The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Tuesday 9 June 2026
Public-private gardens bid rejected, fireworks banned in 15 neighbourhoods, Mardi Gras saved by tourist tax + an update on the £750m AI 'supercomputer'
🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. Today's newsletter is half the length of yesterday's epic. Still plenty happening to catch up on. Here’s today's Edinburgh Minute.
⛈️ Weather: 'from 2pm to 4pm, we can expect thunder' today, reports Edinburgh Live. See the full Met Office forecast here.
🎈 If you spot stray balloons on the streets today, it's because the 78th annual Edinburgh Taxi Outing is happening. The event sees drivers take children with additional support needs, life-limiting conditions and terminal illnesses for a day out in East Lothian. - The full route is in Heather Carrick's Evening News report.
🌳 A bid to encourage more private garden owners to open their spaces to the public was rejected by councillors yesterday. Scottish Greens councillor Dan Heap said St Andrew Square could be a blueprint for others to follow. But his proposal fell by six votes to five, with Labour, Conservatives and the Lim Dems against it. - Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco, The Herald.
⮑ Labour councillor Margaret Graham, who chairs the Culture and Communities committee, said: "I appreciate there are a variety of views on this subject but these gardens and green spaces belong to residents in these areas and are treasured and well looked after private gardens."
⮑ Councillor Heap suggested other councillors misunderstood his motion: "Today was a missed opportunity for Edinburgh. Our proposal was modest, practical and rooted in common-sense. We were not asking the Council to force gardens open. We were asking officials to explore how a voluntary scheme could work, with proper support for owners around maintenance, cleaning and insurance."
- ⮑ It emerged during the meeting that the council had previously tried and failed to get owners to open the Charlotte Square garden. - Ian Swanson, Evening News.
🚉 Heritage watchdog Historic Environment Scotland has raised concerns about options proposed by the council for its next tram line. - Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco in The Herald.
🪫 A power cut affected the National gallery and Royal Scottish Academy building on The Mound yesterday, as well as traffic lights on George IV Bridge and the Lawnmarket. - Lee Dalgetty, Edinburgh Live.
🎇 Fourteen neighbourhoods will have fireworks control zones between 30 October and 8 November after councillors approved restrictions yesterday. - Joe Sullivan, Local Democracy Reporter, STV News + more details from the council here.
💰 The city's Mardi Gras and Festival Carnival events will return this summer as part of the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival after councillors agreed to support them with £132,000 of tourist tax income. - Joe Sullivan, Local Democracy Reporter in The Herald, The Edinburgh Reporter + Edinburgh Live.
🛜 UK Government Chancellor Rachel Reeves says the tendering process will begin soon for the construction a £750 million 'national artificial intelligence (AI) supercomputer' based in Edinburgh (announced by the University of Edinburgh last year). - Helen Corbett, Evening News.
📵 From 10am today councillors on the Education, Children and Families Committee will discuss plans to restrict pupils' use of mobile phones in primary and secondary schools. Two amendments tabled yesterday could allow more flexibility for older pupils, reports Ian Swanson, Evening News.
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📆 Did you know Edinburgh now has a people-powered events calendar and map? It can even be viewed at neighbourhood level, so you can get updates on any hyperlocal area rather than just the city as a whole. You'll find all the notices from this newsletter in there, as well as more community-focused events every day. - It’s published for free by TownSpot (and sponsored by The Edinburgh Minute).
TownSpot
🛁 Òir is a small Dalmeny‑based brand on a mission to rethink bathroom essentials - 'We’re creating a new refill system for shower gel and body lotion, all natural, design led, made to be admired and to reduce plastic waste. The only problem is that they don’t exist yet, but you can help us bring them to life on Kickstarter.' - More details here, shared by Jolene Roberts, Oir Soap.
📜 On the Gunpowder trail - History of Edinburgh explores Powderhall - 'The latest episode of the popular new History of Edinburgh podcast takes in the St Marks Park and Powderhall areas as well as stopping at a popular city police box for a coffee and a story about its erstwhile polis resident. Tune in and enjoy!' - More details here, shared by Ruth Gray.
