The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Wednesday 2 September 2026

Trams to Granton face crucial vote next week, council slams 'entirely false' media reporting on 'homeless refugees', stab victim's mum unveils Leith Knife Angel + Climate Emergency film screening

Trams could be heading to the Old Town if plans are approved next week.

🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. Today's entries from readers on the Community Noticeboard are, once again, incredible. It's full of things I had no idea about and which you simply cannot find on any other single place online. Big thanks to everyone who makes the noticeboard so vibrant and reflective of what a brilliant city this is. Here’s Wednesday's Edinburgh Minute.

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🌦️ Today's weather forecast: Showery again today but with added mist. A high of 15C. Sunnier tomorrow. - The full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh is here.

🚉 Plans to extend Edinburgh's trams to Granton via the Roseburn Path could be paused next week. Instead, officers will recommend councillors vote for the southern part of the extension, from Princes Street to the Royal Infirmary, using North Bridge, South Bridge and Nicholson Street. - Full details are in a newly published council report (PDF online here).

Public controversy and 'political challenges' have been blamed for the Roseburn Path section being put on hold. - Ian Swanson has a video interview with council transport boss Stephen Jenkinson in the Evening News.
The new report, by Gareth Barwell, the council's Corporate Director of Place, says the 'priority' is currently not the £2.5 billion line to Granton: "One of the shortlisted options in the Strategic Business Case settled on an alignment for a southern section of route (between city centre to BioQuarter / Royal Infirmary) and that this section can complement the South Suburban Railway feasibility work currently being advanced by Transport Scotland and Network Rail."
The plan will be voted on by councillors on the Transport and Environment Committee next Thursday, 10 September, which you can find the agenda of here.
On last year's consultation results, the report says (on page 10/19): "Many in the consultation were also very concerned about using the Roseburn Path as a tram route between Granton and the city centre, and many also raised concerns about the alternative candidate route option via Orchard Brae, raising issues about impacts on traffic and buses, on the historic Dean Bridge, and the environmental impacts on the area around and under the bridge. The consultation, though not the market research, has shown there are public acceptability issues with both alternative routes considered between Granton and the city centre. This suggests further work is needed on this section, as the Strategic Business Case is clear there is a case for a direct tram connection between Granton and the city centre."
The report also outlines the estimated costs associated with each option:

Council transport leader Stephen Jenkinson said: "For now we are focusing on the southern route in the short to medium term because I think that's more likely to receive the support from a regional transport perspective to enable it to be delivered." - James Delaney, BBC Scotland News.
'The shorter route could save the council more than a billion pounds', writes Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco in The Herald.

🏠 The council has hit out at what it called 'entirely false' media reporting claiming that 'asylum seekers are being prioritised for council housing by a Labour-run council.' Last week The Telegraph reported: 'locals frozen out by Edinburgh’s growing population of homeless refugees'. Yesterday the council issued a statement criticising 'inaccurately reported details about how we prioritise and allocate council housing'. Screenshots of the The Telegraph report and the council statement are below. Clicking the images takes you to each source.

🎭 Organisers of last month's Summer Sessions events at Ingliston have denied claims that their 150,000-strong audience harmed this summer's Festival Fringe audience numbers. - Brian Ferguson, The Herald.

🔪 The Knife Angel sculpture was unveiled at the Kirkgate yesterday. It will be on display until 27 September. - Events including theatre shows are planned to highlight the impact of knife crime. - More details from the council here.

'Knife Angel sculpture described as 'powerful' by mum of man stabbed to death' - Keiran Fleming, STV News.
There were emotional scenes esterday afternoon as Lisa Petrie addressed a crowd on the first anniversary of the death of her 22-year-old son, John Mcnab. She said: "When that knife took John's life, it didn't just take John, it devastated our whole family. I lost my son, I lost my best pal, my dancing partner". - Skye Donald, Evening News.

📚 The Stockbridge Little Free Library is back in action having been rebuilt following storm damage. - Dave Pickering, North Edinburgh News.

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📚️ 10% off at Armchair Books for shopping at independent Leith bookshops! - 'The tram shutdown hurt so many Leith businesses. In solidarity with our bookshop pals, if you buy books from Argonaut Books, The Cookbook Shop, or Logan Malloch during September, Armchair Books will give you 10% off your purchase with us.' - More details here, shared by Armchair Books.

**@armchairbooksedinburgh on Instagram**.

🏛️ New temporary Edinburgh venue to explore architecture, design and the built environment - 'A&DS:SpACE, a new temporary venue in Edinburgh, opens on 15 September and offers free exhibitions, talks, and events on architecture, design, and sustainability. The pop-up venue will bring people together to explore Scotland’s built environment.' - More details here, shared by Architecture and Design Scotland.

🐾 Wildlife on the Water of Leith - AUGUST 2026 - 'August was a month of change for many creatures along the Water of Leith! The youngsters were becoming independent, the roe deer adults were rutting & the solar eclipse wasn’t the only eclipse this month... the male mallards had one of their own!' - More details here, shared by Tom Kelly, GoWildInEdinburgh.co.uk.

