The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Monday 14 September 2026
Kiltwalkers raise £1.5m for 762 charities, bid to lift A-boards ban rejected, dance music event axed over emu attack fears + discover 17 new foodie spots
👋 Good morning Edinburgh. It's a busy start to the week. I've been up since 5am going through hundreds of local sources this morning to put together today's edition. Thanks to everyone who sent something in over the weekend too. Here’s Monday's Edinburgh Minute.
🌦️ This week's weather forecast: Dry with sunny spells today before rain in the evening. Light showers on Tuesday and Thursday, otherwise cloudy with sunny intervals all week and the wind picking up towards the weekend. A high of 21C today around 4pm. - The full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh is here.
💰 Thousands of participants in yesterday's Kiltwalk events raised £1.5 million for 762 charities. - Kevin Quinn, Evening News + there are photos and videos from the day here.
🗞️ The Skinny magazine could have a 'possible rescue' from the Scottish Government’s Creative Scotland arts agency, reports Brian Ferguson in The Herald.
💰 Some of the £5m Princes Street fire recovery fund given to the council by the Scottish Government has been allocated towards legal costs, amid the 'likelihood' of a legal bid to recoup costs from landlord Criterion Capital. - Exclusive by Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco in The Herald.
🚉 Just hours after pausing plans to extend the city's trams to Granton, a £38.4m loan to the council was announced by the UK Government's National Wealth Fund on Friday morning. The cash will be used to 'support the city's response to the housing emergency' as part of a wider £1.3 billion regeneration plan. - More details in this press release.
🛍️ A petition by the Shore Business Collective to lift a ban on advertising A-boards has been rejected by councillors. Instead they will review the cost of outside tables & chairs licenses. - Ian Swanson reports in the Evening News.
🚎 Edinburgh's bus lane fines have earned the council more than £1m from drivers in the first six months of 2026, reports Heather Carrick, Evening News.
- 'Controversial bus gate to go ahead despite claim it could leave residents with only one road out of West Craigs' - Ian Swanson, Evening News.
🏫 Teaching support staff in Edinburgh won more than £250,000 in damages from the council last year after 'a surge in school violence', reports Ross Chalmers of Deadline News.
🚧 With the St Mark's Park bridge closed due to structural issues, Leith councillor Chas Booth is asking the council whether the existing Powderhall railway bridge opposite Redbraes Park could be used to connect the Water of Leith path to Broughton Road. - The question is on Thursday's monthly council meeting agenda.
🗳️ Also on Thursday's council meeting agenda:
🚲 Ongoing concerns about Voi hire bikes blocking pavements will be heard at this week's council meeting, including two questions raised by councillors : When will designated 'cycle hire only' bays be rolled out (question via councillor Jack Caldwell) + What criteria determine if a space is appropriate for a proposed Voi bike station, how are nearby residents and businesses consulted, and what is the review process if complaints are received about a station's location (question from councillor Hal Osler).
🏆 Congratulations to Ben Seven of the edi.bike newsletter and Pedal on Parliament, who has been named Scotland's Cycling Champion of the Year. - More details via Cycling Scotland here and you can read this week's local transport newsletter here.
🥪 The young couple behind Portobello's new deli and sandwich shop Pat's are interviewed in The Scotsman.
🍽️ "It’s time to head underground for basement supperclubs and a drinking den in an Edinburgh vault" - The Times features Gringo Supper Club in its list of 'Best places to eat and drink in Scotland this week'.
🍜 A new pizza place just off Candlemaker Row, a new deli in Inverleith and a new Southside coffee police box are among 17 new foodie spots around the city on Ailidh Forlan's latest round-up of new openings on the @plateexpectations Instagram.
🔊 A sold out dance music event planned for Barnton Bunker next Saturday has been postponed after police raised concerns about previous emu attacks on the site. Organisers of the 'Subterranean: Nuclear Bunker Event' said: "The inclusion of an emu, or any other exotic animal, was not part of our production plan or line-up." The line-up had included DJs Craigie Knowes and Eclair Fifi among others. - More details in the event postponement post on Instagram, including plans to resurrect the event in November.
👗 'Edinburgh psychiatric hospital set to benefit from £220,000 sale of Princess Diana’s 'revenge dress'' - Diane King, Evening News.
💰 The Art Deco Maybury Casino building has changed hands in a £2.9 million deal, reports Scott Reid in The Scotsman.
⮑ The building was originally constructed as the Maybury Roadhouse and Diner in 1935. - Learn more about its history in this Threadinburgh report.
