> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.edinburghminute.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Monday 22 December 2025 - URL: https://www.edinburghminute.com/the-edinburgh-minute-monday-22-december-2025/ - Published: 2025-12-22T07:02:12.000Z - Updated: 2025-12-22T07:02:12.000Z - Description: Man arrested over six sexual assaults in Stockbridge, council ex-leader says 'sorry' for fake name scandal, top local chefs' Christmas dinner tips + bonus farmers' market & Wester Hailes carol concert tomorrow - Author: Michael MacLeod 🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. The newsletter will continue as normal this week until a pause on Thursday for some family time. Then back in your inboxes on Monday and, as usual, no plans to stop for New Year. There's also a special Hogmanay events edition brewing, along with a couple of other... crackers. Here’s Monday's **Edinburgh Minute**. [Subscribe for free or upgrade here](https://www.edinburghminute.com/#/portal/signup/) 🗑️ First of all, the council has published **changes to bin collections** over the next fortnight. - [Details are here](https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/festivedates?ref=edinburghminute.com). Now on with the news! 🌦️ **This week’s weather**: Yesterday was the winter solstice, meaning there’s slightly more daylight as the **days get longer again**. It's due to get colder in the week ahead. Cloudy most days with occasional breaks of sun. A high of **10C** on Monday and a low of **1C** on Thursday, but it's not forecast to be cold enough for snow nor a white Christmas. - [Find the full Met Office forecast here](https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/forecast/gcvwr3zrw?ref=edinburghminute.com#?date=2025-12-22). 🚨 A 22-year-old man is due to appear in court today charged in connection with **six sexual assaults in Stockbridge** on the evening of Friday 12 December. Originally three attacks had been reported, but [police released this update at the weekend](https://www.scotland.police.uk/what-s-happening/news/2025/december/man-arrested-and-charged-in-connection-with-six-sexual-assaults-in-edinburgh/?ref=edinburghminute.com). 🚑 A **bus** being driven on Princes Street **hit a pedestrian** outside the Balmoral Hotel on Friday evening. - [Jacob Farr & Ryan Carroll, Daily Record](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/pedestrian-rushed-hospital-after-being-36434829?ref=edinburghminute.com). 💰 The City of Edinburgh Council spent **£10.6million on taxis** in 2024-25, including £8.3m on school runs, [reports Dan Vevers in the Sunday Mail](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/scotlands-councils-spend-100m-school-36435253?ref=edinburghminute.com). The council responded, saying it was '*focused on reducing high costing transport packages*'. 💨 A proposed change in the law would allow drug users to smoke crack cocaine at **legal drugs consumption rooms** including one proposed in Edinburgh. - [Severin Carrell, The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/dec/21/scotland-officials-weigh-up-smoking-ban-exception-for-supervised-crack-use?ref=edinburghminute.com). 🗳️ Former **council leader** Cammy Day has issued an 'unreserved apology' after it was revealed he used a fake name to complain about fellow councillor Ross McKenzie, [report Dan Vevers & John Ferguson in the Sunday Mail](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/ex-council-leader-cammy-day-36435192?ref=edinburghminute.com). 🗳️ "*Young people are not voting and we need them to be voting*" - Councillors have instructed officers to provide '***universal political education'*** to local school children. - [Ross Chalmers, Deadline News](https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2025/12/19/edinburgh-council-approves-universal-political-education-for-school-pupils/?ref=edinburghminute.com). 🛍️ There's a bonus midweek **Edinburgh Farmers Market** on Tuesday from 9am to 2pm at Castle Terrace. - [Trader details are here](https://www.instagram.com/p/DSikyTYDFhL/?ref=edinburghminute.com). (The poster says 'Saturday' but it's definitely happening tomorrow). 