The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Monday 1 December 2025

Tourist tax could pay for 'affordable homes', Granton Lighthouse saved by £3m grant, The List's Hot 100 list + Bruntsfield and Morningside festive lights switch-on event

Michael MacLeod

01 Dec 2025 — 12 min read

Granton Lighthouse © Historic Environment Scotland

🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. Today's edition has another huge Community Noticeboard. Thank you to the dozens of people who contribute, and the many of you who support this newsletter by subscribing. It simply wouldn't exist without you and makes a lot of wonderful things happen. Here’s today's Edinburgh Minute.

Subscribe for free or upgrade here

☔️ This week’s weather: You’ll need a brolly today, as rain is forecast for much of the day. Tomorrow looks like it'll be the sunniest day of the week. Rain is expected to return on Thursday. The high will be 8C on Tuesday and the coldest will be 3C on Thursday. - See the full Met Office forecast here.

🚔 Police are hunting for a person who stabbed a man near Fort Kinnaird retail park on Saturday morning. - Holly Lennon, STV News.

💰 Money generated by Edinburgh's new tourist tax could fund the delivery of more than 400 affordable homes across three new developments. - Donald Turvill, The Herald.

🗳️ ⮑ Councillors will vote on the idea tomorrow. Here are this week's council meetings:

Tuesday: Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee - agenda papers here. Includes a vote on whether the council should show 'Solidarity with and Support for Rockstar Workers' + a vote on the future of Westfield Court in Gorgie.
Wednesday: Development Management Sub-Committee (planning) - agenda papers here. Includes nine short-term let applications, which planners are recommending for refusal + plans to demolish an office in Morningside to be replaced by flats + plans to extend the opening hours of the 3G sports pitch at Victoria Primary School in Newhaven + plans for a six-storey block of 150-bed student flats in Leith.
Thursday: Culture and Communities Committee - agenda papers here.
- Thursday's meeting also includes an update on what the council plans to do about dangerous quad-bike and motorcycle use around the city. (In short, expect a new taskforce and more meetings. Read the full report here.)
- Surprisingly, the report reveals there was only one off-road bike incident reported to the council in the past three years. The council added: "However, it is recognised that there will have been numerous other incidents that have not formally been recorded."

🏰 Some paths below Edinburgh Castle in Princes Street Gardens are expected to be made 'permanently closed'. Although efforts have been made to control rockfall, a new council report states: "It is anticipated some paths which run directly under the rock face will need to remain permanently closed as there is no opportunity to put any control or mitigation to reduce the risk from debris." - Read the rockfall mitigation update report here.

💰 Granton Lighthouse is among a group of local historic buildings and structures that will be brought 'back to life' through restoration thanks to a £2.9 million grant from Historic Environment Scotland and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. - The council published more details here.

🎭 The architect behind refurbishments of arts centres at Paisley Town Hall and Watford Town Hall has been appointed to take on Leith Theatre's revamp. - Jane Bradley, The Scotsman.

🛣️ A controversial 'upgrade' plan for Sheriffhall Roundabout remains a ‘priority’ for the Scottish Government, but they still have not confirmed when work could start. - Donald Turvill, The Herald.

🚉 Campaigners who want to save the Roseburn Path from becoming part of Edinburgh’s next tramline say there are ‘multiple’ other routes that could be used instead. - Ian Swanson, Evening News.

🏥 A Starbucks cafe is due to open in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh on Thursday. - Cara Blackhall, Edinburgh Live.

🏗️ The Ministry of Defence plans to spend £142 million upgrading army accommodation, training and working facilities at three Lothians sites: Dreghorn Barracks, Glencorse Barracks and the Colinton Road Reserve Centre. - More details via Rob Hakimian, New Civil Engineer.

🏊‍♂️ Edinburgh-based Commonwealth Games swimmer Archie Goodburn has spoken about using his incurable brain cancer diagnosis to push for more investment in research. - Lewis Michie, STV News.

📰 December's issue of the Broughton Spurtle is online here, including a St Mark's path update. This month's issue of The Edinburgh Reporter is also now online here.