Andy Arthur - Threadinburgh
🎮 The Rockstar Games employment tribunal continues this week, with the Edinburgh-based firm denying 'unlawfully' sacking 31 workers last year. The case is expected to last about six weeks, with testimony from Rockstar Games witnesses due in October, reports Patrick Greenfield in The Guardian.
Patrick Greenfield
🏃♂️ Edinburgh-born runner Josh Kerr won the men's 1500m race at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest last night. - BBC Sport.
⚽️ North Edinburgh's part-time Scottish League Two football club Spartans have been given the green light to complete the 'remarkable' purchase of English League Two club Shrewsbury Town. - Alan Pattullo reports in The Scotsman + the Spartans published this statement:
"There will be an informal relationship between Spartans FC and Shrewsbury Town FC which will allow both of us to benefit from sharing knowledge and experience. We also both have excellent Community Foundations, this deal will provide valuable opportunities for collaboration and mutual learning. Further information will be shared as the acquisition process proceeds."
Alan Pattullo
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🥊 Blast Boxing CIC Welcomes Boxing Legend Frank Bruno to North Edinburgh for Men’s Mental Health Month - 'Boxing legend Frank Bruno MBE joins Blast Boxing in North Edinburgh for a men’s mental health event, sharing his boxing journey & lived experience of his own mental health. North Edinburgh Arts this November. Follow Blast Boxing socials for tickets' - More details here, shared by Adele Conn, Blast Boxing.
✊ Skyscanner Unionises - 'Skyscanner's tech workers have unionised, with 74% voting in favour of unionisation on an over 80% turnout. This is the most significant unionisation of tech workers in Scotland and follows changes in union law over the past year.' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🤝 Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron appointed Chair of Edinburgh Integration Joint Board - 'Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron DL has been appointed as the new Chair of the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB), the body responsible for overseeing nearly £1 billion of investment in health and social care services for adults in Edinburgh.' - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership.
🎤 Open Auditions at Pitchcraft Choir - 'Pitchcraft is recruiting for new singers! Come along to our open rehearsal on 15 September at 6.30 to join our chorus for the night and see if it’s for you 🎶 Email membership@pitchcraft.co.uk for more info and to let us know you’ll be there!' - More details here, shared by Hannah, Pitchcraft.
🤝 Southside community council September meeting - 'We’re coming back from summer break with a packed agenda! Summerhall presentation, Southside 2040 Local place draft amongst other things on agenda. If you live in Southside, come have your say. 14 September 6.00 pm at Nelson Hall.' - More details here, shared by Southside Community Council.
🌐 Pay What You Can website development - 'Hello! I'm just starting up doing freelance web development, and want to give writers, artists, musicians, etc a way to have a bespoke website without breaking the bank. No monthly fees, just a simple pay-what-you-can for me to build and launch it!' - More details here, shared by Clay Leslie, analogue gone digital.
🤝 Board Trustee Volunteers sought by North Merchiston Club (NMC) - 'NMC has been "A Place for Everyone" since 1921 and we're looking for Trustees to help shape our next chapter. We're seeking people with skills in any of the following: governance, finance, strategy, property, fundraising, engagement, or legal/HR.' - More details here, shared by North Merchiston Club.
🎀 Women with Breast Cancer Needed! - 'University of Edinburgh need women with breast cancer to volunteer for a research study involving a one-off visit to complete some assessments (mostly questionnaires). They need women who do NOT participate in dragon boating! (Deadline: 30 Sep)' - More details here, shared by Dr Marie Mclaughlin, University of Edinburgh.
🧓 Research Opportunity for UK Adults Aged 60+ – University of Edinburgh - 'Second recruitment post! UK residents aged 60+ are invited to complete a 25-minute anonymous survey about childhood experiences, depression, loneliness and compassion. No personal experience needed. Questions welcome! (Deadline: 31 Oct)' - More details here, shared by Claudia Rodriguez, University of Edinburgh.
🗣️ Join Heriot-Watt University’s Youth Advisory Panel (YAP)! - 'Are you 16-18 and based in Edinburgh and the Lothians? Join Heriot-Watt University's Youth Advisory Panel and help shape how research is shared and discussed. No science background needed, just curiosity about how technology influences everyday life!' - More details here, shared by Heriot-Watt University.
Events:
🎶 Edinburgh Scandi Session - our monthly get together to play tunes from the Scandinavian countries
Today, Mon 14 September - 'LATE NOTICE: join us at Diggers Leith for some traditional and modern Scandi tunes. Instead of jigs, reels & strathspeys expect pols/polskas, vals, schottis, reinlanders & sonderhonings. This is a music session, not a concert but come & eavesdrop.'
