interests of ordinary people.
Currently, Scott is in a state of uncertainty. He needs to file an appeal, but he does not know where to start.
Access to electricity is extremely necessary, as without it, he cannot boil water for tea or charge his phone, and it is very cold in the garage.
Scott assesses his health as acceptable, although he does not know what diseases may be developing inside his body, and he feels relatively normal.
Scott eats what he can find, sometimes what people leave for him. He understands the possible risks and tries to be cautious with food.
When asked if he would choose a different life if he had the opportunity, Scott answers negatively. He believes he lives under God's protection and fulfills His will, so everything that happens has meaning.
He is not afraid to end his life in this garage, fearing only one thing — losing faith.
Scott Friday
Looking back, Scott feels no regrets.
If he had documents and official status, he would not seek a "normal" life. According to him, he would dedicate himself to helping those who find themselves in the same situation as he did.
If I had documents, I would not seek a "normal" life. I would dedicate myself to helping those who are in the same plight.
Scott Friday
