The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Monday 29 June 2026
Parents raise overcrowding alarm at top city schools, thousands in Leith anti-racism march, balaclava gang attack man in tunnel + protest planned as Royals arrive for 'Holyrood Week'
🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. Another busy start to the week. Here’s Monday's Edinburgh Minute.
🌤️ This week’s Edinburgh weather forecast: It's a dry start but we could see showers at some point between 6pm and 10pm. Wetter on Tuesday, then cloudy with sunny intervals for the rest of the weekend. A high of 21C on Wednesday and a low of 12C on Thursday night. - See the full Met Office forecast here.
🏫 Pupils are reported to be 'eating in toilets' 'to escape overcrowding' at at James Gillespie’s and Boroughmuir high schools. The council admits there are 'accommodation pressures' and says it's talking to parents. - Catriona Stewart, The Scotsman.
🪧 Organisers of Saturday's 'Stand up to Racism' rally estimate 5,000 people marched from Montgomery Street Park to Pilrig Park. - Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco, The Herald.
- ⮑ The demonstration was supported by the STUC and trade unions including Unite, PCS, NASUWT, EIS, CWU, UCU and FBU, as well as the Muslim Council of Scotland, MEND, the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign, human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar and celebrities including comedian Frankie Boyle, writer Irvine Welsh and musicians from Young Fathers. - The Stand up to Racism Scotland campaign published its statement on Facebook and on Bluesky.
- ⮑ "Many of my friends, especially Muslim women wearing hijabs, feel it is not safe to go out", Rania Obead, co-convener of Stand Up to Racism Edinburgh, told Holly Lennon of STV News.
- ⮑ Two students who were stabbed in the alleged 'anti-muslim attack have spoken about the ordeal. - Gemma Ryder and Cara Blackhall, Edinburgh Live.
🚑 Four soldiers collapsed during the opening ceremony of the new Scottish Parliament in hot weather on Saturday. - Ruth Suter & Chloe Goodall, Edinburgh Live.
👑 Tomorrow the King and Queen will host guests at a garden party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, alongside the Duke of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal. - More details about 'Holyrood Week' on the Royal family website here.
- ⮑ Activists are planning an anti-monarchy protest outside the Order of the Thistle ceremony at St Giles' Cathedral on Wednesday from 10.30am to 11am. - More details via Republic.org.
🚨 Detectives are hunting for three men wearing balaclavas who attacked a man on the Innocent Railway cycle path, between the Bingham tunnel and Duddingston on Saturday night. The trio escaped on a motorbike, while the victim suffered a serious leg injury and was taken to hospital. - Police published this statement.
☕️ Traders in the Shore Business Collective have launched a petition over the cost of table and chair permits, which the council insists helps pay for 'maintaining safe pavements'. - Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco, The Herald.
- + The petition is here.
🚲 The design of Leith Walk's notorious 'zig-zag' pavement cycle lanes 'create maximum chances to knock somebody down' according to top architect Malcolm Fraser. - Alastair Dalton, The Scotsman.
🏉 Gavin Hastings has led tributes to his brother Scott Hastings at a colourful celebration of the rugby player's life at George Watson’s College on Saturday afternoon. - Rachel Fergusson of The Scotsman was there.
🎸 Rock royalty Shirley Manson and her band Garbage return to her home city on Saturday 11 July. Manson says: 'To have the chance to play the castle feels wildly, insanely incredible', in an exclusive interview with Janet Christie in The Scotsman.
🎭 New research claims Edinburgh’s flagship festivals are worth more than £850 million to the Scottish economy, in return for the £12m they get in public funding. - Brian Ferguson, The Herald.
- + 'How much public money goes into Edinburgh's annual arts festivals?' - Brian Ferguson investigates.
🚎 A new bus service will connect the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with towns of East Lothian. The X11 by Prentice of Haddington launches this week and is a one-year trial. - Cameron Ritchie, East Lothian Courier.
🎨 Volunteers have restored the Niddrie House Community Mural after it was hit by graffiti. - Tom H. Wilson, Deadline News.
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🏙️ REPORTER 'MINDED TO GRANT PERMISSION' FOR NEW TOWN QUARTER - 'A Scottish Govt Reporter will green-light controversial proposals (including 600-bed purpose-built student accommodation) for site between Dundas Street and King George V Park. It's a 'sad day' for the 447 individuals and organisations who objected.' - More details here, shared by Broughton Spurtle.