7pm to 9.30pm | Diggers Leith · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Philip Lyon + on Facebook here.
🏡 Scottish Housing Day
Wed 16 September - 'Wed 16 Sep is Scottish Housing Day. Harbour Homes will be at the box to talk about the local community, how your home impacts your health & wellbeing. What can Harbour do to help promote healthy neighbourhoods in N Edin. Chat to us over tea & cake'
8.30am to 4.30pm | Leith Walk Police Box pop ups · Canonmills & Broughton | FREE - More details here, shared by Monty, Leith walk polisbox pop ups.
☕ Edinburgh u3a Open Afternoon Tea
Wed 16 September - 'Wed 16 Sept, 2-4pm: Edinburgh u3a FREE Open Event at Fairmilehead Parish Church. Drop in for tea or coffee, chat, and learn about joining for £10/year. Discover over 200 member-led groups covering everything from Album Club to Yoga. All welcome!'
2pm to 4pm | Fairmilehead Parish Church · Fairmilehead | FREE - More details here, shared by Vikki Kirby, Edinburgh u3a.
🔮 Talk: Tarot, Fashion & Identity with Jade Mordente
Wed 16 September - 'Learn how to read your own Tarot card through its imagery, symbolism and story in this playful, guided group workshop.'
2.45pm to 3.30pm | Westfield St James Quarter · New Town | £5 - More details here, shared by Westfield St James Quarter.
🧙♀️ Walking Tour: Edinburgh's Witches, Wh*res and Wayward Women
Wed 16 September - 'A 90-min walking tour through Old Town with author Melanie Frome and meet the women Edinburgh filed under as witch, wh*re, and wayward-and ask yourself who exactly was doing the filing. Expect gallows humor. Literally, in at least one case.'
6pm to 7.30pm | The Witches Well · Old Town | Pay-What-You-Want - More details here, shared by Melanie Frome.
🇺🇦 10 Years: Documenting Ukrainian Resolve and Resistance
Thu 17 September - 'The exhibition presents excerpts from a decade of work by graphic novelist, Sarah Lippett about Ukrainian resilience & resistance in comic form. The stories reflect the effects of war on everyday lives & the importance of continued support.'
6pm to 8pm | Out of the Blueprint · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🏳️🌈 Bridget and Gabe Are Not Okay: Queer Camelot with Lex Croucher
Thu 17 September - 'What a joy to welcome Lighthouse favourite Lex Croucher back for the Edinburgh launch of Bridget and Gabe Are Not Okay, the highly anticipated follow-up to the instant New York Times bestselling and YA Book Prize winning Gwen and Art Are Not in Love!'
7pm to 8pm | Lighthouse - Edinburgh's Radical Bookshop · Old Town | £5/free - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🌿 New(ish) to Edinburgh? Come meet some locals - the leafy kind too
Fri 18 September - 'Looking for good people & something good for the soul? Join a small group of curious grownups at Bridgend Farmhouse for an afternoon of foraging, making, laughter & time outdoors. Come alone - lots of us do. 🍂'
2pm to 4pm | Bridgend Farmhouse Cafe · Cameron Toll | 15 - More details here, shared by Nature School for Grownups.
🤣 Stand Up for The Jester
Fri 18 September - 'A fundraiser for a new, accessible venue in Edinburgh, which will be the host to a vast number of stand up, clowning, improv, music and theatre shows- and will foster the gap between education and the performing arts industry.'
6.30pm to 9pm | Edinburgh College (Granton Campus) · Granton & Pilton | £5 - More details here, shared by Tasha Mott, The Jester.
🍺 Our 5th Birthday Events #4: Cask Ale Week Beer Festival [Until 27 Sept]
Thu 17 September - 'The fourth of our five weeks' celebrations for our fifth birthday here! And this event ties in with the national Cask Ale Week. 20 real ales and ciders from across the UK, with around a dozen available at any one time, with five at a Fiver a pint'
5pm to 11pm | Steel Coulson Southside · Southside - More details here, shared by Glen Dawkins.
🍷 Wine Tasting with A Nice Day Out [Until 25 Sept]
Fri 18 September - 'WE'RE BACK with another wine tasting! 'The New Pretenders' is our second wine tasting of the year. Beginner-friendly, relaxed and 0% snobbery. Friday 18th or 25th September, come along and say hi!'