🎸 The Beatles Marathon UK - Fundraising for the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation - 'Hello! I just submitted an event but wanted to explore the opportunity to be a feature? The show is a 12-hour, family-friendly charity event featuring local bands performing the entire Beatles catalogue to raise funds for My Name'5 Doddie foundation.' - More details here, shared by The Beatles Marathon UK.

🎶 Have you ever wanted to learn how to play the bagpipes? - 'Highly recommend Ryan, alongside private hire he also provides private tuition for kids and adults. Just in case anyone is looking to learn how to play the bagpipes.' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

👜 Win an Art Tote Bag! - 'Look out for the Palestine Museum Scotland advert on Lothian buses. First person to photograph it, upload to Instagram and tag us wins one of our gorgeous tote bags!' - More details here, shared by Rayya Ghul.

🗣️ Leith Research Participants Needed! - 'Leith has changed a lot over the last 10 years. We would like to know what this has meant for you. If you are a Leith resident, business owner, or even past community member, you are invited to participate in a focus group this Sunday, 6th of Sept. (Deadline: 06 Sep)' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

🧵 Two-week Sewing, Upcycling and Repair Course - 'Ready to tackle that pile of clothes that aren't quite right or need a repair? Whether you want to fix a tear, take up trousers or make a dress into a skirt, join us in our new studio & we will teach you the skills to bring new life to your wardrobe. (Deadline: 07 Sep)' - More details here, shared by Jen, Studio Nine Edinburgh.

**@studio.nine.edinburgh on Instagram**.

🏥 Prison Nursing Unlocked: A history of care and justice: exhibition [Until 30 Sept]
Today, Wed 02 September - 'This exhibition explores the fascinating history of healthcare in prisons, from the work of early reformers like Elizabeth Fry to the vital contribution that nurses make to prisoner health today. Open until 30 September.'
10am to 4pm | Royal College of Nursing · The Grange | FREE - More details here, shared by Royal College of Nursing Scotland.

🎨 Art Beyond Boundaries [Until 11 Sept]
Today, Wed 02 September - 'Heart for Art presents Art Beyond Boundaries, showcasing the art created by our wonderful artists living with dementia. We hope this super exhibition brings joy to our artists and all who visit. Contact susan.mitchell@crossreach.org.uk for details.'
10.30am to 2pm | Undercroft Cafe · New Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Heart for Art.

🥃 Whiskies Galore! Meet the Author: Ian Buxton
Today, Wed 02 September - 'Join author Ian Buxton at Whisky Quay Bar for a tasting, discussion, and book signing of Whiskies Galore, the new edition of his book on Scotland's island distilleries. Your ticket includes a copy of the book, a Glencairn glass, and a dram of Ardbeg'
3pm to 4pm | Whisky Quay Bar · Old Town | £20 - More details here, shared by Port of Leith Distillery.

🧡 Leith Singing Mamas [Every Thursday]
Tomorrow, Thu 03 September - 'Singing Mamas Leith welcomes women of all ages & stages, with or without children. We are a part of a global network of singing groups that help women feel good through the power of singing together. We sing for an hour, then enjoy tea, cake & chat.'
10.30am to 12pm | St James Scottish Episcopal Church · Leith | Sliding Scale - More details here, shared by Sammi Jones, Leith Singing Mamas.

🧠 Memory Matters
Tomorrow, Thu 03 September - 'To mark World Alzheimer's Month Dr Arina Toma and Simone McManus from Scottish Brain Sciences will be giving an informal talk about Alzheimer's, dementia, memory, and brain health...'
11am to 12pm | Wee Museum of Memory · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

📚 An evening with Suzy Aspley and Elisabeth Wolf
Tomorrow, Thu 03 September - 'Come and see Elisabeth Wolf and Suzy Aspley at Waterstones West End on Thursday, 3 September, at 7pm, as they chat about their equally haunting, ominous and chilling Gothic mysteries, Winterbourne and The Bone Mother.'
7pm to 8pm | Waterstones · New Town | £5 - More details here, shared by Alison Belsham.

🍂 What's growing in Edinburgh this September? Come find out with Nature School for Grownups!
Fri 04 September - 'Spend a Friday afternoon getting to know Edinburgh's autumn plants. Join us at Bridgend Farmhouse this Friday for hands-on foraging, making & time outdoors. No experience needed. More autumn sessions also running in Leith on Saturdays. link for info!'
2pm to 4pm | Bridgend Farmhouse Cafe · Cameron Toll | 15-56 - More details here, shared by Nash, Nature School for Grownups.

🎥 the Peoples Emergency Briefing - a film screening
Fri 04 September - 'a 45 minute version of the National Emergency Briefing on the impacts of climate change hosted by Chris Packham'
6.30pm to 8.30pm | Bruntsfield Evangelical Church · Bruntsfield | FREE - More details here, shared by Banzai Edinburgh.

