The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Monday 23 March 2026

🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. Here’s today's Edinburgh Minute.

⛅️ This week's weather: Cloudy today with a chance of rain between 4pm and 6pm. Showers on Tuesday and Wednesday. Drier on Thursday and Friday. A temperature high of 12C on Tuesday and a low of 1C on Wednesday. - Get the full Met Office forecast here.

🪧 Police kept anti-immigration protesters and an opposition rally apart outside the Scottish Parliament on Saturday. - Neil Pooran, PA Media on STV News + BBC Scotland News.

💻 Local councillors have voted for a temporary ban on new AI data centres in the city until clearer national guidance is issued. - Rose Moncur, The Herald.

🏥 Leith MSP Ben Macpherson is campaigning for the city's next GP walk-in clinic to be opened at Ocean Terminal. He shared this video. The Scottish Government confirmed it is planning a second walk-in clinic in Edinburgh after recently opening one in Wester Hailes. - Ian Swanson, Evening News.

🎸 Staff at Cowgate rock bar Legends say they have received 'confirmation that Monday 23rd will be our last night ever', after 35+ years in business. However the bar's owners and possible new owners have still not responded to any media requests. It's widely reported that Encore Bars is taking over with plans for another rodeo themed bar, although this is not confirmed. - Legends on Instagram.

• ⮑ Legends' staff tried to get help from the Unite Hospitality union the prevent the closure, but were told a sale had already been agreed. They said: "The way our members at Legends have been treated is reflective of a wider, more concerning trend in Edinburgh’s hospitality sector. The rate at which hospitality venues are closing is extremely concerning. But within this, the way in which hospitality workers are being treated by employers during closure processes smacks of disregard and contempt." - Gabriel McKay, The Herald.

🧀 After 12 years in business, Portobello cheese shop The Mouse Hole Deli is closing next Saturday. - Owner Louise shared this update.

🚔 Owners of the Corstorphine Pram Centre have published CCTV images of people stealing items from the shop. - Jacob Farr, Edinburgh Live.

🚴‍♂️ BBC broadcaster Greg James completed a 1,000km charity tandem bike ride from Weymouth to Edinburgh on Friday, raising £4m for Comic Relief. Arriving into Murrayfield stadium, James said: "I keep bursting into tears. Weymouth to Edinburgh, what a stupid idea. But what a beautiful day." - Georgia Levy-Collins, BBC News. Among those greeting him was local record-breaker Mark Beaumont who kindly sent these images:

🤸‍♀️ Six year-old schoolgirl Flora Walker successfully cartwheeled around her primary school at Parsons Green, raising nearly £2,000 for Comic Relief. - Neil Johnstone, Evening News.

📨 The council leader Jane Meagher says she will 'tell the police off' for an A-board 'placed right in the middle of a walkway'. - Joe Sullivan, Local Democracy Reporter, Midlothian View.

🗑️ "If everyone picked up just a couple of pieces of litter during their walk, the impact would be enormous." - A new 'Keep Craigmillar Clean' campaign has been launched, tackling litter in the area. Community clean-ups are planned for 29 March and 12 April. - Rose Moncur, The Herald.

🐾 Vets at the University of Edinburgh’s Hospital for Small Animals have issued a warning and advice about dogs swallowing fish hooks after three recent cases. - Allister Webb, Vet Times.

🪯 Tributes will be paid in Leith today to local Sikh community leader Sardar Sapuran Singh Bhai, who has died aged 98. - Kevin Quinn, Evening News.

"He was a Leither through and through, and Leith knew it — a local artist immortalised him in a striking print simply titled ‘Leither’, a testament to how deeply embedded he became in the fabric of the city." - Mr Singh’s grandson Hari Singh.