📘 Best-selling author Val McDermid has 'given up' on celebrating Hogmanay, saying it's become a 'miserable process'. - Brian Ferguson, The Herald.

A couple more festive pieces by Brian Ferguson in The Herald this morning: '12 of the best events in Edinburgh before Christmas' + 'Christmas in Edinburgh is truly magical - but its markets are the last place to visit'.

🍿 Portugal-born, Edinburgh-based filmmaker Laura Carreira tops this year's The List Hot 100 list.

🎸 Rock band Deftones have announced a headline concert next summer at the Royal Highland Showgrounds at Ingliston as part of the Edinburgh Summer Sessions on 27 August. Support comes from Idles. - Tom Skinner, NME. - Tickets are on sale here.
⮑ More details on all the Summer Sessions concerts so far are here.

🍻 The Globe bar on Niddrie Street has changed hands. - Jim Slaven shares some stories on his blog.

📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard

⮑ Please get in touch using this form. < It’s the only way to get something featured in the newsletter. It's another long one today. I'm working on an update to this section which should make it much easier to find any event on any date. Stay tuned!

📌 "Edinburgh Tenants Federation celebrated its 35th anniversary as Scotland's oldest housing federation. The tenant-led charity celebrated at a Scottish Parliament event, hosted by Sarah Boyack MSP. They also launched its new visual identity and is encouraging tenants to get involved with its mission." - Thanks to Lauren McCarthy for sharing this.

📌 "RESEARCH STUDY: We are interested in hearing from people with eating disorders who have used, or tried to access, GLP1 medications (e.g., Ozempic, Mounjaro). Complete a brief, anonymous online survey (+ optional interview) and share your experiences." - Thanks to Dr Helen Sharpe, Eating Disorders and Behaviours Research Group at the University of Edinburgh, for sharing this.

📌 "The New Town Church, 13 George St is hosting a Star Festival through advent. Drop in Monday - Saturday between 10am and 2.30pm On 9th and 16th December SAMH will be holding TIME FOR ME drop in sessions." - Thanks to Julia Forsyth at The New Town Church for sharing this.

📌 "Summerhall Arts have launched applications for their Spring Surgeries, offering 8 artists/collectives the opportunity to showcase works-in-progress in front of an audience of peers, producers & industry professionals. Surgeries take place on 11th & 20th March. Applications close 9th December." - Thanks to Summerhall Arts for sharing this.

📌 "Edinburgh New Town Cookery School's festive calendar is full of exciting new festive classes and events, alongside many returning favourites. Get into the Christmas spirit making mince pies and mulled wine, learning the art of Christmas canapés, or a special day of adult and child Christmas baking." - Thanks to Shauna Snadden at The Edinburgh New Town Cookery School for sharing this.

📌 "Post Office opening at Hobbycraft. Convenient location to serve the community." - Thanks to the good folks at Hobbycraft at the Fort for sharing this.

📌 "The new contemporary art gallery for recent Scottish Graduates and local emerging artists has community workshops for the current exhibition on November 30th and December 7th, Here you can learn from the featured artist Freya Glass and change the sculptures on show throughout the exhibition." - Thanks to SANKI Director and Curator Rosie for sharing this.

📌 "This evening, 1 December – The Kind Body Club is hosting a night-time walk through Edinburgh’s festive lights, starting from Knoops after 6pm (warm drink optional). It’s a simple way to meet new faces, enjoy an evening stroll, and slow down during a busy season. Free to join - please RSVP." - Thanks to Lily + Mik from The Kind Body Club for sharing this.

📌 "Monday 1st December from 6:30-9 pm - The Edinburgh Ableton User Group is a free, regular meet-up for users of this popular Digital Audio Workstation. It doesn’t matter what kind of music you make, we would love to see you at the Leith Depot on Leith Walk." - Thanks to Ally from the Ableton Users Group for sharing this.

📌 "Tuesday 2nd December - Festive Coffee Cupping. Join Machina at Tribe Porty for a festive cupping and taste the coffees in our range, including our seasonal release. If you’ve never been to a cupping before, think of it like a wine tasting, but for coffee. It's free, and everyone's welcome!" - Thanks to Sophie at Machina Coffee Roasters for sharing this.

