The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Wednesday 9 September 2026
Princes Street revamp decision day, bid to crack down on 'phoenixing', Rockstar Games bosses in court tomorrow + community takeover bid for Leith St Andrew's church
👋 Good morning Edinburgh. The weekly Culture Minute newsletter will go out to paying subscribers later today. Here’s Wednesday's Edinburgh Minute.
🌦️ Today's weather forecast: It should be drier and less blustery today. Wetter tomorrow. Sunny intervals and a high of 17C around 4pm. - The full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh is here.
🚨 Three people were arrested yesterday in connection with a crash on the A8 near Newbridge on Monday, in which a 58-year-old woman died. - Police Scotland published this update, adding: 'Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances'.
✈️ Some flights to and from Edinburgh Airport were delayed by a UK-wide air traffic control computer problem yesterday. The airport said around 5pm that a fix had been found. - Alastair Dalton, Evening News.
🚔 Police are investigating at least two attempted break-ins at homes in Joppa last week. Residents say they feel 'unsafe' in their own homes and say the robbers wore masks and left on bikes. - Ross Chalmers, Deadline News.
- Similar concerns have been raised in Pennywell, where motorbike thefts and antisocial behaviour prompted one local to say 'we have an epidemic of bike crime'. - Cara Blackhall, Edinburgh Live.
🚉 Ahead of tomorrow's council vote on plans to extend the city's tram network, members of Granton and District Community Council are urging councillors not to shelf the Granton tram plan. - They've published an open letter here.
🚎 The new number 67 bus service linking Ratho with Edinburgh city centre began this week, after years of campaigning. It stops at Ratho Village, the climbing and surf centres, Hermiston park & ride and Haymarket - More details in this report by Liam Eunson, Midlothian View.
🚦 Councillors are due to debate different options for the redevelopment of Princes Street at today's planning meeting. Designs have been described as 'ambitious pragmatism' versus a 'radical rethink'. Council officers are recommending the less-radical option. - Read the council report here and find the Planning Committee agenda and webcast link here.
- 'Future of Princes Street in the balance as councillors deadlocked over designs' - Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco, The Herald.
- 'Edinburgh World Heritage backs council's cautious approach to Princes Street revamp' - Ian Swanson, Evening News.
💰 Businesses running suspected ‘phoenixing’ schemes in Edinburgh could be named in a council investigation outlining a crackdown on non-payment of non-domestic rates. The move follows investigations by The Herald and this newsletter. - Exclusive by Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco in The Herald.
Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco
⮑ This Edinburgh Minute first published revelations about Princes Street shops one year ago, in collaboration with London Centric. The same shops went on fire in July this year.
- What is phoenixing? The UK Government says: "Phoenixing, or phoenixism, are terms used to describe when the same business or directors trade successively through a series of companies which liquidate or dissolve leaving debts unpaid. Abusive phoenixism is when individuals use companies repeatedly to evade debts or for fraudulent purposes."
Jim Waterson
💇♀️ Tributes have been paid to Leith's Indigo Hair and Beauty salon owner, Sharon Simpson, who died at the weekend. - Isla Storie, Edinburgh Live.
🎮 Edinburgh-based firm Rockstar Games is due to appear at an employment tribunal on Thursday, accused of 'unlawfully' sacking 31 workers last year. The firm said it 'vigorously' denied the claims. - Ross Hempseed, STV News.
🗳️ An increasing number of MPs are using AI to help them write parliamentary motions without disclosing it, according to an Edinburgh Napier University study.
🚴♂️ The race headquarters of next year's Tour de France Grand Départ in July will be hosted by the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. - More details from the venue here.
🍽️ Having featured on the Masterchef BBC TV show earlier this year, local chef Gemma Costa of the Planet G food market truck is opening a restaurant called Fivewake, which is on Instagram and has a website here with more details.
🥘 St Leonard’s Street's Macau Kitchen won the 'Best Dining Experience' award at the national Spice Awards in Glasgow on Monday night. Kebabish of Dalry Road won the 'Best Edinburgh Restaurant' award. - More details from Kevin Quinn in the Evening News + Sarah Campbell in The Herald.
🌱 Granton Community Growers feature on the latest episode of the Edinburgh Outdoors podcast hosted by Angela Casey. - Tune in here.
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🖊️ New Stationery Shop Opening In Marchmont - 'Libraries & Archives Paper Company are opening their new stationery shop on Saturday 12th September at 10AM. Full details on their Instagram.'
🏛️ Days left to stop loss of iconic Leith building - 'The Scottish Land Fund have told local charity, Leith St. Andrew's Trust, that they need to recruit hundreds of members by 22nd Sep to be eligible for the funds to purchase the old Leith St. Andrew's church building and keep it in community hands.' - More details here, shared by Nina Ballantyne, Leith St. Andrew's Trust.