🎄 More people are speaking up about **Leith's Christmas tree** being put up on Taylor Gardens rather than at the Foot of the Walk. - [Donald Turvill, The Herald](https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25712971.leith-locals-feel-intense-frustration-christmas-tree/?ref=edinburghminute.com). - ⮑ A **Liberton** couple have donated £100 to charity, inspired by an unexpected Christmas card from local school pupils who were admiring their garden decorations. - [Neil Johnstone has this wholesome report in the Evening News](https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinburgh-couple-make-charity-donation-after-schoolgirls-make-their-christmas-5450088?ref=edinburghminute.com). 🎪 The first wave of next summer's **Fringe by the Sea** headliners were announced over the weekend: Kool and The Gang, Belle and Sebastian and Louis Theroux are among them. [More details and tickets are here](https://www.fringebythesea.com/?ref=edinburghminute.com). - ⮑ A **new direct bus service** has also been announced for the festival. - [Erin Brown, East Lothian Courier](https://www.eastlothiancourier.com/news/25712564.new-direct-bus-service-announced-fringe-sea-2026/?ref=edinburghminute.com). - The festival has been **scheduled to start a week early** to avoid a clash with the Edinburgh festivals, [reports Jane Bradley in The Scotsman](https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/fringe-by-the-sea-to-start-a-week-early-to-avoid-festival-clash-5448771?ref=edinburghminute.com). It will open on 31 July and end on 9 August. 💡 A popular light show touring the world is due to stop in Edinburgh at the **McEwan Hall** in January. Named '*Eonarium: Enlightenment*', the 30-minute installation is described as follows: "*Set to a captivating soundscape inspired by the music of Vivaldi’s 'The Four Seasons', mesmerising visual projections will take audiences on a sensory journey through spring, summer, autumn and winter*." - [More details and tickets are here](https://eonariumexperiences.com/edinburgh/enlightenment/?ref=edinburghminute.com). [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/5b/925b4169-eb49-48f3-a960-edcd9282acd9/content/images/2025/12/604054449_18499130725077976_5698779185166493070_n.jpg)](https://www.instagram.com/p/DSe9DFADGmZ/?img%5Findex=2&ref=edinburghminute.com) [@edinburghuniversity on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/DSe9DFADGmZ/?img%5Findex=2&ref=edinburghminute.com). 🍻 The ***Beehive Inn*** in the Grassmarket is due to get a 'top-to-bottom refresh', meaning it will close from 12 January. It's due to reopen in February, with 42 staff kept on at other Belhaven pubs meantime. - [More details from Craig Williams in The Herald](https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25711586.historic-pub-shadow-edinburgh-castle-close-major-refurb/?ref=edinburghminute.com). 🏉 Also in the Grassmarket, ***The Black Bull*** pub has been named as the official new away hub for Edinburgh Rugby club fans. - [Scottish Licensed Trade News](https://sltn.co.uk/2025/12/19/edinburgh-rugby-scores-new-deal-with-the-black-bull-sports-bar/?ref=edinburghminute.com). 🍽️ Chefs from **Cardinal*, *The Gilded Saloon*, *Lyla** on Royal Terrace, ***Nàdair*** in Marchmont, ***The Palmerston***, ***Sotto*** in Stockbridge, ***Twelve Triangles*** and the ***Balmoral*** share their expert advice for a successful Christmas Day meal. - [Sarah Campbell, The Herald](https://www.heraldscotland.com/life%5Fstyle/25708771.19-top-scottish-chefs-share-best-christmas-dinner-tips/?ref=edinburghminute.com). ☕️ The owner of Meadowbank's ***Bliss House Café*** has pledged an entire day’s takings on 24 December to NHS Lothian Charity’s Secret Santa Appeal. - [Phyllis Stephen, The Edinburgh Reporter](https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2025/12/local-cafe-owner-to-donate-christmas-eve-takings-to-charity/?ref=edinburghminute.com). ⚽️ You won't be able to buy a gift for the Jambo in your life as good as their team being top of the league. But you could make them smile by sending them this glorious [**Slow Match Report by Daniel Gray of