📌 "Tuesday 7pm, St Columba's by the Castle Church Hall, 14 Johnston Terrace: Join Stuart McHardy for the Edinburgh launch of his latest books, Scotland's Sacred Goddess & Scotland's Geomythography. Explore how ancient stories, though transformed over millennia, continue to influence Scotland’s cultural & physical landscape." - Thanks to Luath Press for sharing this.

📌 "Armchair Adventure – No-Homework Book Group on Tuesday 2nd December at 7.30pm online (Zoom) with a theme of holiday reads, hosted by Humanist Society Scotland. A relaxed, informal, and social way to connect with other readers." - Thanks to Humanist Society Scotland for sharing this.

📌 "Wednesday 3rd December 11.30am to 2pm - YMCA Edinburgh is hosting a coffee morning and tombola @ Leith Community Centre to raise funds to deliver our weekly supportive Women's Group for those facing socio-economic disadvantage, poverty, loneliness and trauma." - Thanks to Maureen McGonigle, Women's Wellbeing Lead, for sharing this.

📌 "Wednesday 3 December from 5.40pm: The Voice House Community Choir will be singing at the Eric Liddell Community Christmas Lights Switch On Event (starts 5pm) - come along to support the event and enjoy all the activities going on in ELC and around Bruntsfield and Morningside." - Thanks to The Voice House for sharing this.

📌 "Wednesday 3 December: Understanding Oor Mad History: A Community Workshop - This workshop centres the history and voices of people with lived experience of mental health issues. Everyone is welcome to join us to learn from their valuable insights and gain knowledge about the Oor Mad History project’s powerful story and activism." - Thanks to CAPS Independent Advocacy for sharing this.

📌 "Wednesday 3 December - Join our merry bunch of small shops for Tollcross Festive Shopping Evening! From West Port, through Tollcross to the start of Bruntsfield, over 20 stores welcome you for some late night shopping from 5pm-8pm, with many offering discounts and treats on the night." - Thanks to the organisers for sharing this.

📌 "Wednesday 3 December – Join us for a festive shopping evening at Dovecot Studios from 5pm–8pm. There will be exclusive offers in our gift shop, free exhibition entry to IKEA: Magical Patterns, crafting tables and festive treats served in the café!" - Thanks to Dovecot Studios for sharing this.

📌 "3rd - 6th December Winter Pop Up — Dora Studio, Roxtown Design & Friends at Shop With No Name, Edinburgh. Featuring the full Dora Studio collection, Roxtowndesign leather goods and live demonstrations, and a chance to shop local and support independent makers." - Thanks to Lucy Cox, Founder of Dora Studio, for sharing this.

📌 "Wed 3rd Dec, 7pm DOCo are hosting a work in progress session on Matt Robinson’s experimental documentary, which follows experimental musician Richard Youngs as he explores 4 ancient steel buoys on the shore at Portencross. Come join us in giving feedback to Matt to help him shape his film. Free." - Thanks to DOCo for sharing this.

📌 "Wednesday 3 December - Launch @ Home Bar EH3 9LB: Dorothy Lawrenson's much-anticipated poetry collection, Given to the River + Colin Bramwell + Marianne MacRae, music by John Hunt, dancing by Mons Meg sword dancers. Described as "A delightful, big-hearted, open-handed book” by Peter Mackay, Scotland’s Makar." - Thanks to the organisers for sharing this.

📌 "Wednesday 3rd December (7pm) - Join us at The Portobello Bookshop for the launch of Extra Teeth Issue Ten with readings from contributors to the magazine Charlotte Haley, Sadie Maskery and Monica S. Park!" - Thanks to The Portobello Bookshop for sharing this.

📌 "On Thursday 4th December, we’re keeping all our shops open a little later. Come along and enjoy a glass of bubbly, sample our seasonal cheeses and accompaniments, and get 10% off all in-store purchases during the event. Tickets are free, but please register your interest as spaces are limited." - Thanks to Tori McDonald from Mellis Cheese for sharing this.

