The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Weekend edition 7 - 9 February 2025
Council whistleblowing probe, Ireland arrive for Six Nations, busy weekend at Fruitmarket + learn bike maintenance at Leith Community Croft
🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. It’s a chilly start, with frost in some places. Gritters were out overnight. The Met Office predicts a dry but cold weekend. Here’s Friday’s Edinburgh Minute, followed by the local weekend guide for paying subscribers.
🔎 A director has been appointed to carry out an independent review of allegations against former Edinburgh council leader Cammy Day and historic complaints against other councillors. - Local Democracy Reporter, Joe Sullivan, Midlothian View.
⮑ An independent review will also begin, looking more deeply at the council’s process of handling whistleblowing and harassment claims. It’s not the first whistleblowing review of this type, as Donald Turvill writes in his Herald column.
🚲 Bike thefts in Edinburgh have increased by 20% in 18 months according to new figures. - Ian Swanson, Evening News.
🏠 The council has apologised to tenants who were moved out of their homes so extensive repairs could be carried out. Residents staying at flats in Drylaw's Grieve Crescent were told to move out of their homes at the start of the year - and say they don't know when they will return. - Iona Young & Cara Blackhall, Daily Record.
🚧 Cameron Toll roundabout will once again close for railway bridge repairs next month. - Kris Gourlay, Edinburgh Live.
🚔 A student who says the University of Edinburgh told her not to contact the police after she reported being sexually assaulted by another student says she didn’t feel believed. Kate Wilson joined a protest yesterday over the handling of sexual misconduct complaints. The uni said it had ‘updated and improved procedures’. - Amie Flett, STV News.
🎓 How has the closure of Teviot Row House affected student experience? The Tab has surveyed students.
📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard
📌 “Intro to Bike Maintenance - Sat 8th Feb, 1-3pm, Leith Community Croft. Is your bike gathering dust in the shed? Join our beginner-friendly workshop to learn the essential skills of bike maintenance, and gain the confidence to keep your bike in top shape!” - Thanks to the folks at Earth in Common for sharing this.
📌 “Edinburgh Open Workshop is delighted to have been awarded funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to support a new Community Outreach Officer. This exciting role will be responsible for creating a community outreach programme that encourages social connection while equipping local people with the skills to mend, make and create. The programme will work with charities and clubs to facilitate a series of education initiatives and a schedule of community events, building on the success of Family Day, Makers Markets and the Leith Creative Trail. ” - Thanks to the EOW team for sharing this. - Find out more and apply here.
📌 “Local organisers TFEH present another international cavalcade of all that is excellent in experimental music with sounds from the Netherlands & Scotland. Sunday is the new Saturday at Fruitmarket, Edinburgh!” - Thanks to Ali Robertson, TFEH Organiser, for sharing this.
📌 “Take a closer look at the beautiful murals by Phoebe Anna Traquair at the Mansfield Traquair Centre. Come to our open day on Sunday 9 February from 1.00 pm until 4pm close. Free entry, tours available from our friendly guides, donations welcome to maintain 'Edinburgh's Sistine Chapel'.” - Thanks to a Friend of Mansfield Traquair Centre for sharing this.
📌 “As part of Local Cinema, Tinderbox Collective are hosting a screening of the award-winning 'Inuk'. It’s the coming-of-age story of 16-year-old Inuk, who was raised in the south in Greenland’s capital Nuuk, and who is torn between the violence of his alcoholic parents and his dreams of creating an Inuit rock band. 📍 Out of the Blue Drill Hall (Rehearsal Studio), 36 Dalmeny Street, Edinburgh, EH6 8RG. 📆 Wednesday 12th February 2025 ⏰ Doors at 5:30pm, Film Starts 6PM (90m) 🎟️ £5 (Suggested Donation).” - Thanks to the Tinderbox Collective for sharing this.
📌 “Are you a would-be children's author or illustrator? The 2025 Kelpies Prizes for Writing and Illustration close to entries on Friday 28 February! You could win a mentorship with the editorial and design teams at Edinburgh indie publisher Floris Books, consideration for publication plus £500.” - Thanks to Eleanor Collins, editorial director, Floris Books, for sharing this.
📌 “Merchiston Community Council needs new members to join in 2025, with nominations now open from the 6th-27th February, we’d love you to join us! All Edinburgh residents should consider joining their local community council, it is a unique opportunity to make your neighbourhood a better place. Find the nomination form via this link.” - Thanks to Raphael Uddin, Merchiston Community Council, for sharing this.
