I empty the bins – and I’m dreading another strike too

The grandfather-of-two, who lives in Dalkeith but works in Edinburgh, said the public had been very supportive during the last strike.

“We’re not wanting millions off the council we just want a half decent pay rise,” he added.

Cammy Day, City of Edinburgh council leader, said he was disappointed that negotiations between the Scottish government, local authority body Cosla and the unions had so far failed to avert the strike action across Scotland.

“Urgent progress needs to be made if we are to prevent significant disruption during one of the most important and enjoyable periods in Edinburgh’s calendar,” he said.

“I firmly believe that all council colleagues deserve to be paid fairly for the work they do and have every right to take this action and have their voices heard.

“As the lowest funded council in Scotland, it’s time for the Scottish government to properly fund our capital city and its services.”

The Scottish government said the pay negotiations were a matter for councils and unions, although it was working to support efforts to reach a fair pay deal.

A spokesman said the government had made record funding available to councils this year, including just over £1bn to to Edinburgh City Council.