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🚸 Parent Council beg Edinburgh council for safety measures - 'The council has missed its deadline for safer crossings outside of Craiglockhart Primary School again. This is after 2 serious accidents on the road in 2025 and almost a decade of asks from the parent council.' - More details here, shared by Craiglockhart Parent and Carer council.
- ⮑ The council has a chance to respond to this deputation at tomorrow's Transport and Environment Committee, starting at 10am at the City Chambers.
🕊️ Online Zoom Conference: Watching With The Dying: Love in a Time of Transition - 'There will be six talks, each of 25 minutes, followed by discussion among the speakers and the chair, followed by Q & A. Date: Sunday 13 September 2026. Time: 5pm-9pm (UK time).' - More details here, shared by Neill Walker, Edinburgh International Centre for Spirituality and Peace.
💡 CareerBox - 'Looking for your next step? Edinburgh's Denholm Associates have launched careerbox.net to help jobseekers in any stage of their career navigate the job market. Sign up free for learning tools, tips & tricks to help find the career you're looking for!' - More details here, shared by Daryl, Denholm Associates.
🍲 Win the Soup Ticket Money with your great community project! - 'Have a mini project worth £350-400 that will benefit Edinburgh's community? Submit with a few lines about what, who and why (or send a recording) to edinburghsouppitch@gmail.com by 27th September for a chance to win. From the Edinburgh Can B team' - More details here, shared by Harriet Dodd, Edinburgh Can B.
🏃♂️ Run club for slow runners! [Every Thursday]
Tomorrow, Thurs 10 September - 'A slow movement social club focusing on moving our bodies, not chasing Strava times. Kicking off with a gentle 3km jog around the meadows. Inclusive and dog friendly. Find us on socials for more info!'
7pm to 8pm | The Meadows · Marchmont & Meadows | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader + catch @edinburgh_snailz on Instagram.
🩺 Free Paediatric First Aid - including chocking and CPR
Fri 11 September - 'Are you a parent, grandparent or carer looking after children? Join local charity LifeCare for a friendly, practical session on infant first aid, CPR and choking. Fri 11th Sept, 3-5pm. Free to attend, no booking needed. Tea & coffee available.'
3pm to 5pm | LifeCare Edinburgh · Stockbridge | FREE - More details here, shared by Claire, LifeCare Edinburgh.
👗 Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY x V&A Dundee: Scottish Fashion in Conversation
Fri 11 September - 'Explore Scotland's rich fashion history with designer Charles Jeffrey, Kirsty Hassard (Senior Curator) from V&A Dundee and Laura Weir from the British Fashion Council.'
5.30pm to 6.15pm | Westfield St James Quarter · New Town | £5 - More details here, shared by Westfield St James Quarter.
🏡 Feng Shui: A fresh perspective on your home
Sat 12 September - 'Join us for coffee and a pastry, where guests can enjoy a presentation on the energy and flow of the home alongside practical property advice. This relaxed session is designed to offer helpful ideas and inspiration for making the most of your space.'
11am to 1pm | ESPC · New Town | FREE - More details here, shared by ESPC.
🎶 Come & Try Flute Session for children - THIS SATURDAY
Sat 12 September - 'If your child is in P2-P5 and has ever wondered what it's like to play the flute, we'd love them to join us for a special Come & Try Flute Session on Saturday 12 September from 1:15 to 2pm. This is a FREE Event and all are welcome.'
1.15pm to 2pm | St Mary's Music School · Haymarket & Dalry | FREE - More details here, shared by St Mary's Music School.
🧘 Sundays with Sammy: Yoga, Coffee + Connection [Fortnightly Sun]
Sun 13 September - 'Start your Sundays right with a flowy, feel-good yoga class at OMH Therapies✨ followed by coffee and friendly chats at a local cafe. All levels, equipment provided, guys and gals both welcome!'
10am to 12pm | OMH Therapies Yoga & Meditation Studio Edinburgh · West End | £12 - More details here, shared by Sammy K..
🥒 Nukazuke - Japanese Fermented Pickles Workshop
Sun 13 September - 'Join me to learn about Nukazuke - Japanese Fermented Pickles. I learned all about them on my recent trip to Japan, it's an amazing process. The nukadoko (bran bed) transform the vegetables in only 24 hours creating a super tasty probiotic treat!'
1pm to 3pm | Leith Pilates · Leith - More details here, shared by Ruth Munro, edinburgh fermentarium.
🪄 Edinburgh Magic Circle Convention Showcase
Sun 13 September - 'World-class magicians and comedians coming to Edinburgh for one very special showcase. With national and international superstars like Jack Rhodes, MC Hammersmith, and Magician X, you don't want to miss out!'
8.30pm to 10pm | Village Hotel Edinburgh · Craigleith | £20 - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Magic Circle.