🚶♂️ "Space for cycling shouldn't come from walking space" - 'Leading Edinburgh architect, urbanist and cyclist Malcolm Fraser calls for pedestrians to take their rightful place at the top of the city’s travel hierarchy at Living Streets Edinburgh public meeting' - More details here, shared by Living Streets Edinburgh.
⚽️ Hibs legend John “Yogi” Hughes celebrates with Leith Legends after 3,070-mile challenge - 'The Leith Legends were welcomed by John “Yogi” Hughes at Easter Road Stadium in recognition of their 3,070-mile walking challenge achievement.' - More details here, shared by Harbour Homes.
🍻 Edinburgh pub permanently slashes pint prices after landmark move - 'The Old Chain Pier is celebrating a historic milestone following the implementation of the new Scottish Pubs Code with an expanded beer range and permanently slashing price of its house lager to £5.' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🌼 The Taste That Couldn't Wait exhibition [Until Sat]
Today, Mon 29 June - 'It started with something as small as old bay leaves left in the bin to a question what does home smell like? An exhibition explores memory, migration, and Thai culture through floral installation, photography, and sensory storytelling.'
11am to 6pm | 12 Brougham St · Tollcross | FREE - More details here, shared by Sara Ananrojwong, Floral Reef & Co.
🚴♂️ Adult Confidence Builder Bike Rides [Every Monday]
Today, Mon 29 June - 'The Bike Station is organising Bike Rides every Monday from 5pm-6pm, on quiet roads. Open to adults (16+) with a working bike who want to build road cycling confidence and skills. Come join qualified cycle trainer, Pippa, outside Pav cafe!'
5pm to 6pm | The Pavilion Café · Marchmont & Meadows | FREE - More details here, shared by Pippa Sumner, The Bike Station.
🎉 Quiz at Bar Salsa [Every Monday]
Today, Mon 29 June - 'Join us at Bar Salsa for our fun and lively Quiz, hosted by Castle Rock Hostel. It's a fun, easy-going way to get social and meet other travellers from around the world.'
9pm to 11pm | Bar Salsa · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Aino Merilainen, Bruce Taverns.
🐣 The Chicken Coop Writing Group
Tomorrow, Tue 30 June - 'Join The Good Eggs for an evening of writing, book swapping, sharing your work and making friends with Leith-based writer Naomi Head.'
6pm to 8.30pm | Lost in Leith · Leith | Pay what you can - More details here, shared by Naomi Head, The Good Egg Project.
🎻 Poetry & Pints
Tomorrow, Tue 30 June - 'Poetry & Pints returns on Tuesday 30th. Join us for an evening of poetry, in a welcoming and friendly setting, featuring the Scotland launch of 'Tell Me How You Really Feel': a new creative journal about queer living. Open-mic spaces available.'
6.30pm to 9.30pm | The Bowlers Rest · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Jacob O'Sullivan.
🌊 At Sea: A high stakes, high seas, eco thriller from Y.M. Abdel-Magied
Tomorrow, Tue 30 June - 'A thrilling & emotionally complex novel of impossible choices, gender, power politics and the machismo of Big Oil - At Sea is the new novel from Y.M. Abdel-Magied. Yassmin will be in conversation with Rachelle Atalla for an evening of feminist lit!'
7pm to 8pm | Lighthouse - Edinburgh's Radical Bookshop · Old Town | £4/free - More details here, shared by Lighthouse - Edinburgh's Radical Bookshop.
🍽️ The Spinster Cookbook with Eli Davies
Tomorrow, Tue 30 June - 'What does it mean to cook for one in a society designed for families & couples? Roxani Krystalli will join Davies to discuss her culinary tour of the single woman's kitchen, a space shaped as much by a search for freedom as by appetite.'
7pm to 8pm | The Portobello Bookshop · Portobello - More details here, shared by The Portobello Bookshop.
🎭 THE BURNS PROJECT [Until Sun]
Tomorrow, Tue 30 June - 'Take a seat at the Bard's table for an intimate, unique theatre experience exploring the complicated life and legacy of Robert Burns - it's "magnetic" (The Scotsman), "embodied" (The Guardian) and "[Burns has] never felt more alive" (The QR Review).'
7.30pm to 8.30pm | The Lyceum · Tollcross | £21.50, £26.50 - More details here, shared by James Allan Clements.