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🌸 Crowdfunding campaign for Blooming, heiter print magazine 3 - support local creatives & spread joy - 'Based in Edinburgh, heiter is an intentional fashion and lifestyle magazine supporting their readers in finding joy in their daily life. The third issue will feature several local creatives & independent businesses. Help bring the issue to life. (Deadline: 25 Jun)' - More details here, shared by Katharina Geissler-Evans, heiter.
🗣️ Find local services and support in Edinburgh with Ask Isa - 'A free website that helps anyone find local services, groups and support across Edinburgh, just by asking a question in plain words. It works in 40+ languages, has voice input, and reads answers aloud. No login, no cost.' - More details here, shared by Colin Rodgers, Thinking ForWord Social.
🌍 Online Zoom Forum: Environmental Citizenship: Values, Principles, Practices, Vision, and Actions - 'There will be four talks, each of 15 minutes, followed by discussion among the speakers and the chair, followed by Q & A. Date: Wednesday 10 June 2026. Time: 7pm-9pm (UK time).' - More details here, shared by Neill Walker, Edinburgh International Centre for Spirituality and Peace.
🏰 Reviving the Trinity Stones Free Exhibition [Daily]
Today, Tue 09 June - 'Discover the story of Edinburgh's forgotten medieval masterpiece, the Trinity Collegiate Church. Founded in 1460, demolished and partially rebuilt in the 19th century, it now lies hidden and largely forgotten in an Old Town close.'
10am to 4.30pm | Museum of Edinburgh, EH8 8DD | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🏀 Blaze Women's Basketball Team Trials for New Players
Today, Tue 09 June - 'Blaze Women's National League Basketball Team are looking for experienced players who fancy joining a friendly team to play regularly in an organised league in Edinburgh. Come along to our relaxed trials or get in touch for more info!'
6.45pm to 8.30pm | The Crags Centre, EH8 9RY | FREE - More details here, shared by Cara Targett-Ness.
🎶 St Mary's Music School Directors' Recital Prize
Today, Tue 09 June - 'The annual Directors' Recital Prize Final is a wonderful showcase for our senior pupils. Join us for one of the highlights of the St Mary's Music School Calendar. St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral. Four pupils compete for the prize.'
7pm to 9pm | St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, EH12 5AW | FREE - More details here, shared by St Mary's Music School.
📸 Win an Original Sandra George Photograph! [Daily]
Tomorrow, Wed 10 June - 'Win a one-of-a-kind framed A3 print by one of Scotland's most incredible social photographers Sandra George, in aid of the Community Wellbeing Collective!'
9am to 12am | The Community Wellbeing Space, EH14 3HR | £5 - More details here, shared by Community Wellbeing Collective.
🧶 Crochet Group. Learn for free! [Weekly]
Tomorrow, Wed 10 June - 'Learn to crochet for free in a friendly and relaxed group. If you've never done crochet before or enjoy doing crochet and want to meet others doing it, all are very welcome! All materials provided and child friendly.'
12pm to 1pm | The Wee Hub, EH6 6JJ | FREE - More details here, shared by Inspiring Leith.
☕ Ugandan Coffee cupping with Agri Evolve
Tomorrow, Wed 10 June - 'Join us for a guided tasting of exceptional coffees from Uganda's Rwenzori Mountains with Martin Rowland, director of Agri Evolve. Hear the stories behind the coffees and how long-term sourcing partnerships create lasting impact at origin.'
6pm to 7.30pm | Machina Coffee - Marchmont Cafe, EH9 1HX | FREE - More details here, shared by Machina Coffee.
❄️ Edinburgh Snowflake User Group - Kickoff & Meet up
Tomorrow, Wed 10 June - 'Snowflake User Groups are coming to Edinburgh! Come along to meet other professionals using Snowflake for networking, pizza, and some great talks at the first ever Edinburgh Snowflake User Group meet up.'
