The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Monday 21 September 2026
Tax-dodger crackdown thanks to local journalism, 12-year-old bagpipe player 'attacked by mob', mystery as Spartans football manager leaves + 'iconic' Dublin restaurant pops-up here for one night
👋 Good morning Edinburgh. On we go with edition 1,001. Here’s Monday's Edinburgh Minute.
🌦️ Today's weather forecast: Warmer temperatures this week and those gusts should be dying down. Dry and cloudy today and tomorrow morning. Rain on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. Sunnier on Thursday ahead of a mixed weekend. A temperature high of 20C on Tuesday and a low of 8C on Wednesday night.- The full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh is here.
💰 The council is taking further steps to crack down on tax-dodging businesses. Previously-confidential details about firms using 'phoenixing' tactics to avoid paying council business rates (closing down to wipe out debts before reopening under new names) will now be shared with councillors to strengthen enforcement action. Journalism published by this newsletter has been officially recognised in helping to spark the crackdown following July's Princes Street fire.
- Local Green councillor Claire Miller tabled a motion at Thursday's council meeting, which was unanimously accepted by all parties. It means councillors will now receive direct briefings on rate-recovery efforts, giving clearer oversight to ensure tax laws are enforced, as well as bringing in Trading Standards and Environmental Health officers if needed.
- Miller thanked investigative journalists for the naming and shaming of tax-dodging shops, initially led by London Centric (Jim Waterson, Cormac Kehoe, Andrew Naughtie & Rachel Rees) in collaboration with The Edinburgh Minute. The investigations are now continued more regularly by Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco at The Herald. We also published a further investigation by Jim Waterson and Polly Smythe into who was operating the shops in the former Debenhams store when it burned down in July.
- Our exposure of rogue businesses using phoenixing tactics has now helped push city leaders to take further action, as councillor Miller told Thursday's meeting:
"This will enable us to take informed decisions on what further actions are really needed, whether that be a change to enforcement or a follow-up with other agencies to tighten up the whole regime. I'm absolutely sure that law-abiding businesses and residents across the city would want us to identify further action that can be taken." - Councillor Claire Miller.
⮑ Miller added: "I want to thank both Michael MacLeod at The Edinburgh Minute, and Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco at The Herald for their investigative journalism into phoenixing and non-payment of non-domestic rates in Edinburgh. It has been utterly outrageous to see and read reports that they've given us, seeing the amount of arrears and the number of businesses emerging through their reporting. And I'm sure that law-abiding taxpaying businesses around Edinburgh will have been appalled to read these stories."
⮑ Conservative councillor Iain Whyte added his support, calling for the council to use every tool at its disposal to go even further: "If a rogue business is flouting its business rates responsibilities, it's probably flouting some other rules as well, and Trading Standards do have powers to close businesses as appropriate."
Jim Waterson
Michael MacLeod
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Michael MacLeod
✈️ Protestors who caused £150,000 of damage at the Leonardo aerospace facility at Crewe Toll in 2023 have avoided prison sentences and will instead do unpaid community work. - Alexander Lawrie, Evening News / Edinburgh Live.
🎮 Edinburgh-based computer game studio Build A Rocket Boy is facing questions about its future after more employees were made redundant. - Alasdair Ferguson, The National.
- The IWGB Games Worker Union said there had been 'heartbreaking job losses', reports Mark Warren of Rock Paper Shotgun.
- There are 'reports that the developer is ‘permanently closing its doors’', writes Adam Starkey in the Metro, but no confirmation from BARB. A thread of posts by employees now seeking new work is on LinkedIn.
🌍 A local climate technology platform that uses AI 'to monitor environmental recovery' has secured £96,000 from Scottish Enterprise. - Rose Moncur, The Herald.
🚔 A 12-year-old boy was allegedly targeted by 'a mob of boys' who were live-streaming on the internet while he was playing the bagpipes in Princes Street Gardens at the weekend. His parents say they've reported the incident to police. - Ian Swanson, Evening News, (also today's Evening News front page story).
🍵 The third Blank Street coffee shop, and the second on Princes Street, has been announced. - Lee Dalgetty & Chloe Goodall, Edinburgh Live.
🎬 Filming of the second series of Netflix show Dept Q continues in the New Town, Marchmont and various spots around town. Choosing Edinburgh as its location 'was last minute choice after 15 years in planning', its writer and director said in a weekend interview. - Jane Bradley, The Scotsman.