7pm to 9.45pm | Appellation Wines · Craigleith | £25 - More details here, shared by A Nice Day Out.
💪 £7 Beginner Reformer Pilates (Small Group)
Sat 19 September - 'The Intro to Pilates Apparatus Class is a chance to try out the Pilates Reformer, Tower, Chair, and Ladder Barrel in a safe, supportive and fun studio environment in Stockbridge. This small group class ensures an optimal learning experience for all.'
10am to 11am | Movement Remedies · Stockbridge | £7 - More details here, shared by Movement Remedies.
🧵 Edinburgh Street Stitchers at Colony of Artists
Sat 19 September - 'Learn to repair your clothes. Bring a garment you'd like to repair and learn how to give it a new lease of life. Venue 41'
11am to 6pm | Abbeyhill Colony of Artists · Abbeyhill & Meadowbank | FREE - More details here, shared by Mary Morton, Edinburgh Street Stitchers.
💃 Weekend of Dance [Until Sun]
Sat 19 September - 'Join us for dance workshops, a ball and film presentation combining traditional dance and court dance of the Baroque and Regency eras. Come for the whole weekend programme and ball or for a single event.'
11am to 10pm | French Institute of Scotland · Old Town | £15- £125 - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Quadrille Society.
🇸🇯 Scandi Quiz & Smør Bord Lunch
Sat 19 September - 'Relaxed Saturday lunch with fun Scandi quiz and light refreshments by Smør Bord, Edinburgh's fabulous new Scandi star on the catering scene! No expertise required, just bring along your appetite for 'en smak av Norge' - a wee taste of Norway!'
12.30pm to 2.30pm | Cafe Space @ Marchmont St Giles Kirk · Marchmont & Meadows | £18 /£15 NSA members - More details here, shared by Norwegian Scottish Association.
🎲 MtG Secret Draft 2nd Edition @ St Oswald's Community Centre
Sat 19 September - 'After a successful first event in June, here is the second edition of the Secret Draft charity fundraiser! Expect an fun afternoon drafting mysterious MtG sets and participating in an exciting raffle, all proceeds go to StOswald's community centre.'
12.30pm to 7pm | St. Oswald's Centre · Bruntsfield | £26-£35 - More details here, shared by Federico Andreis.
🎲 Long Play:Test - Board and Card Games
Sat 19 September - 'Bring your games, join new games and playtest new board and card games from local independent game designers!'
3pm to 6pm | Ancient Robot Workshop · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Ancient Robot Workshop.
😂 Comedy Benefit in Aid of Hearts & Minds
Sat 19 September - 'Award-winning comedian Chris Forbes is hosting a special stand-up fundraiser in aid of Hearts & Minds' Clowndoctors. Headlined by Jo Caulfield with Robin Grainger, Sophie McCabe and Krystal Evans also performing.'
4pm to 6pm | The Stand Comedy Club · New Town | £13 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🏋️♂️ Learn to Lift: Strength Training Workshop
Sun 20 September - 'Discover the joy of getting stronger. Learn to Lift breaks down barbell squats, deadlifts, and free weights in a supportive small group. Open to active beginners as well as regular lifters of all ages. Includes a take-home strength programme.'
2pm to 5pm | We Run Edinburgh · Leith | £75 - More details here, shared by Emma McCready.
💃 Embodied Dating
Sun 20 September - 'Tired of the superficial swipe? Seeking more embodied connections with like-minded souls? Here's your chance to take a break from the apps and the small talk, arrive fully into yourself and connect playfully & authentically with others.'
6.30pm to 9pm | The Salisbury Centre · Southside | £23 to £33 - More details here, shared by Laurie King, i to i Authentic Relating.
🎤 Phoenix One & Done Choir Session!
Sun 20 September - 'Grab your pals & a pint and come belt out some soaring harmonies Phoenix style (which means big energy & soulful sounds!). No prep, no commitment, no sheet music - just a one-off session where we'll learn a banger and have a brilliant night!'
7pm to 9.30pm | La Belle Angele · Old Town | £10 - More details here, shared by Kat Brooks, Phoenix Choir.
Remember you can always see all 260+ upcoming local events on TownSpot calendars and maps. Thanks to everyone who shares their things!
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 🍽️ Ottolenghi George Street opening date: 2 October.
- 🍸 Bon Vivant temporarily reopens on Thistle Street.
- 🦮 Guide Dog puppy raising volunteering opportunities.
- 🏨 West End residents' legal challenge over Atholl Crescent 'super hostel' plan.
- 🚊 Trams: Granton sidelined for BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 996.
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