6pm to 8.30pm | Blend, EH2 3DN | FREE - More details here, shared by Mike Bruce.
🥣 Edinburgh Can B Soup is back in Leith THIS WEEK!
Tomorrow, Wed 10 June - 'Once again! Delicious Soup, music, sharing ideas and feeling that small people can get things done - in fact they are the only ones who do. Get your ticket and join us!'
6.30pm to 9pm | Leith Community Centre, EH6 6AD | Tickets from £5 - More details here, shared by Harriet Dodd, Edinburgh Can B.
🎸 Francis Dunnery - Live in Edinburgh
Tomorrow, Wed 10 June - 'Francis Dunnery provides an evening of prolific, almost inexhaustible abundance of joyful, intricate & blistering music and banter. Originally frontman of It Bites, he now has over 10 solo albums of technical brilliance & creative versatility.'
7pm to 10.30pm | The Voodoo Rooms, EH2 2AA | £25 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🛼 Roller Derby Taster Session
Tomorrow, Wed 10 June - 'Open to Ages 18+ and all genders. Skates and safety gear provided. Contact newskaters@lothianrollerderby.co.uk to sign up. If you enjoy this, follow up with our 10 week learn to skate course.'
7.30pm to 9.30pm | Dalkeith Community Leisure, EH22 2PS | FREE - More details here, shared by Lothian Roller Derby.
📚 Hachette Pride in Writing Evening
Thu 11 June - 'Join us at the bookshop for a celebration of LGBTQ+ authors, stories and readers featuring Madeline Docherty, Sarvat Hasin, L. R. Lam, Michael Mullen and June Thomas. Join us for lots of bookish chat!'
6.30pm to 8pm | The Portobello Bookshop, EH15 1DA - More details here, shared by The Portobello Bookshop.
🧵 6 Week Absolute Beginner Sewing Course [Weekly]
Fri 12 June - 'Our 6-week course is designed to take you through a range of beginner sewing skills, including basics, zips, and a garment project of your choosing.'
6.15pm to 9pm | Paradigm Shift Open Studio Ltd, EH6 5BX - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🌿 Summer Wildcraft & Herbal Potions in Blackford
Sat 13 June - 'Join us for a gentle midsummer wildcrafting session exploring the folklore and herbal traditions of midsummer. Together we'll forage seasonal plants, learn about midsummer herb lore and create botanical potions inspired by traditional folk remedies.'
11am to 2.30pm | Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve, EH9 3HJ | £23, £8 concessions - More details here, shared by Jim Rogers.
🎉 Craigmillar Park Bowling Club Summer Fair
Sat 13 June - 'Come along to our lovely bowling club. Try bowls, plants, raffle, tombola, home baking, jigsaws, books and children's games. Entrance fee includes tea/coffee and cake.'
2pm to 4pm | Craigmillar Park Bowling Club, EH16 5NT | £4 - More details here, shared by Craigmillar Park Bowling Club.
🎶 Calton Consort: Concerto for Choir
Sat 13 June - 'Calton Consort brings an hour of powerful choral music to the restored Canongate Kirk on the Royal Mile. The reflective program features stunning works by Schnittke, Thorvaldsdóttir, and Grigorjeva.'
7.30pm to 8.30pm | Canongate Kirk, EH8 8BN | £15 (£12) U18Free - More details here, shared by Calton Consort.
🖌️ Japanese Calligraphy Workshop "Ajisai" 紫陽花 (Hydrangea)
Sun 14 June - 'The theme for this workshop is "Ajisai" 🪻 the Japanese hydrangea flower, a symbol of calmness and reflection in the rainy season of Japan. You'll get to enjoy some Japanese snack and tea while writing calligraphy 🍵🍡 Let's focus on the moment!'