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👥 Strengthening Communities Fund awards local projects - '4 Lothians projects - Heart of Newhaven £47,356; North Edinburgh R2 Co-ordinator (through Community Renewal Trust) £56,205; One Dalkeith £36,057; Gorebridge Community Development Trust £48,169; Kirknewton Community Development Trust £35,000' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

📚 Elvis Shakespeare closing on March 29th - 'Sad news about an Edinburgh-Leith institution: splendidly-named second-hand book and record shop Elvis Shakespeare on Leith Walk is closing on March 29th. The owner is retiring, and plans for someone to take it on fell through.' - Thanks to a Minute reader for sharing this. - The shop is posting sale details on Facebook.

🛠️ Repair Cafe - Bridgend Farmhouse
Sat 28 March - 'Got something that's broken? Bring it along to our event on Saturday and our volunteers will help you repair your household items... we can also help with fabrics and clothing repairs. Please email us to book a space!'
11am to 3pm | Bridgend Farmhouse Cafe, EH16 4TE | FREE - More details here, shared by Repair Cafe Edinburgh.

🐇 Three Hares Ceilidh
Sat 28 March - 'join us for an unforgettable night of music and dance with the incredible Greater Spotted Ceilidh Band, local & organic bar, fundraising raffle...'
6.30pm to 11pm | Community Church Edinburgh - King's Hall, EH8 9NZ | £12-£26 - More details here, shared by Ceilidh Collective.

🎶 Capital Concert Band presents "Our Favourites"
Sat 28 March - 'Come along and hear the band play a selection of our favourite tunes; from 'Bohemian Rhapsody', to 'James Bond', and 'Edinburgh Castle", there's something for everyone!'
7pm to 10pm | Leith St Andrew's Church, EH6 8HT | £8, £5 concessions - More details here, shared by Sophie Taylor, Capital Concert Band.

📸 Mindful Photography Workshop
Sun 29 March - 'Mindful photography invites a deeper appreciation of nature while fostering relaxation and clarity. This gentle, meditative practice offers a chance to rest the thinking mind and reconnect with the present moment through photography.'
11am to 1pm | Bridgend Farmhouse Cafe, EH16 4TE | £16.96/£11.50/£9.00 - More details here, shared by Seeing The Now.

🌸 Spring Zine Workshop
Sun 29 March - 'A new zine workshop from @Movreeen celebrating the arrival of spring with zinemaking that incorporates botanic arts. Flower stamping, nature documenting, and flower shadow drawing will all be explored within the medium of zine.'
2pm to 4pm | Slow Progress Records & Coffee, EH1 1NB | 14.79 - More details here, shared by Brooke Movreen, MOVREEEN.

🧘‍♀️ Roll & Release Yoga Workshop
Sun 29 March - 'Join experienced teacher Emma for self myofasical release and restorative yoga. Therapy balls are provided to massage the feet, legs, and back helping to relieve aches and pains and improve mobility. The Yoga aspect is very gentle and relaxing.'
3pm to 5pm | Ashtanga Yoga Edinburgh & Hillside Collective, EH7 5JT | £45 - More details here, shared by Emma McCready.

🏡 Oxgangs Community Association - Public Meetings [Monthly]
Mon 30 March - 'Join us at our monthly public meetings to get direct updates from local officials and help make Oxgangs an even better place to live. All residents are welcome to drop in for an hour of face-to-face community discussion.'
6.30pm to 7.30pm | Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre, EH13 9EU | FREE - More details here, shared by Oxgangs Community Association.

🎨 still drawing. still-life sketching
Tue 31 March - 'still drawing. is running another still life drawing session in Leith. We'll be sketching an arrangement of thrifted/vintage items, there'll be some light bevs so you can sketch + sip. Limited tickets still available. Happy sketching!'
7pm to 8.30pm | Claws and Pause Ltd, EH6 6QH - More details here, shared by still drawing..

