The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Monday 20 July 2026
Crags fire burns for more than 12-hours overnight, another Portobello beach safety warning, Princes Street fire building update, arrest in hunt for 'The Scratcher' car vandal + Josh Kerr breaks men's one mile world record
🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. I've not slept as I wanted to make sure this morning's newsletter was fully up-to-date with the latest news from local media and local people. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to today's Edinburgh Minute.
🌤️ This week's weather forecast: Cloudy with sunny intervals most days this week, with a high of 26C expected on Tuesday and a low of 13C overnight between Wednesday and Thursday. - Get the full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh here.
🔥 A fire that began on the Salisbury Crags from 6.30pm last night is still smouldering at 7am this morning. At 7pm there were four fire engines on the scene. Despite the best efforts of firefighters, the blaze escalated around midnight and spread further around the hill. The last update from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was at 7.05pm.
Video above by Edi Stala.
James Fawcett
As the image below by Tom Duffin shows, the fire was initially contained to two spots, before spreading both east and west around the hill. Residents in Dumbiebykes told the Minute that 'it spread like mad' in a 'devastating turn of events' later on overnight. Police cleared people out of Holyrood Park just after midnight, as the fire was dangerously close to the road.
🌳 Minute reader Richard Goldie sent in videos just after midnight, saying: "I took these video of the fire underneath Salisbury Crags behind the old Scottish Widows tonight at midnight. The gorse is ablaze but so too, unfortunately, are the trees on that slope."
- Queens Drive remains closed to all vehicles this morning.
For live updates throughout the day, you can follow The Edinburgh Minute on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Twitter, Reddit, WhatsApp, Mastadon, Threads + I'd also recommend the local Reddit thread.
💰 The public purse is missing out on nearly £1,500 per day of non-domestic rates from Boots being closed due to the recent fire on Princes Street. The council confirmed it is waiving rates for the affected shops. - Local Democracy Reporter, Joe Sullivan, Midlothian View.
⮑ Meanwhile the council shared some updates on Friday:
🚉 Trams are still only able to operate between the airport and Shandwick Place but the council says 'all options are being explored to re-establish operations along the full route as soon as possible.'
🚲 Voi plans to increase its fleet of hire bikes from 800 to 1000 bikes by the end of this week. Additional bike parking infrastructure is being arranged in the city centre to accommodate those travelling into the city from Leith and Newhaven.
👍 Businesses on Rose Street reopened at the weekend.
⮑ Council Leader Jane Meagher said:
"I’m acutely aware of the effect this is having on city centre businesses too and our teams are continuing to offer one-to-one advice and support. We’re also in touch with the Scottish Government about available support and I’ve written to the First Minister to discuss what more he can offer – as he did following the Union Street fire in Glasgow. This road closure is essential to protect the public while experts assess the condition of the fire-damaged building and make it safe, but we’re letting everyone know that the city centre is very much still open for business and encouraging people to check our website for the latest travel advice and information on visiting the area."
🏗️ Experts could be seen working on site during the weekend. They're still assessing the condition of the fire-damaged building and plan to make it safe.
👋 Amid the ongoing transport challenges, businesses in Leith are reminding that they are still open for business.
"We are the Shore Collective and we are a group of businesses encouraging you to come to the Shore. Of course we miss the tram, however there are still plenty ways to get down to the Shore." - More details here.
🚧 With Gorgie Road reopening, local MP Scott Arthur is calling for Slateford Road to be resurfaced, saying: "The extra traffic on this road means it's a real mess in sections." - He shared this video from the road.
- There are a lot of road closures in town just now. - This morning's edi.bike newsletter has all the updates.
🏊♀️ A wild swimmer who became seriously ill from contaminated water has called for year-round monitoring after E.coli levels ten times above the safe limit were recorded at Portobello beach. - Laura Piper, STV News.
🎓 Management at the University of Edinburgh have defended their procedures following accusations they acted broke rules during a college restructure. - Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco, The Herald.
🚔 Police hunting for a serial car vandal nicknamed 'The Scratcher' have arrested and charged a 25-year-old man following a spate of attacks around Edinburgh. - Dave Pickering, North Edinburgh News.
View all posts by davepickering
🏃♂️ Edinburgh runner Josh Kerr broke the men's one mile world record in London on Saturday, clocking just 3 minutes and 42.66 seconds. Kerr thanked his teammates and credited previous record holders during an interview afterwards. - Harry Poole, BBC Sport. No politicians have yet proposed any bank holidays for the Scot's world record-breaking achievement.
🥁 There are photos and videos from yesterday's Edinburgh Festival Carnival parade in Kevin Quinn's Evening News report.
🎇 Edinburgh Zoo boss David Field has given an interview about his crusade to ban fireworks. - Exclusive by Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco in The Herald.
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🪑 Edinburgh Furniture Initiative Signs New Lease - 'Edinburgh Furniture Initiative operated by homeless charity Four Square has announced that, after some uncertainty last year, they have secured a long lease for their shop at 454 Gorgie Road providing secure premises for this local social enterprise.' - More details here, shared by Four Square.
🚧 Road resurfacing query... Murrayfield - 'Can anyone explain why Lennel Avenue (a quiet residential street with light traffic) is being resurfaced this week when there's virtually nothing wrong with it. Whilst Murrayfield Road is covered in potholes (try cycling!)' - mags444@blueyonder.co.uk.
🦡 Badger sighted in West End garden. - 'Disturbed by my garden light going on, I was amazed to find this inquisitive badger. I had recently applied Linseed Oil Mastic around our back door frame and I'm guessing this is what attracted it into my garden? Their sense of smell is renowned!' - Photo here, shared by a Minute reader.