📌 "Every Thursday 6:25pm at the Fox and Faun -RunTribe, your community running group, is expanding to Edinburgh. Already going for over a year in Queensferry, join us for a social 5km and optional pub trip in Edinburgh's West End. A great way to get to know people and build your Tribe! " - Thanks to Kay, RunTribe Queensferry Co-leader, for sharing this.

📌 "Thursday 4 December - Join us at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh for our annual Christmas Lecture and raffle with speaker Dr Benji Waterhouse, an NHS Consultant Psychiatrist, award-winning comedian and author. Drinks and mince pies from 6.15pm, lecture begins at 7.00pm." - Thanks to Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh for sharing this.

📌 "Thursday 4th December, 7–9pm — Join us at The Tower, Portobello for a cosy festive workshop making up to six handcrafted paper decorations. Enjoy fizz on arrival, mince pies, and tea or coffee as you create in this beautifully styled historic space. A relaxed evening in collaboration with The Tower." - Thanks to Studio Mol for sharing this.

📌 "Thursday: Carol for a great cause! Sparkle & Shine Christmas concert is on Thursday 4 December, 6pm-8.30pm at The Dean Church. Be dazzled by Dalkeith and Monktonhall Brass Band and ESMS Junior School Choir - all while helping seriously ill children in hospital." - Thanks to Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity for sharing this.

📌 "Thu 4th Dec - Join us for the Women’s Healing Art Circle on Thursday 4th December, 8–9:30 PM at The Salisbury Centre. A creative space to explore feelings through art and connect with others in a supportive community. No art experience needed — just come as you are :)" - Thanks to Gabriella for sharing this.

📌 "Friday 5 December 4pm-7pm & Saturday 6 December 10am - 2pm - Indoor Christmas Market to raise funds for Scottish homelessness charity, Bethany Christian Trust. Crafts, Christmas Trees and hot drinks for sale! St Stephens Comely Bank, 8 Comely Bank Road, Edinburgh, EH4 1DW" - Thanks to Annabel at Bethany Christian Trust for sharing this.

📌 "SATURDAY 6 December - The Hub@531 in Juniper Green will be throwing a free children's Christmas silent disco. Open to locals, visitors and those who just like to boogie! There is a session at 11am on Sunday for children who prefer a quieter session, just book using the link." - Thanks to Colin Macleod, Pentlands Community Space Trustee, for sharing this.

📌 "Coburg House Art Studios celebrates 20 years of Open Studios from December 5–7, 2025. Explore four floors of artists, designers, and makers in Leith’s creative hub. Enjoy fine art, jewellery, textiles, and painting, plus live music, local drinks, and café treats." - Thanks to Coburg House Art Studios & Gallery for sharing this.

📌 "Saturday 7 December – A cosy Open Studio at CATS for older adults and carers to create, rest, and reconnect. We provide simple art materials, light refreshments, and a welcoming space. Come as you are and make something at your own pace!" - Thanks to Joey Chan, Art Therapist at Creative Arts Therapies Space, for sharing this.

📌 "Saturday 13 December 12-2pm - Free Family Christmas Party, Gracemount Mansion & Gardens EH16 6FD, Free Hot Food, Fun Activities, Crafts, Grotto, Live Music, All Welcome!" - Thanks to Jane Hartley, Development Coordinator, Gracemount Mansion Development Trust for sharing this.

📌 “Sunday 14th December @TheHoxton, Edinburgh. 7-11:30pm. Habits is hosting a Christmas Party! For remote workers, freelancers, self employed business owners. Enjoy the festivities, meet like-minded individuals who don’t have a team to celebrate with. Pizza + Welcome drink. Nostalgic millennial bangers.” - Thanks to Alix Picken, Founder of Habits, for sharing this.

📌 "31st Dec: The Port of Leith Distillery has announced their New Year's Eve event! Soul Heaven & Luvin'Leith Events unite for Hogmanay to bring special guest DJ/Producer Marcel Vogel to the world's tallest distillery to provide the soundtrack to the bells. Tickets on sale via Skiddle." - Thanks to Port of Leith Distillery for sharing this.

📮 Anything missing? Please share your local news and events here. And please please please read the posting rules. Thanks!