The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Monday 18 May 2026

Tributes to rugby hero Scott Hastings, drama as Hearts lose league decider, Portobello Swim Centre consultation + Fringe theatre is coming to Brown's of Leith

Michael MacLeod

18 May 2026 — 12 min read

🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. Lots to catch you up on after a busy weekend and a busy week ahead. Here’s Monday's Edinburgh Minute.

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🌦️ This week's weather forecast: A typical spring mixture of sunshine and showers most days this week. The heaviest rain is expected on Tuesday. A temperature high of 22C on Saturday. - See the full local Met Office forecast here.

'The first thunderstorm rolls in at 5pm' today, predicts Jacob Farr of Edinburgh Live. Let's see!

🏉 Flags at Murrayfield Stadium were at half-mast after Edinburgh-born former Scotland rugby player Scott Hastings died yesterday aged 61. He was undergoing cancer treatment but 'due to complications deteriorated extremely quickly', his family said. "Scott was an iconic figure," said Gregor Townsend, among many paying tribute here.

⚽️ I know not all of you care about football, so here's a short summary of coverage on how a record-breaking season ended in drama for the Hearts men's team, who were just 11 minutes away from winning the league before it all went wrong.

'Hearts team-mates left bloodied after Celtic Park chaos' - Mark Walker, Hearts Standard.
'Police Scotland investigate Hearts players' 'assault' at Celtic Park after the Premiership title decider' - Barry Anderson, Evening News.
'Celtic vs Hearts final whistle explained as SPFL await report' - David Irvine, The Herald.
'We are engaging with Heart of Midlothian FC to establish if any of their players were assaulted on the pitch at the conclusion of the event.' - Police Scotland.
'Heart of Midlothian utterly condemns the shameful scenes at Celtic Park this afternoon which have, once again, embarrassed Scottish football.' - Club statement.
'Hearts were broken again, but a season of such magnitude should be relished' - Jonathan Wilson in The Guardian.
Hearts-supporting politicians Ian Murray and George Foulkes raised questions about the game's officiating, with Foulkes saying he was 'escalating it to my contact in FIFA who will deal with it when their office opens tomorrow'.

🗳️ It's a busy week of council meetings. Here's what's in the calendar:

Monday: Licensing, including a request from the Filmhouse for permission to screen titles without BBFC certificate as part of the Edinburgh College Degree Show. - Meeting agenda here.
Tuesday: A dozen more new applications for short term lets. - Agenda papers here.
Wednesday: Planning Local Review Body, including more short-term lets appeals after refusal. - Agenda papers here.
Thursday: The monthly full council meeting, including: the Edinburgh Tram Inquiry Report and an update on electric vehicle charging. - See the full agenda here.

💰 Edinburgh residents will have a say on a new £2m Participatory Budgeting programme funded by the upcoming tourist tax, which will go towards local neighbourhood projects. - The council published details here.

🏊‍♀️ A public consultation is planned for plans to revamp the Portobello Swim Centre. - Ian Swanson, Evening News.

⮑ The council sent these details of community drop‑in sessions at Portobello Town Hall. Locals will have the chance to view the proposals, ask questions of the project team and share their views in person:
Tuesday 26 May: 10am – 12pm and 6pm – 8pm
Monday 1 June: 10am – 12pm and 6pm – 8pm.
More details from the council are here, which adds: "Details of the consultation and how to take part in the online survey, will be shared on the Edinburgh Leisure website and at Portobello Swim Centre in the coming weeks."

🚾 The council has confirmed it will not take enforcement action against developers of Haymarket's new offices for a lack of public toilets despite a previous requirement. - Joe Sullivan, Local Democracy Reporter, in The Herald.

🏰 Some of the paths around Castle Hill have reopened after years of closure due to rockfall concerns. - Joe Sullivan, Local Democracy Reporter, in The Herald.

💰 Plans for a new work of art reflecting Edinburgh’s historic links with the slave trade in the Caribbean are at risk of collapse due to a funding crisis, reports Brian Ferguson in The Herald.

🎵 'First look inside old Royal High School £70m transformation into National Centre for Music' - Jane Bradley, The Scotsman.

🎭 Theatre is coming to the Brown's of Leith foodie spot on the Shore for the Fringe. A site-specific production of Andrew O’Hagan’s best-selling novel 'Mayflies' is being planned by Grid Iron Theatre Company for the Foundry, at the Tower Street wing of the former engineering and metalworks as part of August's Made in Scotland showcase. - Tickets for the show are on sale here.
⮑ Brown's boss Gunnar Groves-Raines said:

"Welcoming Grid Iron to Brown’s is a very exciting moment for us, bringing site-specific theatre into the heart of this evolving regeneration project. Throughout August, the production team and audience will coexist with designers, makers, artists, chefs and baristas, creating a lively occupation of a building which, until recently, was filled with the sounds of machinery and tools. The team at Grid Iron exemplify the vibrant creativity of Leith, which we are committed to supporting across our spaces, and we are honoured to host them for this unique production."