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🥋 Winter Term Starts at Edinburgh City Jiu Jitsu Club [Until 18 Dec]
Tue 15 September - 'The club is a non-profit martial-arts and self-defence club, part of The Jiu Jitsu Foundation, specialising in Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. Classes run across the week at multiple locations across the city. Beginners welcome.'
5pm to 7pm | Morningside United Church · Bruntsfield | Free trial class. - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🍻 Dads, Babies, & Beers [Every Wednesday]
Wed 16 September - 'A brand-new community group, 'Dads, Babies, & Beers', has launched to help new fathers bond with their babies and meet like-minded Dads. The group's first event will take place on 16th September from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Campervan Brewery Taproom.'
6pm to 8pm | Campervan Brewery Tap Room · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎥 Cinetopia present: FINIS TERRAE (1929) + LIVE SCORE
Wed 16 September - 'A unique cinema event, Jean Epstein's 1929 silent classic - in dazzling 4K restoration- with a bold, new original score performed live by Edinburgh-based composer/musician Dan Abrahams (Dowally) and French drummer Philippe Boudot.'
8.30pm to 10.30pm | Filmhouse · Tollcross | £5-£16 - More details here, shared by Cinetopia.
💃 (not)knowing the body
Sat 19 September - 'An invitation to take seriously and playfully what emerges when we let go of a normative understanding of the body and let the universe create its dance through us. To those with dance experience or not. Dive deep into mind-body-spirit connection.'
10am to 5pm | Madelvic House · Granton & Pilton | £35 - More details here, shared by juliet henderson.
👑 Mary Queen of Scots walking tour
Sat 19 September - 'Come and explore the life and times of Mary Queen of Scots on a walking tour of the Royal Mile - brand new tour with discount in September! Hear about the destruction of Edinburgh in the 1540s, a Sapphic poet, the 4 Marys and more.'
2pm to 4.30pm | Royal Mile · Old Town | £15 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🌍 Climate Cafe - all welcome
Sat 19 September - 'Join us for our next climate cafe to hear about and discuss projects giving hope of restoration by reducing carbon emissions and increasing biodiversity'
2.30pm to 4pm | St Ninian's Scottish Episcopal Church · Craigleith | FREE - More details here, shared by St Ninian's Episcopal Chruch.
☕ Too Young To Grieve: Walk and Coffee Club
Sun 20 September - 'Too Young to Grieve are hosting their first Edinburgh meet-up, for young adults (18+) who've experienced grief. It's a gentle walk and a coffee with no pressure to talk about grief, but knowing that the people around you will get it if you want to'
10am to 12pm | St Margaret’s Loch Car Park · Holyrood Park | FREE - More details here, shared by Eloise, Too Young To Grieve.
🍣 The Hoxton, Edinburgh x Harajuku Kitchen Brunch
Sun 27 September - 'One collaboration. One day only. Harajuku Kitchen and DREAMSAKE® are coming The Hoxton, Edinburgh on Sunday 27th September for a Japanese inspired Hedonistic brunch, including a live sushi experience and sake cocktails.'
11.30am to 2pm | The Hoxton · Haymarket & Dalry | £45 - More details here, shared by Claire White, The Hoxton, Edinburgh + on Instagram here.
📸 Seasonal Mindful Photography [Monthly]
Sat 03 October - 'Join me for a seasonal journey in Mindful Photography: four seasons, one woodland, a year of looking. Explore the changing landscape-join for one season, or follow the woodland through all four to see the familiar with fresh eyes.'
10am to 12.30pm | Bridgend Inspiring Growth · Cameron Toll | £ 15 - More details here, shared by Seeing The Now.
✍️ Get it written with Women Who Write's 50-day challenge
Sun 04 October - 'Ready to make progress on your novel, thesis or journal? Join our challenge for weekly retreats, accountability and a friendly community of women and non-binary writers. Starts 4th October.'
3pm to 6pm | Greyfriars Charteris Centre · Southside - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🧶 Beginner's knitting class - join our small, friendly class and learn to knit your own mittens! [Every Tuesday]
Tue 06 October - 'Have you ever wanted to learn to knit or are you looking for a refresher course? Join our fun, friendly & inspiring classes to learn the knitting basics, and make a beautiful pair of fingerless mittens using high quality Scottish wool.'
5.45pm to 7.45pm | Scottish Textiles Showcase · Old Town | £65 (2 week course) - More details here, shared by Carrie.
Scottish Textiles Showcase
Remember you can always see all 290 upcoming local events on TownSpot calendars and maps. Thanks to everyone who shares their things.
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 🚔 Reddit discussion about students 'afraid to go out' after 'Princes Street hate attack'.
- 🚨 'Police manhunt after one dead and four injured in hit-and-run near airport'.
- 🚉 Who's behind the 'Looking for Growth' trams campaign: Edinburgh Inquirer + The Herald.
- 🔊 EHFM community radio station's record fair event.
- 📚 New short courses from the University Of Edinburgh (from the Community Noticeboard).
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 993.
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