⚽️ Douglas Samuel, manager of North Edinburgh football club The Spartans, has left the club after an independent investigation into 'allegations of misconduct'. The Ainslie Park club said: "Out of respect for the privacy of the individuals involved, and in accordance with our confidentiality policies, we will make no further comment on the specific details of the investigation or its findings." The 59-year-old was the SPFL's longest-serving coach after 14 years in charge. He was put on 'extended leave with immediate effect' on 6 September.
🗑️ The recently formed Edinburgh Trash Club is teaming up with Good Gym Edinburgh tomorrow for a clean-up of the park and surrounding streets at Tolbooth Wynd in Leith before grabbing a drink after. - Volunteers are welcome. Find out more here.
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📰 Editor Needed for The Grange Prestonfield Voice - 'If you live in the Grange, Prestonfield, or surrounding neighbourhoods, and would be interested in editing a monthly newsletter, please get in touch by emailing gpccengagement@gmail.com. Thanks!' - Shared by GPCC.
The Grange Prestonfield Voice
🍂 Volunteer with the Botanics' Autumn Trail! - 'Fancy getting involved with something a little different this Autumn? The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh are recruiting enthusiastic and friendly volunteers to support the running of their Autumn Trail, with various shifts available 10 - 18 October. (Deadline: 24 Sep)' - More details here, shared by RBGE Creative Programmes Team.
🧠 Paid Opportunity for Young People Aged 10-24: Help Shape the Future of Youth Mental Health Research - 'Young people aged 10–24 are invited to join co-creative workshops to help shape how young people are involved in mental health research. You will develop useful research and employability skills, and receive £42 in Amazon vouchers for taking part! (Deadline: 23 Sep)' - More details here, shared by Helen Stocks, Heriot-Watt University.
🤰 Call for participants: Pregnancy Wellbeing Study - 'I’m a trainee psychologist recruiting participants for my doctoral research on wellbeing during pregnancy. The anonymous online survey takes 20–30 minutes to complete. Thank you for supporting maternal mental health research 💛' - More details here, shared by Magdalena Domka, University of Edinburgh.
🏘️ Oxgangs Community Association Residents' Meeting. - 'Sept 28 - Have your say on local issues and help make Oxgangs an even better place to live. This forum allows residents to discuss community concerns and engage directly with local council officers and elected officials. (Deadline: 28 Sep)' - More details here, shared by Jennifer, Oxgangs Community Association.
✨️ Vinyasa Flow with Adam - weekly intermediate yoga classes [Every Mon, Tue & Thu]
Today, Mon 21 September - 'Yoga classes with no overt spirituality but all of the soul, with airy, melodic tracks you may not have heard before. Mon @ Salisbury Centre, Tue/Thu @ St Margaret's House Familiarity with basic poses is assumed, not suitable for complete beginners.'
7pm to 8pm | St Margaret's House · Abbeyhill & Meadowbank | September is free - More details here, shared by Adam.
🎨 Connect - an Ecas Exhibition [Until Thu]
Tomorrow, Tue 22 September - 'A celebration of Ecas and all that they do, featuring artworks, creative writing, music and performance from their weekly activity groups and befriending service.'
10am to 5pm | The Out of the Blue Drill Hall · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust.
📝 Three Poets at Lighthouse
Tomorrow, Tue 22 September - 'There's nothing we love more than a poetry night at Lighthouse, and we're delighted to be bringing you not one, not two, but THREE incredible poets as we welcome Jennifer Lee Tsai and Jay Gao's new collections in the company of Agata Maslowska.'
7pm to 8.30pm | Lighthouse - Edinburgh's Radical Bookshop · Old Town | £4/free - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🌿 Online Zoom Forum: Ecopsychology: The Spiritual, Ecological and Ethical Foundations - 'There will be six talks, each of 12 minutes, followed by discussion among the speakers and the chair, followed by Q & A. Date: Wednesday 23 September 2026. Time: 7pm-9pm (UK time).' - More details here, shared by Neill Walker, Edinburgh International Centre for Spirituality and Peace.
🎹 Lunchtime Organ Recital at Barclay Viewforth Church
Thurs 24 September - 'Organist Michael Bonaventure gives this month's lunchtime recital and his programme includes works by Judith Weir, Olivier Messiaen, locally-based composer Iain Matheson as well as pieces by Couperin, Boëllmann & Walford Davies.'
1pm to 2pm | Barclay Viewforth Church of Scotland · Bruntsfield | FREE - More details here, shared by Michael Bonaventure.
