Could you discuss with the wellbeing team (if there is one) at your university how difficult you are finding it to sustain both? Maybe you could go part time in your post?

All great advice - thanks everyone :-)

My hope is, since it was my supervisor who encouraged me to apply to do the PhD in the first place and because my project aligns nicely with his research, that he might come to the rescue lol. My project is fairly niche, very original and I don't imagine they would be too happy for me to scope out my options elsewhere. He has already admitted that I am "valuable" to the department so I may have some leverage for negotiation in that respect. The only problem is, I am terrible at negotiating!

It's looking increasingly likely that deferring would be the sensible option. Should probably start looking for a job too since mine is not guaranteed for the new academic year.

My main supervisor, though a thoroughly intelligent and decent chap, has admitted ignorance of UK university processes (he's only recently come here) so knows little of scholarships etc. He has, however, tentatively been trying to get me a tutoring job which would be really helpful. Apparently, he says it is possible in theory but noone knows where the money will come from! My second supervisor has suggested that I wait until November for a particular research council's funding competition and he sits on the board so chances would be good... I guess I'm just impatient. I like to know with some certainty what I will be doing in the months to come. Thanks for your advice :-)

I have been offered the opportunity to study a PhD at my current institution - conditional as I still have a couple of months of my MSc to complete. I am happy with my project, my supervisors and the university. My grades have been outstanding this year so I am also confident that I could do it (although I don't want to sound complacent), and I really want to. The only thing is... how on earth do I pay for it?

Don't get me wrong, the guides are useful. I understand that there are opportunities from research councils (mostly now closed for 2019, or closed off to me as I don't have an honours degree), and scholarships within the institution (which I was advised to keep an eye on since February but anything I might be eligible for is not yet open, or has been opened and closed in the tiny window I had to pull a research proposal together). It is very frustrating. Finances are the only thing that are holding me back here. I am a mature student with a child so I can't really live on nothing and although I'm working at the moment, my contract is up at the end of May so there is a summer of uncertainty ahead.

If only the Scottish Government would consider doctoral loans like they have in England and Wales then that would at least remove the final barrier. To be honest, this finance thing is putting me off. Anyone have any advice?