🎲 The RPG One-Shot Club
Wed 01 July - 'Come play one-shot tabletop role-play games. Find us by buzzing #4 on the Sandstone Building intercom (beside Kiki's Café), and just say if ramp or elevator access is required. Arrive from 18:00, games start 18:30. Beginners warmly welcomed!'
6pm to 10pm | Ancient Robot Workshop · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Tanya Floaker.
🏃♂️ Sundowner 5K Series - Leith Links
Wed 01 July - 'Three summer evenings, three iconic Edinburgh parks. Run 1 for £12 or commit to all 3 for £30. Friendly 5Ks, great atmosphere, prizes and progress guaranteed. All races start at 6.30pm 1 July - Leith Links / 26 Aug - Fettes / 9 Sept - Inverleith Park'
6.30pm to 7.30pm | Earth in Common · Leith | From £10 - More details here, shared by Blast Running.
🤾♂️ Free Korfball Beginner Sessions [Every Wednesday]
Wed 01 July - 'Want to try something new and meet new people? Try korfball for free! A fun mixed-gender sport, similar to basketball and netball. No experience needed and everyone welcome!'
7pm to 8.30pm | Inverleith Park · Inverleith | FREE - More details here, shared by Katrina, Edinburgh City Korfball Club.
🍻 Bad Boy Pub Quiz at McGonagall's [Every Wednesday]
Wed 01 July - 'The Most Entertaining Pub Quiz Around! Every Wednesday at 7 pm in McGonagall's.'
7pm to 9.30pm | McGonagalls Gin & Whisky Emporium · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Aino Merilainen, Bruce Taverns.
🕵️♂️ The Heirs: A Queer Murder Mystery with Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé & Margaret McDonald
Thu 02 July - 'From the award-winning author of Ace of Spades comes a mystery about 5 teen geniuses, their billionaire father, and the aftermath of his murder-perfect for fans of The Inheritance Games, Umbrella Academy, and Knives Out!'
7pm to 8pm | Lighthouse - Edinburgh's Radical Bookshop · Old Town | £9.99/free - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🇵🇸 Farah Chamma
Sun 05 July - 'An unmissable opportunity to see Palestinian performance poet Farah Chamma on her UK tour. She's young, vibrant and has a lot to say! Supported by local Palestinian poet, Tasneem Maher, this will definitely be a great evening.'
7.30pm to 9pm | Palestine Museum Scotland · New Town | £5-£15 sliding scale - More details here, shared by Palestine Museum Scotland.
🏆 Panini World Cup Sticker Swap
Tue 07 July - 'We are hosting a panini world cup sticker swap day!! All the games that day are live, serving food, dog friendly and kids are allowed in until 8pm. It's free and no bookings required just turn up and have some fun trying to complete your album.'
4pm to 8pm | Dukes · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎨 Let's make data work for creative and artists!
Thu 16 July - 'As part of a research project, we invite creative professionals to join us for a workshop exploring new and better ways to manage data in the Scottish creative industries. No need to be a data expert - anyone in the creative industries is welcome!'
12.30pm to 3.30pm | High School Yards · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Paolo Gerli, Edinburgh Napier University.
🍻 Lock-ins at Leith Bottle Shop: Revolution Brewing
Tue 21 July - 'An intimate beer tasting with Revolution Brewing from Chicago! Try an exclusively imported selection of beers, including big impy stouts and barrel-aged barley wines. The shop will be closed, shutters down, so you'll have the place to yourselves!'
8pm to 10pm | Leith Bottle Shop · Leith | £20 - More details here, shared by Leith Bottle Shop.
🧵 Upcycling Kids Clothing Workshop
Sun 02 August - 'A beginner-friendly workshop to learn various techniques to extend the life of your kids clothes such as covering holes/stains with fun applique, visible mending as well as just adding some fun to plain clothes!'
2pm to 4pm | Portobello Town Hall · Portobello | £30 plus booking fee - More details here, shared by Beth Morelli-Mae, Sleepy Rabbit.
📮 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:
- 🏗️ First look at £162m Dunard Centre concert hall.
- ⚡️ Spectacular lightning photos from across Edinburgh.
- 🌱 Concerns over weeds growing 'taller than people'.
- 🍜 The history behind Chop Suey on Chambers Street.
- 🏗️ Former Sight Scotland HQ to be demolished for student flats.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 939.
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