The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Wednesday 7 October 2026
Thousands face 15-year allotment wait, uni boss denies union pressure over exit, new mural as Caledonian Brewery demolition begins + meet the local viral toddler-cycling dad
👋 Good morning Edinburgh. I've tried to keep today's updates brief. I realise I've give you all a lot more than a 60-second read in recent editions. Here’s Wednesday's Edinburgh Minute.
🌦️ Today's weather forecast: Dry with sunny intervals. A bit cooler today, with a high of 12C at 1pm and a low of 7C tonight. Sunnier tomorrow. - The full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh is here.
🌅 Sunrise: 7.28am. Sunset: 6.32pm.
🚨 A car was crashed into a house in Gilmerton yesterday morning. Police are investigating. - Calum Loudon, STV News. Nobody involved was taken to hospital, reports Lee Dalgetty of Edinburgh Live.
🗳️ Leith Labour councillor Katrina Faccenda can run for re-election next year, having won an appeal to overturn a ban. Her local party colleagues had voted 10-7 last month to exclude her from their list of approved candidates, reports Ian Swanson of the Evening News.
🎓 University of Edinburgh boss Peter Mathieson has denied union claims that the 'growing pressure' of the ongoing five-week strike influenced a decision announce his plan to step-down in 2028. - Jack Davies of the Evening News reports on Mathieson's latest live interview on BBC Radio Scotland. Screenshot below from the UCU Edinburgh Instagram.
- "If I got hit by a bus this morning, things wouldn’t change here," Mathieson says in an interview with Garrett Baylor Stell of The Herald.
Garrett Baylor Stell
🪴 Edinburgh's allotment waiting list currently has 5,896 people on it, according to newly published figures. The list gets between 20 and 30 new applications each week. The average wait time is around 5.25 years, with the longest now standing at 15 years.
⮑ The numbers emerged in a council review and are featured in a report to be discussed at Thursday's monthly Culture and Communities Committee. The council manages 1,636 individual plots of differing sizes across 32 allotment sites. There is a map of the sites on Edinburgh Outdoors.
⮑ In a review of the council's service, Corporate Director of Place Gareth Barwell says 'there continues to be a huge and currently unmet demand' for council allotment spaces: "The popularity of allotments has increased since the pandemic. The average wait time for an allotment allocation is around 5.25 years. However, for popular sites, such as Inverleith, Warriston, and Midmar, the wait time can exceed 10 years. The longest live application dates from 2011, which is a wait time of around 15 years. It is anticipated that some form of self-service portal would allow individuals to update their details and reduce the administrative costs and time taken to update the waiting list. The number of plots that become available each year varies by site and by year, although it is estimated that around 100 plots become available for allocation each year." - You can read the full report here and tune in to the City Chambers discussion online from 10am on Thursday.
🍻 A mural featuring the Caledonian Brewery has been revealed, during the same week that demolition work began on the historic Slateford Road buildings. There's a photo of the demolition on the Athletic Arms Instagram page. And you can see the new mural, part of the wider Roseburn to Union Canal project, in this report by Skye Donald in the Evening News.
- Plans for 168 flats on the site first emerged in 2023 (Minute edition 249) and were approved in May 2025. Developer Artisan Real Estate shared images of its plans for the site on this website. The developer also documented the brewery site for a 10-minute video earlier this year, before demolition began.
🚦 Duddingston Park South, east of the Asda at the Jewel (map), has reopened after 12 days of repairs on a burst water main. - Heather Carrick, Evening News.
🍂 'Are the Autumn blues getting to you? Here’s how you can spend this October in Edinburgh' - Eva Chown, The Edinburgh Tab.
📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard
⮑ Please get in touch using this form. It’s the only way to get something featured in the newsletter.
👀 Everyone notices. Not everyone stares - 'Low-key Kind a public awareness campaign by Unique, with 8 posters around Edinburgh this week. Have you seen them? The campaign tells us that it isn’t about pretending not to see someone with a difference. It’s just not making a thing of it.' - More details here, shared by Unique, rare chromosome and gene disorder support group.
📞 This Challenge Poverty Week, Children First is encouraging families to call them for help - 'Children First has revealed new figures showing that financial difficulties remain the top reason for families to call its 08000 28 22 33 support line, as it urged families who are struggling to get in touch for support.' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🌍 Are You Learning a Foreign Language? Participate in Language Learning Experiences Research - 'I'm a PhD student looking for participants in my language learning study. The survey will take ~20 minutes to complete. Participants must be 18+ years old and learning a new language through any method. Email s2123150@ed.ac.uk with any questions.' - More details here, shared by Ashley Girten, University of Edinburgh.
🤰 Wellbeing in pregnancy – still looking for pregnant participants - 'I'm a trainee psychologist working in the NHS and still recruiting for my doctoral research into wellbeing in pregnancy. The anonymous online survey takes around 20 minutes to complete. Thank you for supporting maternal mental health 🙏🌷💜' - More details here, shared by Magdalena Domka, University of Edinburgh.