Nutmeg**](https://open.substack.com/pub/nutmegfootball/p/the-slow-match-report-hearts-2-rangers?utm%5Fcampaign=post-expanded-share&utm%5Fmedium=web). He's one of the country's best observational football writers: "*Tynecastle was volcanic, berserk. Somewhere in Lapland, Santa opened another can... 18,000 Christmases had come early*". [The Slow Match Report: Hearts 2 Rangers 1Last Christmas, Hearts gave us a bleak draw with Moldovan minnows. This year, they’re streaking ahead of their domestic rivals... even Sir Walter Scott couldn’t have made it up![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/5b/925b4169-eb49-48f3-a960-edcd9282acd9/content/images/icon/https-3A-2F-2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com-2Fpublic-2Fimages-2F20f5e4a6-0d5c-4b3f-b6e6-f856cc4da4ed-2Fapple-touch-icon-180x180.png)Nutmeg FCDaniel Gray![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/5b/925b4169-eb49-48f3-a960-edcd9282acd9/content/images/thumbnail/https-3A-2F-2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com-2Fpublic-2Fimages-2F498d89da-b9f3-4ea2-89a5-02b6aeb364ed_1835x1496.jpeg)](https://open.substack.com/pub/nutmegfootball/p/the-slow-match-report-hearts-2-rangers?utm%5Fcampaign=post-expanded-share&utm%5Fmedium=web) --- ### 📌 **Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard** ⮑ [Please get in touch using this form](https://forms.gle/nn8TZzDCRcWitTvX9?ref=edinburghminute.com). < It’s the only way to get something featured in the newsletter. 📌 “Wednesday 24 December - [***Join us on Christmas Eve for CAROLLING at Wester Hailes Library at 13:00***](https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story%5Ffbid=1242207097944419&id=100064654215077&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=HyeMJE5yt7dgMBRS#)*! We’re singing all your favourite winter songs together and will have hot cocoa and other festive treats!*” - Thanks to Jessi at Wester Hailes Library for sharing this. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/5b/925b4169-eb49-48f3-a960-edcd9282acd9/content/images/2025/12/594068225_1242205077944621_1555807234842462891_n.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story%5Ffbid=1242207097944419&id=100064654215077&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=HyeMJE5yt7dgMBRS#) 📌 “**The Open Door Edinburgh is delighted to have bought an electric minibus* via the Plugged in Communities Grant to transport people to and from our Day Services. This is making such a difference to our work and has zero emissions.* [***We need volunteer drivers***](https://www.theopendoor.org.uk/contact-3?ref=edinburghminute.com) *\- please email* hello@theopendoor.org.uk” - Thanks to Simon Warr, Operational Manager of The Open Door Edinburgh, for sharing this. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/5b/925b4169-eb49-48f3-a960-edcd9282acd9/content/images/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-21-at-13.43.51.png)](https://www.facebook.com/reel/2105259673638806) [****The Open Door Edinburgh**](https://www.facebook.com/reel/2105259673638806) is based at 420 Morningside Road. 📌 “*Sight Scotland’s *Royal Blind School* recently put on its annual Christmas show which was out of this world! The teachers and pupils took audiences on an inter-galactic adventure which ended with a very Christmasy and sparkly reveal*.” - [Thanks to the charity for sharing this link](https://sightscotland.org.uk/articles/news/royal-blind-school-christmas-show-out-world?ref=edinburghminute.com). 📌 “Sunday 28 December \~ *join us for our tenth* [***F\*ck the Small Talk***](https://luma.com/ftstedinburgh10?ref=edinburghminute.com) *this year! An evening of meaningful, fun, + deep conversation - a cool way to meet new people. 3 hours of facilitated + curated activities designed to get you out of your comfort zone + skip the small talk!*” - Thanks to Corinne Orton, Epic Llama Coordinator, for sharing this. 📌 “*Edinburgh Gin Distillery - Do you have an EH postcode? You can enjoy* [***15% off all our distillery experiences***](https://www.edinburghgin.com/visit?ref=edinburghminute.com) *every Sunday and 15% off your drinks in our Distillery Bar every Sunday. Use code: EG4EH at checkout.*” - Thanks to the venue for sharing this. 