1pm to 2.30pm | Creative Arts Therapies Space CIC, EH7 5PL | £13 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎨 Tetra Pak Printmaking Workshop at Red Kite Cafe!
Tue 16 June - 'This in-person event will allow you to learn all about Tetra Pak printing techniques and create your own unique prints. No experience is necessary. All materials will be provided, just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!'
7pm to 9pm | Red Kite Café, EH7 5SN | £45, concession £40 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
👩💻 Free Coding Workshop
Thu 18 June - 'Join us for codebar's June workshop at Craneware! Learn to code in a relaxed, welcoming environment or share your skills with others as a coach. Free pizza and refreshments provided!'
6pm to 8pm | Craneware, EH3 5DA | FREE - More details here, shared by codebar.
🌈 Rainbow Verses: A night of queer poetry from indie presses
Thu 18 June - 'Indie Bookshop Week would be incomplete without an indie press extravaganza, and Lighthouse is giving it a Pride twist by serving up THREE sensational poets - Kym Deyn, Nathan Evans & Zain Rishi - for a truly unmissable night!'
7pm to 8.30pm | Lighthouse - Edinburgh's Radical Bookshop, EH8 9DB | £4/free - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎶 Concerts for a Summer's Night 2026
Fri 19 June - 'It's (somehow) already June. Concerts for a Summer's Night is coming to Edinburgh on 19 June. If you're still figuring out your summer plans, this might be a sign to book your ticket now.'
8pm to 9.30pm | National Museum of Scotland, EH1 1JF | £25/£13/freeU16&Comp - More details here, shared by Scottish Ensemble.
🎨 Summer Open Studios [Daily]
Sat 20 June - 'The artists and makers at Abbeymount Studios are once again opening their studio doors for the annual Summer Open Studios Weekend. With over 30 artists and makers taking part, there's something for everyone.'
12pm to 5pm | Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios, EH7 5AN | Free - More details here, shared by Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust.
🌼 Getting to Know Wildflowers Workshop
Sat 20 June - 'Learn to identify our native flora with Phil Lusby, author of 'Scottish Wild Plants: their History, Ecology and Conservation'. You will be introduced to wildflower 'keys' along with other expert tips on recognising wild plants in different habitats.'
11am to 1pm | Jock Tamson’s Gairden, EH15 3PX | £25 - More details here, shared by Sarah Gledhill, Jock Tamson's Gairden.
🌞 Summer Solstice Circle
Sun 21 June - 'Embrace the season of abundance during this inner city retreat. Connect to your internal sanctuary and nurture your relationship with nature and with yourself, through guided rituals including circle ceremonies, activation meditation & tea ritual.'
6pm to 8pm | Custom Lane, EH6 6AL | 60 - More details here, shared by Marina Oswald.
🎭 Summer Drama Camps, Custom House, Leith [Daily]
Mon 20 July - 'Two summer camps running from 7 years to 12 years and 12 years to 18 years. Developing drama skills, both in performance and backstage and meeting new friends.'
10am to 1pm | Custom House Leith, EH6 6LH - More details here, shared by Blythwood Theatre.
🧘♂️ Mindfulness for People with Chronic Pain
Tue 21 July - 'Free 8 week online Mindfulness Course for People living with Pain Join our supportive community and learn some new tools to bring the benefits of Mindfulness into your life. Our sessions are led by Cath, a trained and accredited mindfulness teacher.'
6pm to 8pm | Pain Concern, EH15 3HS | FREE - More details here, shared by Pain Concern.
📮 What's missing from the Minute? Got an event to share? Nothing's too local. Please share your local news and events here.
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 🌳 Private parks debate: 'HANDS OFF THE NEW TOWN’S TREES'.
- 🌳 Private parks debate: councillor's bid to open more spaces to public.
- 🐣 Tom Kelly's monthly Water of Leith wildlife video.
- 🎓 Extortion scam targets Edinburgh-based Chinese students.
- 🥡 Redbox Noodle Bar on West Nicolson Street closing down on Saturday.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 923.
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