♿ Open call for submissions: be part of the Disabled Climate Justice Archive Project! - 'Young Friends of the Earth Scotland is working with National Libraries of Scotland to build a community archive that documents the experiences, knowledge, creativity and leadership of disabled people - and we'd love to hear from you. (Deadline: 30 Aug)' - More details Photo here, shared by Young Friends of the Earth Scotland.
🐾 Paws For Remembrance Fundraiser - 'Local story: Zeus the Labrador and I are walking 100 miles in 30 days, visiting 30 war memorials across Edinburgh & East Lothian to raise funds for Legion Scotland. We’re sharing Remembrance Postcards to honour those who served. (Deadline: 30 Jul)' - More details here, shared by Claudea Rizzo, Legion Scotland.
📚 Edinburgh Community Bookshop visits Leith Neighbourghood Meet Up in Victoria - 'Celebrating our local community Delighted to welcome Edinburgh Community Bookshop to Leith Neighbourhood Meet Up on Tuesday 21st July, 6-7pm Come along to hear about this wonderful local bookshop, the difference it's making in our community' - More details here, shared by Anna, Victoria Bar.
🎶 Lo-Fi Folk Event with Field acommander Ali, Jordan Ireland, Classifieds, Thoughtless Gift
Today, Mon 20 July - 'Monday night lo-fi experimental folk gig! Including Field Commander Ali who is on tour from Australia. More info and listen to the artists at the ticket link. Discount code YOUARESPECIAL'
6.30pm to 10.30pm | Dissenter space · Leith | £10 - More details here, shared by Oscar, technician.
🌿 Big Nature Drawathon
Sat 25 July - 'Dig out your pencils and come out and play for a weekend celebrating nature and art at Granton Hub. Whether you are a keen artist, or last drew at primary school, all are welcome to come and get stuck in with our art materials and activities.'
10.30am to 3.30pm | Madelvic House · Granton & Pilton | Free - More details here, shared by Katie Smith, Granton Community Gardeners.
🎪 Edinburgh Aerial Cabaret
Sun 26 July - 'Join us for an evening of aerial cabaret featuring performances on trapeze, silks and hoop. Students from our All or Nothing community in Edinburgh, Dunblane and Tillicoultry are coming together to showcase their incredible skills.'
6pm to 8.30pm | The Out of the Blue Drill Hall · Leith | £10, £6 concessions - More details here, shared by All or Nothing Aerial Dance Theatre.
🌍 Online Beginner Spanish, Italian, German and French Classes
Mon 27 July - 'Speak Out Languages signature Speak Out beginner language courses start next week! Even better, they are online, so you can learn from anywhere. Always wanted to learn a new language? This is the time!'
5pm to 6pm | Speak Out Languages · New Town - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎙️ creative soundLAB: All Things Podcast
Mon 27 July - 'Come meet chat and have your questions answered by experts in podcast publishing. Sample podcast show demos from indie producers and explore discover sample perfect music audio sound for your podcast projects.'
6pm to 8.30pm | Bright Red Triangle · Haymarket & Dalry | FREE - More details here, shared by opera.agency.
🧶 Want to learn Crochet this summer? For free? [Every Wednesday]
Wed 29 July - 'Learn to Crochet in a friendly, relaxed environment with others, suitable for beginners. We provide all the equipment and wool, so just bring yourself and we'll help you get started! Come along or get in touch if you have any questions.'
12pm to 1pm | The Wee Hub · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Inspiring Leith.
📝 Admin & Chill - Life Admin co-working
Thu 30 July - 'Admin & Chill are regular get-togethers where we tackle all the life admin & finance tasks we tend to put off in a supportive little group. Beat procrastination with us in focus sessions and a social afterwards!'
5.30pm to 7.30pm | YOTEL Edinburgh · New Town | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
☕ Heart of Newhaven Death Café
Sat 01 August - 'A death cafe is a safe space to talk about anything to do with death, dying or bereavement.'
10am to 12pm | The Heart of Newhaven Community · Trinity & Newhaven | FREE - More details here, shared by Bob Parker, End of Life Doula UK.
🍝 Colourful Pasta Workshop at The Cookbook Shop
Tue 18 August - 'Learn how to colour, shape, and pattern your own tagliatelle, then enjoy it as a meal, served with tomato sugo and snacks (fully vegan)!'
6pm to 8pm | The Cookbook Shop · Canonmills & Broughton - More details here, shared by Liz Bryson, The Cookbook Shop.
💃 Musical Dance with Jo Richard [Every Saturday]
Sat 29 August - 'Groove Back returns 22 Aug 2026- online live + in-person at Blazin (Sat 11am, open level). Bookings are open, and cover teachers will join for the start of the Autumn term. New style every two weeks, lots of fun, and a welcoming space for all levels.'
11am to 12pm | St Margaret's House · Abbeyhill & Meadowbank | £11/ £9.50 - More details here, shared by Pirita Tuisku, Groove Back!.
Remember you can always see all 170+ upcoming local events on TownSpot calendars and maps. Thanks to everyone who shares their things!
📮 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:
- 🔥 'Shops linked to Princes Street fire raided over unpaid business rates'.
- 🖼️ Titian’s Diana and Actaeon returns to National gallery after a 6-year refurb.
- 🎨 Visual Arts Scotland members called out for abusing the charity's team.
- 🌴 Newly restored Palm Houses at the Botanics to reopen on Friday 2 October.
- 🏊♂️ Summer of Sport with Edinburgh Leisure: Free & low-cost activities for young people.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 957.
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