☕️ A new bakery and deli could open between City Cafe and Monkey Barrel Comedy at 15 Blair Street (with a basement entrance from around the back at Stephenlaw's Close) if plans are approved. The applicant is Raff Crolla. - City Scope has more details and the planning application is here.

🏗️ The former Leith Domestic Appliances store next to Leith Arches could become a short-term let flat. - Lee Dalgetty, Edinburgh Live.

🐈 Plans for a sculpture of Hugo the west end cat (first reported in Minute edition 577) are progressing. Sculptor Alan B Herriot's work is now at the Powerhall foundry, where it is waiting to be cast in bronze. - Read updates on GoFundMe and Instagram.

🚴‍♀️ The number of people cycling on Leith Walk hit another record, reports local transport data expect Ed Tissiman. An electronic counter built into the bike lane clocked 2,568 riders on 30 April. - Read more in this week's edi.bike newsletter, including plans for 30 May's Pedal On Parliament event.

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🌅 Sunset from Calton Hill - 'Hello Michael, hope this is the right place to send you photos. I took this from Calton Hill just now :)' - Thanks to subscriber Phoebe Tang for sharing this.

🛝 Petition for immediate investment to Inverleith play park - 'Inverleith Park's play equipment is broken and unsafe. A consultation has been ongoing for YEARS with no outcome or resolution. Scotland's Play Act 2024 gives children the legal right to play. The Council must act to improve these facilities for all. (Deadline: 17 Jul)' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

🏞️ Local podcast, Edinburgh Outdoors, shortlisted in the Scottish Podcast Awards - 'Produced by Angela Casey, Edinburgh Outdoors explores the city's green spaces and the people in them. The nomination for the podcast is in the Travel & Outdoors category of the awards which will be held in Glasgow on 25 June.' - More details here, shared by Angela Casey, Edinburgh Outdoors, (also on Instagram here).

Angela Casey of the excellent Edinburgh Outdoors podcast, exploring the city’s green spaces and the people in them.

🚍 Girlguiding Scotland members from Edinburgh and Lothian took part in public transport takeover day - '56% of girls and women aged 11-21 don't feel safe taking public transport alone. To give girls more confidence Girlguiding Scotland organised a transport takeover on Saturday. Girls in Edinburgh and across Scotland adventured via bus, tram and train.' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

🦢 Sad news from Inverleith Park - 'Dog walkers are sharing the sad news that two days ago the swan hatched 5 cygnets but today they are all gone.' - A photo of the suspect here, shared by Lee Chalmers.

🌱 Balerno local plan survey results - 'Balerno is pro-improvement and the local residents want better schools, healthcare, facilities, affordable and appropriate housing, and environmental enhancement. Balerno is not anti-change but clearly anti-expansion, says a recent survey.' - More details here, shared by Nigel Duncan Media.

🎬 Casting Calls - 'Casting for 3 parts in a proof of concept trailer, being shot in Edinburgh in September. This is for a feature film, about legendary cyclist Mavis Paterson. (Deadline: 31 May)' - More details here, shared by Ohwa Film.

🩺 Free Spinal Health Checks on Ferry Road - 'Suffering from back or neck pain? Chiropractic Life is offering free spinal health checks. These appointments offer the chance to meet our chiropractor, discuss any symptoms, and learn more about care - at no cost. Call us on 0131378003 to book in!' - More details here, shared by Chiropractic Life Health and Wellness.

🔬 Pint of Science - Seeing Beyond the Lens
Today, Mon 18 May - 'Experience a unique blend of hands-on exploration and empathetic discussion in this interactive event. Participants will have the chance to view their own hands in magnified detail, gaining a closer perspective on the textures and surfaces.'
7pm to 9pm | Steel Coulson Southside, EH9 1PU | £5 - More details here, shared by Glen Dawkins.

🎤 'Vocal Break: On Women, Music & Power' with Lauren Elkin
Tomorrow, Tue 19 May - 'In Vocal Break, Lauren Elkin seamlessly blends memoir, feminist manifesto and cultural history to explore a plurality of female singing voices. Join us in welcoming her to Porty for a discussion with art writer, editor and curator Rachel Ashenden.'
7pm to 8pm | The Portobello Bookshop, EH15 1DA | FREE - More details here, shared by The Portobello Bookshop.

🧘‍♀️ The Power of a Quiet Mind ~ Special Meditation Event
Tomorrow, Tue 19 May - 'Enjoy a special meditation evening with an international teacher from Mexico City, Gen-la Kelsang Sangden. This is a rare opportunity to receive teachings from her in person on the Power of a Quiet Mind. The talk will be followed by refreshments.'
7pm to 8.30pm | Kadampa Meditation Centre Edinburgh, EH6 5EA | £15 (£10.50 Members) - More details here, shared by Kadampa Meditation Centre.