🐙 Cressida Trail ( Art Walk Weekends) [Every Sat & Sun]
Sat 05 September - 'The Cressida Trail looks back to when artist @weldedrockets created Cressida, a tidal octopus on a Porty groyne. Anyone can be involved making octopus -inspired artwork and displaying it Share what you see or make on social media #cressidatrail'
10am to 6pm | Portobello | FREE - More details here, shared by Art Walk Weekends.

🎶 Alexander Technique for Musicians [Every Saturday]
Sat 05 September - 'An immersive, 7 week course on how to bring more freedom in practice & performance. New Saturday groups starting this term. (Max 3 participants per group)'
12pm to 1pm | Alexander Technique Music School - Piano Lessons | Alexander Technique Lessons · Leith | £17/session - More details here, shared by Eleni, Alexander Technique Music School.

🎨 Slow Art Club
Sat 05 September - 'Time to relax post festival! Come to the Slow Art Club for a couple of hours of collage, lino printing, badge making, chat and snacks. Loads of materials provided, no pressure to create a masterpiece just the chance to rediscover playtime!'
1pm to 3pm | The Open Door. · Morningside | £22 - More details here, shared by Ruth, Papercut Punk.

🌼 Kids Club at Kadampa Meditation Centre Edinburgh -- Helping kids grow peaceful, kind, and confident. [Every Saturday]
Sat 05 September - 'Help your children grow calm, kind and confident through meditation, stories and creative play. We will use themes that help children understand how to grow their our happiness, and blossom into confident, happy children.'
2pm to 3.15pm | Kadampa Meditation Centre Edinburgh · Leith | £15/pp/3 weeks - More details here, shared by Jen Derwingson-Peacock, KMC Edinburgh.

🎶 Adam Stafford & Meursault & M. John Henry - Live
Sat 05 September - 'An intimate evening with three singular Scottish voices of the DIY Underground.'
7.30pm to 10pm | Traverse Theatre · Tollcross | £14 - £17 - More details here, shared by Kaite Welsh, Traverse Theatre.

🏡 Oxgangs Community Association - Annual General Meeting
Mon 07 September - 'Join the Oxgangs Community Association AGM! All are welcome, whether long-term locals or new arrivals. We are seeking new committee members, particularly with communications or accounting skills, or anyone keen to support the community.'
7pm to 8pm | Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre · Oxgangs - More details here, shared by Jenn, Oxgangs Community Association.

🛍️ Style Confidence Workshop [Monthly]
Fri 11 September - 'This isn't just a workshop about colours or "perfect" outfits. It's about self-love and self-expression, embracing who you are and shining with confidence. When you feel good, you naturally attract others, no matter what you're wearing.'
6pm to 8.30pm | Yellow Souls Studio · Leith | 40 - More details here, shared by Elena Citarella, YELLOW SOULS STUDIO.

🎬 Everybody To Kenmure Street | Film Screening
Wed 16 September - 'The Edinburgh Local Association of the EIS has organised a free screening of the documentary film Everybody To Kenmure Street, directed by Felipe Bustos Sierra.'
5.30pm to 7.30pm | James Gillespie's High School · Bruntsfield | FREE - More details here, shared by EIS Edinburgh Local Association.

📚 Silent Book Club
Wed 16 September - 'Join other readers for an hour of quiet reading in the park (or if we're rained off, in a cafe). Before and after the reading hour, there'll be time to chat with other readers. Bring your own book - you can read anything you like, in any format!'
6.30pm to 8.30pm | The Meadows · Marchmont & Meadows | FREE - More details here, shared by Beth Anderson, Edinburgh Silent Book Club.

🌱 Could Edinburgh be the world's first regenerative festival city?
Thu 17 September - 'What if Edinburgh wasn't a product to be consumed but a living system to be strengthened? Join this netwalk with other changemakers to explore the idea of "regenerative tourism" and what it could mean for the city and its people.'
9am to 10.30am | The Meadows · Marchmont & Meadows - More details here, shared by Osbert Lancaster, Thrivable Scotland.

🧀 Mozzarella and burrata workshop and delicious lunch!
Sat 19 September - 'Make mozzarella, burrata and stracciatella from scratch, enjoy a delicious lunch and discover beautiful ways to use your cheese at home. Take home everything you make. A fun, slow day of cheese making, good food and plenty to eat. Come hungry!'
10am to 3pm | Elliott's · Marchmont & Meadows - More details here, shared by Kristen Allan.

💃 Rise & Rave 2
Fri 02 October - 'Early morning high energy dance fitness event with live DJ'
7.30am to 9.30am | Leith Arches · Leith | £8.50 - More details here, shared by Lisa Eardley-Brown.

Remember you can always see all 230+ upcoming local events on TownSpot calendars and maps. Thanks again to everyone who shares their things.

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