🎄 Volunteer with Caring Christmas Trees - 'Bethany Christian Trust's ethical Christmas trees social enterprise needs your help! Throughout December our sites across Edinburgh will be shifting 1000s of trees to help in ending homelessness. Can you or your business volunteer for a few hours?' - More details here, shared by Bethany Christian Trust.
🎄 Christmas Community Makers Market - Call for Stallholders - 'We are inviting local individuals & businesses to host a table at our barge market where you can sell handmade gifts, locally made goods or offer festive treats. Tables are limited if you’d like to be involved please email jacqui@vinetrust.org ASAP.' - More details here, shared by Jacqueline, Vine Trust.
💆♀️ Therapy Room share in the West End (1 or 2 days a week) - 'Looking for a practitioner whose work complements mine to share my studio: women's health, herbal medicine, acupuncture, nutrition, counselling. Not another massage therapist. Email for more info: marta@artemisiaholistics.com Thanks 💚' - Shared by Marta, Artemisia Holistics.
🧘♀️ Pilates taster class. We focus on pain relief and are experts in hypermobilty and EDS [Every Wednesday]
Today, Wed 07 October - 'We use a unique combination of Pilates training, passion for body knowledge and using movement as medicine we can help our clients to achieve more than they ever imagined. We focus on pain relief and specialise in hypermobility and EDS.'
12pm to 1pm | Leith Pilates · Leith - More details here, shared by Ruth Munro, edinburgh fermentarium.
🧘♀️ Free Qi gong Taster Session 🙏 [Every Wednesday]
Today, Wed 07 October - 'Slow gentle stretching movements connected to the breath to help release stress, calm the mind and relax. Email me to reserve your spot!'
5.30pm to 6.30pm | St Margaret's House · Abbeyhill & Meadowbank | FREE - More details here, shared by Lisa Proudfoot, Release Therapies Coaching.
💸 A Fresh Take on FinTech
Tomorrow, Thu 08 October - 'Revolut and Monzo are just two examples of how UK FinTech can go beyond borders and reach international success. At this week's Thursday Gathering we'll explore what it really takes to start a fintech business in Scotland and scale internationally.'
5pm to 8pm | Edinburgh Futures Institute · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Joana, Venture Café Edinburgh.
🌸 Edinburgh Floral Art Club
Fri 09 October - 'Floral Art demonstration by Regina O'Regan. Come along and enjoy seeing an expert at work creating wonderful flower arrangements. Raffle (all Regina's creations will be raffled) and refreshments. Visitors £10, all welcome.'
2pm to 4pm | Blackhall St. Columba's Church · Silverknowes & Blackhall | £10 - More details here, shared by Suzie Stark, Edinburgh Floral Art Club.
🎬 I Swear - Local Cinema film screening
Fri 09 October - 'Free community screening at The Crannie Community Hub of the brilliant Scottish film I Swear - about a man living with Tourettes Syndrome. 4-7pm on Friday 9th October. Refreshments and post-film discussion included!'
4pm to 7pm | The Crannie Community Hub · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Old Town Development Trust.
🎥 The Man with the Plan
Fri 09 October - 'A young person discovers the Beveridge Report: she questions...What happened? What is next? Starring Simon Callow as William Beveridge Sands Films presents THE MAN WITH THE PLAN'
7pm to 9.30pm | North Edinburgh Arts · Muirhouse & Drylaw | From £3.50 to £7.00 - More details here, shared by North Edinburgh Arts.
🌳 Grateful for the Earth - Forest Bathing Autumn Special - '🌱🌻Saturday 10th October 10:30-12:00 Wild Rose will be guiding a gratitude focused session by Holyrood Park. Soothe, restore and connect deeply to nature. Learn creative nature connection invitations & share gratefully with others.🌻🌱' - More details here, shared by Rosie McLoughlin, Wild Rose Forest Therapy.
🐧 Edinburgh Linux Cafe
Sat 10 October - 'Ever had to endure mandatory updates minutes before a key deadline? Or been forced to replace a device by Microsoft or Apple? We can show you a free and easy alternative using Linux without these irritations, as well giving new life to your device.'
1.30pm to 4.30pm | Duncan Place Community Hub · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Linux Cafe.
🎶 The Micro Band & Sociograss @ the Pianodrome
Sat 10 October - 'Local Pop group 'The Micro Band' team up with Bluegrass troublemakers 'Sociograss' for a joint album launch on New Teeth Leith Records. Expect a night of musical exploration as both bands dive in and interpret each other's songs in a stunning setting'
6.30pm to 9.30pm | Pianodrome Bruntsfield Community Hub · Bruntsfield | £15/£13 - More details here, shared by New Teeth Leith.
🎶 On Land
Sat 10 October - 'Album Launch & Listening Party Joshua Sabin presents new album 'Caochan', Subtext Recordings(Berlin), with visuals by Will Anderson. Poetry, small pipes and electronics by Helena Fornells Nadal & Matt Zurowski.'