📚 The Shape of Monsters book launch
Thurs 24 September - 'Join Fife author CL Hellisen at the launch of their queer, dark, twisty fantasy novel The Shape of Monsters. Free wine* and cake for all attendees! (*Or a nonalcoholic beverage, of course)'
7pm to 8pm | Blackwell's Bookshop · Old Town | £3 – £20 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎶 Gong Baths Are Back With Daniel Killeen At Edinburgh Therapy Centre
Fri 25 September - 'Gongs baths starting up again with the first in this season. Bring yourself to a better grounded self laying down to the vibrational resonance of gongs. Daniel leads you with guided breath work and into a journey of sound with gongs and percussion.'
6.30pm to 8pm | Edinburgh Therapy Centre · Leith | £25 - More details here, shared by Daniel Killeen.
🎨 Palate Palette Guided Tasting at The Cookbook Shop
Fri 25 September - 'Join Brooklyn-based wife duo Lish Steiling and Abby Cook (The Taste Curators) for an immersive tasting of small bites and cocktails that explore the intersections of flavour, colour, and fashion.'
7pm to 8.30pm | The Cookbook Shop · Canonmills & Broughton - More details here, shared by Liz Bryson, The Cookbook Shop.
🍽️ Assassination Custard at Norah
Sun 27 September - 'Assassination Custard - one of Dublin's most iconic restaurants lands in Edinburgh for one day only. Having been recognised by the New York Times, and named as one of Ireland's top places for lunch they bring a 6 course menu to Norah over 3 sittings.'
1.30pm to 10.30pm | Norah · Trinity & Newhaven | £60pp - More details here, shared by Norah.
🍽️ Number One Chef Series with guest, Alice Power - Head Chef of Michelin starred The Black Swan
Mon 28 September - 'Number One at The Balmoral will host a one-night dinner with Alice Power of Michelin-starred The Black Swan at Oldstead on 28 September, alongside Head Chef John Munro.'
6.30pm to 9pm | Number One · Old Town | £150 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎻 Edinburgh Quartet - Schubert: A Journey - the Young Schubert
Mon 28 September - 'The Edinburgh Quartet returns to the beautiful St Cecilia's Hall for the opening concert of our new six-part lunchtime series, Schubert: A Journey Through His String Quartets.'
1pm to 2pm | St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum · Old Town | £13-16.25 - More details here, shared by Hannah.
🎶 creative soundLAB: SEPTEMBER 2026
Mon 28 September - 'Music Audio Sound Sync Showcase Networking Event. We are shining a spotlight on the new 'LoopSequence' platform featuring awesome animations, fresh audio loops and collaborations gallery. Come network with Edinburgh's creative sectors.'
6pm to 8.30pm | Bright Red Triangle · Haymarket & Dalry | FREE - More details here, shared by opera.agency.
🍄 Edinburgh Fungi Festival
Sat 03 October - 'The Edinburgh Fungi Festival brings together science, art, and local knowledge in a weekend of education and appreciation of Kingdom Fungi for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Expect interactive workshops, guided walks, & varied talks!'
10am to 6pm | The Nucleus Building · The Grange | FREE - More details here, shared by Elliana Efird.
🎨 The Creative Playground [Every Sunday]
Sun 04 October - 'Play belongs to everyone. Reclaim joy in creative making, no matter who told you your way of being was wrong. 3 sessions: drawing, printmaking, animation. Free. No experience needed. Priority booking for marginalised communities.'
1pm to 3.30pm | Saltire Court · Tollcross | FREE - More details here, shared by Keisha.
🐦 The Treecreepers Birdwatching Group
Sun 04 October - 'The Treecreepers is a twice monthly birdwatching and nature group for people aged 18-35. Join our upcoming sessions in October!'
1pm to 4pm | Holyrood Park | £3/£5/£8 - More details here, shared by El, The Treecreepers.
💻️ Together in Tech presents "Upwardly Mobile: navigating a career as the underrepresented in tech"
Tue 13 October - 'Tech has a diversity problem. Join Together in Tech for an evening exploring what it takes to build and progress a career in tech as a woman or someone from an underrepresented background. Including tips for CVs, LinkedIn and networking. ALL WELCOME!'
5.30pm to 7.30pm | CodeBase · Tollcross | FREE - More details here, shared by Together in Tech.
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:
- 🎓 University staff plan five-week walkout as 90 courses face axe.
- 🎉 The Edinburgh church where you don’t have to believe in God turns 250.
- 🚦 Causey project lands £1.86m of tourist tax income for traffic island transformation.
- Archaeologists seek 'lost settlement' in Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park.
- 🌊 Army bomb squad called to Granton.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 1,001.
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📲 Visits generated for local news sources: 5,000,000+.
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