🛍️ Calling Local Shops, Cafés & Makers: Fair Trade Stock Seeking a New Home [Weekly]
Wed 20 May - 'Local fair trade shop Terrapin Trading is looking for Edinburgh shops, cafés or community spaces interested in taking on ethical stock from makers worldwide. Know a business that may help? Email enquiries@terrapintrading.co.uk'
7am to 5pm | Castlebrae Business Centre, EH16 4BB - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

📖 Few and Far Between with Jan Carson
Wed 20 May - 'Join us for the launch of the powerful, darkly funny new novel by award-winning Northern Irish author Jan Carson. An archipelago of haunted islands. A community seeking refuge from the Troubles. The perfect place to escape to - or so it appears.'
7pm to 8pm | Lighthouse - Edinburgh's Radical Bookshop, EH8 9DB | £4/free - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

🇺🇸 Democrats Abroad Monthly Drinks Social
Wed 20 May - 'Join fellow Democrats Abroad in Edinburgh for our monthly drink social. Expect community and ways to get involved. All welcome.'
7pm to 10pm | The Outhouse, EH1 3LY | FREE - More details here, shared by Jack Nevin, Democrats Abroad Scotland.

🌿 Houseplant Bingo
Thu 21 May - 'After a successful first Houseplant Bingo we are hosting another with bigger and better houseplants! Join us for a fun Thursday night out with the chance to take home a plant or two. Check out our ticket page or Instagram for more info.'
6pm to 8pm | Fir Espresso Bar, EH3 9QB | £5 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

🏃‍♂️ Edi Marathon Weekend with Interval [Daily]
Thu 21 May - 'We're doing a few events in the lead-up to Edinburgh Marathon Festival - sign-painting with Good Time Running Club on Thursday, an opening party on Friday, and a 5km shakeout on Sat morning. Open to all and free to attend.'
6pm to 8pm | Interval, EH6 8LE | FREE - More details here, shared by Interval + on Instagram here.

🌍 People, Planet, Pint
Thu 21 May - 'People, Planet, Pint is your local sustainability meetup, this month's theme is Community Action. Join us for an evening of chat with like-minded people over a drink with a very special guest!'
6.30pm to 9pm | 3 Old Monks, EH6 6JA | FREE - More details here, shared by Eirini Chatzidaki, Small99/People,Planet,Pint.

📖 Wild Fungarium - An Evening with Kathleen Jamie
Thu 21 May - 'Join us as we welcome Kathleen Jamie for an evening of conversation, poetry and readings. We'll explore the inspiration and stories behind her works and discover how wildlife and nature is weaved throughout her writing and poetry.'
7pm to 8pm | Wild Fungarium, EH3 7TA | £5 - £10.99 - More details here, shared by Wild Fungarium.

📖 Ellen Renton and Friends: You and Yours Pamphlet launch
Thu 21 May - 'Join us to celebrate the launch of You and Yours - the new poetry pamphlet from Ellen Renton, published by Verve Press. With guest readings from Megan Rudden and Patrick Romero McCafferty, and music from Djana Gabrielle.'
7pm to 8.30pm | The Out of the Blue Drill Hall, EH6 8RG | £5 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

🎶 TFEH presents: HANNAN JONES / ROBERT RIDLEY SHACKLETON / HANNAN JONES & OFF BRAND.
Thu 21 May - 'Tfeh presents a triple bill of experimental music at the intersection of "you liked the last one" and "you'll probably like this one". Expect sound art, card funk & free improvisation. Fruitmarket is fully accessible.'
8pm to 11pm | Fruitmarket, EH1 1DF | £10 advance/ £12 OTD - More details here, shared by Ali Robertson, Giant Tank.

🎨 Art Classes at Greenbank Church [Weekly]
Fri 22 May - 'A relaxing and highly creative art class for beginners and improvers.'
9.30am to 11.30am | Edinburgh Greenbank Parish Church of Scotland, EH10 6ES | £29 - More details here, shared by Emilia, Emilia’s ART Club.

🌳 Forest School Sessions for ages 5-12 [Weekly]
Fri 22 May - 'Outdoor Forest School sessions in Craigmillar Castle Park with campfires, den building, nature crafts & woodland play. Wednesdays and Fridays. Limited spaces available!'
1.30pm to 4pm | Craigmillar Castle Park, EH16 4TB | 20.00 - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Nature Forest School.

🪑 Chair Yoga with Queer Yoga Edinburgh [Weekly]
Fri 22 May - 'Chair Yoga in Leith - join us for movement and a chat over a cup of tea!'
3pm to 4pm | Duncan Place Community Hub, EH6 8HW | £0-£8 - More details here, shared by Queer Yoga Edinburgh CIC.

🧶 Tatreez Workshop with Educators for Peace
Fri 22 May - 'Designed for children aged 9 and above, this 1.5 hour hands-on session introduces children to the traditional Palestinian art of tatreez (embroidery).'
6pm to 8pm | Palestine Museum Scotland, EH3 6QG | Donate what you can - More details here, shared by Educators for Peace.

👀 Looking ahead:

🎨 Hidden Door Festival
3 - 7 June - 'Join Edinburgh's grass roots arts festival Hidden Door, as they transform a huge abandoned industrial site this June for another ambitious and unique multi-artform experience. Free entry from 12pm - 6pm each day except Wednesday, ticketed from 6pm.'
6pm to 12am | Hidden Door, EH12 8NP - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

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⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 913.
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