Monday November 10th 2025
Edinburgh Sheriff Court
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Neil Stewart Forrester (59), from Gorebridge, was today sentenced at Edinburgh Sheriff Court to 117 hours of unpaid work following his guilty plea last month to charges of illegal money lending and threatening and abusive behaviour.
The investigation, led by the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit (SIMLU), revealed that Forrester, formerly employed as a refuse collector and GMB Union Representative at Midlothian Council’s Stobhill Depot, abused his position of trust to exploit vulnerable colleagues. Between January 2018 and August 2022, he issued unauthorised loans ranging from £20 to £500 to at least 14 individuals, enforcing repayments through intimidation and threats. Evidence showed that more than £100,000 was repaid, far exceeding the original loan amounts.
Forrester remains subject to a Proceeds of Crime investigation. Cash seized during a joint SIMLU and Police Scotland operation in August 2022 is now subject to Proceeds of Crime (POCA) proceedings.
Cllr Maureen Chalmers, Chair of the Trading Standards Scotland Governance Board said:
“This case highlights the serious impact of illegal money lending on vulnerable individuals and communities and demonstrates how such activity can happen anywhere including the workplace. This case is an example of a sustained and deliberate illegal money lending operation that exploited trust and authority for financial gain. SIMLU remains committed to protecting communities from such predatory practices and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.”
The Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit is part of Trading Standards Scotland which is based within the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA). The Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit is funded by HM Treasury through the levy placed on authorised credit businesses by the UK Government.
Recent research believes that around 7% of the Scottish population are interacting with loan sharks.
The Stop Loan Sharks Project consists of three Illegal money lending teams in England, Scotland and Wales. Jointly these organisations run the Stop Loan Sharks Campaign. The Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit came into being in 2004 as part of a pilot project under the then Department of Trade and Industry.
The Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit works in partnership with local Trading Standards Authorities across Scotland. The unit consists of specialist officers who investigate allegations of illegal money lending and related activity, submitting reports to the Procurator Fiscal as appropriate. The Unit also provide support for victims of illegal money lending and raise awareness of the dangers of borrowing from illegal money lenders.
SIMLU urges anyone who suspects they are borrowing from a loan shark to seek help immediately. All lending should be through authorised and regulated channels to ensure consumer protection.
SIMLU Confidential Helpline: 0800 074 0878 (available 24/7)
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