🎺 Phil O'Malley & Chris Greive Quintet
Thu 02 April - 'Two outstanding Scottish jazz trombonists come together for a night of swinging, brass-led jazz at the Juniper Green Note. Last few tickets remaining.'
7.30pm to 9.30pm | Baberton Golf Club, EH14 5DU | £13 - More details here, shared by The Juniper Green Note grassroots jazz club.

😊 Newhaven Death Cafe
Sat 04 April - 'A death cafe is a safe space to talk about anything that interests or concerns you about end of life, dying, death and bereavement - and a chance to eat cake.'
10am to 12pm | The Heart of Newhaven Community, EH6 4HY | FREE - More details here, shared by Bob Parker.

🥂 Crybaby Brunch - Stockbridge
Sat 04 April - 'Hi, we're launching our new Crybaby brunch in Stockbridge this Easter weekend.'
10am to 4pm | Crybaby, EH4 1LW - More details here, shared by Tiny Cup Collective.

🍃 Forest Bathing Walk & Sencha Tea Ritual Experience
Sun 12 April - 'Experience a guided Forest Bathing walk in a private woodland with a calming Sencha tea ritual. Slow down, engage your senses, reconnect with nature, and leave refreshed, grounded, and restored. Book your place today!'
10.30am to 1pm | 5 Old Church Lane Duddingston EH15 3PX United Kingdom, EH15 3PX | £27.80 - More details here, shared by Creative Roots in Nature.

💪 Learn Pilates in this three week beginners course at The Pilates Hub Leith [Weekly]
Mon 13 April - 'In this three week beginners course you'll learn the basics on our Reformers, Mats, Towers and Chairs so you can confidently join any level 1 class on our timetable. This course is suitable for anyone not injured or currently pregnant.'
6.45pm to 7.40pm | The Pilates Hub, EH6 6SW | £88 - More details here, shared by Elaine Turner, The Pilates Hub.

🌲 Easter Holiday Club with Edinburgh Nature Forest School
Wed 15 April - 'Easter Forest School Holiday Club with Edinburgh Nature Forest School - 15th-17th April, 10 am-2 pm, £96. Kids will explore the woods, build dens, enjoy campfires, crafts & games, and have outdoor fun in a safe, nature-filled adventure!'
10am to 2pm | Craigmillar Castle Park, EH16 4TB - More details here, shared by edinburghnatureforestschool, Edinburgh Nature Forest School.

🍷 Discover Rotary
Mon 27 April - 'Come along to our 'Discover Rotary' event and learn what Rotary is all about! About friendship and fellowship, about volunteering, about supporting charities. An informal, fun event with wine and nibbles. Really look forward to seeing you!'
5.30pm to 6.30pm | The Scotsman Hotel, EH1 1TR | FREE - More details here, shared by Gordon Young, Rotary Club of Edinburgh.

🎶 An Independence Ball
Sat 04 July - 'Step back in time at Edinburgh Quadrille Society's historical ball this Summer. Dress in your finest Georgian/Regency attire and experience the elegance of 18th - 19th century dances in the Great Gallery of Dalkeith Palace. Light buffet included.'
6pm to 10pm | French Institute of Scotland, EH1 1RN | £80 - More details here, shared by Edinburgh quadrille society.

🚂 The Yorvik Discovery
Sat 25 July - 'Step aboard a special, heritage train, hauled by class 40 diesel locomotive 'Andania' for a memorable day excursion to the historic city of York and seaside resort of Scarborough.'
7.30am to 8.30pm | On board a train | Tickets from £69.00 - More details here, shared by The Scottish Railway Preservation Society.

📮 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:

1. 🧖🏻‍♀️ New spa beneath St Andrew Square in former bank vault.
2. 🚈  ScotRail to replace some Edinburgh trains by 'late 2027'.
3. ⚽️ Councillors vote against bonus bank holiday for football World Cup.
4. 💾 Plans for AI data centre on Green Belt land near Heriot-Watt.
5. 🛣️ Sheriffhall flyover decision delayed until after May election.

⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 870.
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