Not being able to get through to council

[halfpint91]

Hiya, I got my approval yesterday morning (so happy!) and I've tried to phone my local council (Edinburgh) to book a ceremony using the phone number provided. However noone is picking up and I get a recording saying to leave my details and someone would call back. I did leave my details but noone phoned back, I did the same this morning. I've tried phoning 6 times at this point. Has this happened to anyone? Is this normal?? What can I do if I can't get through to them?

[alterhase58]

Email or visit the office?
https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/info/640/ ... itizenship

[halfpint91]

That doesn't seem to be the same place as stated in my letter.

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/births-mar ... -service/2

This is the phone number I'm given and there's no email provided

[alterhase58]

OK was thinking of the county council - you just have to persist, maybe the invitation letters are in progress....

[halfpint91]

Still no one has phoned me back, I've left two messages. I went to the council in person and I was told that no one picks up the phone and on certain days of the week someone goes through the messages and phones people back. They also said they can't do anything in person and they also said not to worry about the 21 day thing, but I don't trust them, if it's stated in the letter that's for a reason.

What are my options? The letter was dated 17th of january so that's 11 days out of the 21, only 8 working days left till the 21st day.

Am I worried over nothing?

[Djsuccess]

Still no one has phoned me back, I've left two messages. I went to the council in person and I was told that no one picks up the phone and on certain days of the week someone goes through the messages and phones people back. They also said they can't do anything in person and they also said not to worry about the 21 day thing, but I don't trust them, if it's stated in the letter that's for a reason.

What are my options? The letter was dated 17th of january so that's 11 days out of the 21, only 8 working days left till the 21st day.

Am I worried over nothing?

No need to worry. You will be contacted as you have been told. However, I have to say that their arrangement is poor. Are they understaffed?

[halfpint91]

Update in case someone ends up in a similar situation, i ended up going around by mailing a complaint to the council, which then got redirected to the appropriate team and got booked in less than 24 hours after I sent that. Not an ideal a situation but it has been resolved now.

[obormot]

Oh, those Scots..
I was in similar situation in November, spent several hours before was able to reach Glasgow council..