📌 “Sat 27 Dec at the Scottish Storytelling Centre: *Come along to a rare, one off, performance of* [***the world’s most boring card trick***](https://magicfest.co.uk/whats-on/richard-wiseman-the-worlds-most-boring/?ref=edinburghminute.com)*. Do you have what it takes to sit through it and get your certificate of completion? Feel free to leave at any point and success is an empty auditorium*.” - Thanks to Richard Wiseman for sharing this. 📌 “Saturday 27th December, [***Out of the Blue in Leith: Our last flea market of 2025***](https://outoftheblue.org.uk/events/december-flea-market?ref=edinburghminute.com)*! Join us on Saturday where we'll have over 40 stallholders selling all kinds of pre-loved items. From clothes and jewellery to books and collectibles. Plus teas, coffees and snacks from the Drill Hall Cafe*.” - Thanks to Out of the Blue for sharing this. 📌 “[***Join Edinburgh Young Walkers in 2026***](https://eyw.org.uk/?ref=edinburghminute.com) *for hiking trips, weekends away to the Highlands & Islands, day walks, and loads of social events. Something for everyone (20s-40s) beginner hikers to experienced mountaineers. Also: running, climbing, culture, books, games, nature, ceilidhs, camping, swimming.*” - Thanks to The EYW Committee for sharing this and the photo below. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/5b/925b4169-eb49-48f3-a960-edcd9282acd9/content/images/2025/12/IMG_2785-scaled.jpeg)](https://www.instagram.com/edinburghyoungwalkers/?ref=edinburghminute.com) 📌 “1st January 2-4pm [***New Year's Day Yoga Workshop***](https://www.emmamccready.co.uk/book-workshops?ref=edinburghminute.com)*. Join experienced teacher* [*Emma McCready at Hillside Yoga Studio*](https://www.instagram.com/p/DShf1-9F2v8/?ref=edinburghminute.com) *near the top of Leith Walk for myofascial release, restorative yoga, and journaling. The perfect way to settle into the new year.*” - Thanks to Emma for sharing this. 📌 “[***Jan 1st - Goal Setting: Kickstart Your Year with Drive***](https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=5742479&stype=-7&sView=day&sLoc=0&sTrn=100000001&date=01/01/26&ref=edinburghminute.com)*. Inspiring and practical goal-setting session designed to help you create powerful intentions and achievable targets that actually stick*.” - Thanks to Marpole Retreats, 378 Leith Walk, for sharing this. 📌 “[***Edinburgh City of Literature is recruiting an Operations and Development Officer***](https://cityofliterature.com/opsrecruitment/?ref=edinburghminute.com)*! We're looking for someone proactive and organised to support our work as the world's first UNESCO City of Literature. The role is part-time and fixed term -* [*visit our website*](https://cityofliterature.com/opsrecruitment/?ref=edinburghminute.com) *to download the job pack!*” - Thanks to Harriet MacMillan, Director of Edinburgh City of Literature, for sharing this. **📮 Anything missing?** [*Please share your local news and events here*](https://forms.gle/nn8TZzDCRcWitTvX9?ref=edinburghminute.com)*.* ### **👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:** 1. ⚽️ [Hang it in the... Portrait gallery. McTominay goal framed](https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/features/scott-mctominay-at-the-portrait?ref=edinburghminute.com). 2. 🚎 [Lothian Buses' winter timetables](https://www.lothianbuses.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LOTHIAN-XMAS-2025.pdf?ref=edinburghminute.com). 3. 🏗️ [New Town Quarter developer 'obviously disappointed' after rejection](https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25708202.plan-hundreds-new-homes-former-bank-site-refused/?ref=edinburghminute.com). 4. 🚧 [Community campaign success as St Mark's Path reopens](https://www.instagram.com/p/DSahBntDHBL/?img%5Findex=1&ref=edinburghminute.com). 5. 🔪 [Ovation for knife safety campaigning Mum](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crrkpl1y9kvo?ref=edinburghminute.com). *⏰ Thanks for reading edition number *796.** *📬 Free subscribers: *26,800+.** *📲 Visits generated for local news sources: *1,000,000+*.* [Subscribe for free or upgrade here](https://www.edinburghminute.com/#/portal/signup/)