7pm to 10pm | Dissenter space · Leith | 8 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎉 FREE PLAY DAY! PlayWorks - The Kiddie Play Place
Sun 11 October - 'Get ready to play! PlayWorks, Edinburgh's newest kids' play space, is opening its doors for a special free-play day on Sunday, October 11 from 9am-4pm. Bring the kids, explore, and enjoy all the fun-on us! Letsplaytogether.co.uk'
9am to 4pm | PlayWorks - The Kiddie Play Place · Marchmont & Meadows | FREE - More details here, shared by PlayWorks - The Kiddie Play Place + this Instagram video.
🧺 A full day Willow Weaving Workshop to make a Toilet Roll Holder (with lid) on Sunday 11th October
Sun 11 October - 'Learn the traditional craft of willow weaving and take home a beautiful, handcrafted item - Cylindrical Basket (with a lid) toilet roll holder, all tuition/materials provided, small group, suitable for beginners or those with some previous experience'
10am to 4.30pm | Away with Willow Coffins · Morningside | £95.00 - More details here, shared by Koren, Away with Willow Coffins.
☕ Too Young To Grieve Walk, Talk & Coffee
Sun 11 October - 'A relaxed walk & coffee for young adults (18+) who have experienced grief 🤍'
10am to 12pm | St Margaret’s Loch Car Park · Holyrood Park | FREE - More details here, shared by Eloise, Too Young To Grieve.
🧘♀️ LEARN: Ashtanga Yoga Beginners Course ++ [Every Sunday]
Sun 11 October - 'Would you like to learn Ashtanga Yoga? Join us for a 6 week program which has 3 Sunday Beginners Class + 3-Week Practice Pass for £60 (Edinburgh Minute folks use the code " edinmin " for 10% off). Starting Sunday 11th October 12:30-13:30.'
12.30pm to 1.30pm | Ashtanga Yoga Edinburgh & Hillside Collective · Canonmills & Broughton | 60 - More details here, shared by Ashtanga Yoga Edinburgh.
📚 Portobello Heritage Trust Annual Lecture 'More From Our Archive'
Tue 13 October - 'An illustrated talk featuring 'More From Our Archive'.'
7.30pm to 9pm | Bellfield · Portobello | FREE - More details here, shared by Dr Margaret Munro, Portobello Heritage Trust.
🧡 New Al-Anon meeting, Musselburgh Wednesday (for anyone affected by someone else's drinking) [Every Wednesday]
Wed 14 October - 'Al-Anon Family Groups is there for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else's drinking.'
1pm to 2pm | The Fisherrow Centre · Musselburgh | By donation - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
📚 Book Launch of Boron: In Search of the Real Fifth Element
Wed 14 October - 'Join Heriot-Watt University researcher for the launch of his new book! Discover the surprising world of boron with Dr Stephen Mansell (Heriot-Watt University), author of the forthcoming popular science book Boron: In Search of the Real Fifth Element.'
6pm to 7.30pm | Adam Smith's Panmure House · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Stephen Mansell, Heriot-Watt University.
📚 Welsh Edinburgh Writers Showcase, with Gutter and Folding Rock
Wed 14 October - 'Celtic solidarity - Welsh Writers Showcase in collab with literary mags Gutter and Folding Rock! 🎉 Welsh Edinburgh writers Rhian Elizabeth, Brigid Lowe and Anthony Shapland talk literary scenes across borders. With Folding Rock editor Kathryn Tann'
7pm to 8pm | The Portobello Bookshop · Portobello | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎻 Joy & Struggle with Morven McArdle
Wed 14 October - 'Joy & Struggle are Edinburgh's premier doom-folk band. Playing haunting interpretations of traditional songs, they combine violin, vocals and electric guitar to mesmerising effect. For fans of Lankum, Dead Can Dance, and Lisa O'Neill.'
7.30pm to 9.30pm | Pianodrome Bruntsfield Community Hub · Bruntsfield - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎤 KIN
Wed 21 October - 'KIN is Edinburgh's talk series celebrating creativity in all its forms. For our fourth edition and first birthday, the theme is community. Speakers share the highs and lows of their creative journeys. Open to anyone who deems themselves creative.'
6pm to 10pm | Assembly Roxy · Old Town | from £12 - More details here, shared by Alex Porter-Currie, High Tide.
The speakers are:
- Nadira Tucker from Invisible Cities who help socially isolated people become tour guides in their home cities.
- Martin Boath, Creative Director at the wonderful Imaginary Friends and founder of Curio which was a big source of inspiration for KIN.
- Hazel Johnson from Hidden Door festival which brings unused spaces to life.
- Oladimeji Ajegbile, host of "Figuring Life Out" and also runs an amazing Instagram channel of cycling with his little boy which has 1.5m followers.
📍 Remember you can always see all 250+ upcoming local events on TownSpot calendars and maps. Thanks to everyone who shares their things!
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 🏗️ First look at plans to bulldoze some Summerhall buildings + (AMA's Cramond saga).
- 🚲 New details of Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative administration deal.
- 🎨 14,000+ sign 'Save the Craft and Design Courses at Edinburgh College of Art' petition.
- 🍏 Jock Tamson's Gairden Fruity pop-up market stall.
- 📚 'Is Scottish Literature being cut at University of Edinburgh?'
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 1,014.
📬 Free subscribers: 33,600+.
📲 Visits generated for local news sources: 5,000,000+.
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