The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Monday 31 August 2026
Festivals 'traumatised' locals claims council culture boss, missing trams cost some traders 50%, 'Knife Angel' sculpture landing in Leith + fitness meets community action at new 'GoodGym'
👋 Good morning Edinburgh. It's a busy one. I've read hundreds of local sources one by one to help you get straight to the stuff that matters. And the newsletter is always 100% AI-free and ad-free, thanks to a few kind supporters. To keep it going, please chip in here or gift a subscription to a friend here, now with smaller options including one month, three months and six months. Here’s today's Edinburgh Minute.
🌦️ Today's weather forecast: Overnight rain has mostly cleared up, leaving us with sunny intervals and a relatively warm day, peaking at 19C around 3pm. There's a slight chance of showers around midday. Rain looks likely to return tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday before a drier weekend ahead. - The full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh is here.
🎭 It's the final day of the festivals. There are 493 shows scheduled at the Fringe today. - See the listings here.
💰 Edinburgh’s festivals look set to secure a 25% funding boost from the new tourist tax after the city’s Labour administration suffered a defeat in a crucial vote on Friday. - Brian Ferguson has the details in The Herald and Rachel Amery reports in The Scotsman.
- The vote at Friday's emergency meeting means £1.4m of income from the tourist tax could support festivals and other major events - if the council votes to support it at next month's full council meeting.
- Meanwhile council culture convener Margaret Graham claims some local residents are 'traumatised' by the festivals, adding: "A large number of citizens really struggle to move around the city when we have this volume". - Brian Ferguson, The Herald.
Brian Ferguson
🔪 A 27-feet-tall 'Knife Angel' sculpture made from 100,000 blades is planned to go on display in the Kirkgate in Leith tomorrow until Friday 25 September. It's touring more than 50 cities and towns across the UK in a bid to raise awareness of knife-crime. - More details from the council here.
- Events are planned at the sculpture to promote an anti-violence message and mark the lives of people who lost their lives to knife crime. Among them is a vigil on Friday 25 September from 6pm. - Lisa Petrie, whose son John McNab died in Leith last year, shared this invitation to a 'community moment of remembrance' in the North Edinburgh News.
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- Read more about the Knife Angel's construction story via artist Alfie Bradley + see a video of it here.
🚉 Trams returned to Leith on Saturday, but one vehicle had a window broken while travelling between the Port of Leith and The Shore stops yesterday. - Isla Storie, Edinburgh Live.
- Some Leith businesses say their takings fell by 50% during seven-week absence of trams, according to a survey by former planning consultant Robert Drysdale, shared on Instagram.
🔥 There was more political fall-out at last week's council meeting over whether leader Jane Meagher should apologise for the council's response to the Princes Street fire. - Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco in The Herald.
- ⮑ Council transport convener Stephen Jenkinson admitted to a moment of 'Trumpian weakness' when he suggested 'just knock the building down'. - Ross Chalmers, Deadline News.
- ⮑ 'Gift shops at site of Princes Street blaze liable for £300k in rates' - Exclusive by Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco in The Herald.
Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco
💰 Local business leaders are demanding a meeting with Prime Minister Andy Burnham, asking him to 'match England's city deals or cost Scotland £7bn a year'. - Press release from Edinburgh's Chambers of Commerce.
🏫 Temporary classrooms to tackle overcrowding at Boroughmuir High School are among options to be considered at tomorrow's city education meeting. - Nicholas Malizia, Edinburgh Live + the council education meeting agenda is here.
🌊 The swimming pool reopening at Wester Hailes High School has been delayed 'due to late unforeseen circumstances', just hours after Edinburgh Leisure said it was due to reopen this week. - Heather Carrick, Evening News.
♿️ The council will investigate ways to make Inverleith Park more accessible to all, after pupils and staff from the local Oaklands School raised concerns. - Isla Storie, Edinburgh Live.
✈️ An old French coin from 1859 worth around £550 was donated to a charity collection box at Edinburgh Airport.
🇮🇸 Atmospheric post-rock Icelandic act Sigur Rós are due to perform with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra at the Playhouse tonight. Tickets are sold out but there are plenty of returns available on Twickets just now.
📚 It's been a tough fortnight for Blackwell's bookshop on South Bridge. After losing stock to flooding during the heavy rain on 19 August, the shop has been plagued by power supply problems for a week now. - Find updates on the Blackwell's Instagram.
📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard
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❤️ The Heart is looking for a Caretaker to join our team. - 'The Heart of Newhaven are looking for another member to join our team. No experience needed – full training will be given. This role would be perfect for a student, or someone looking for a weekend job alongside other commitments. 16 hours per week (Deadline: 31 Aug)' - More details here, shared by Roger, Heart of Newhaven Community.
🍻 New pub opening on Easter Road from the team behind Leith Bottle Shop - 'Tamson’s Bar on Easter Road is reopening under new ownership this autumn!' - More details here, shared by Tamson’s Bar.
🚽 Murrayfield toilets a disgrace - 'At Bon Jovi last night and was horrified by the loos at Murrayfield!! Women were in huge queues to find toilets that were overflowing/ didn’t flush/ without seats- worse than any outdoor festival I have ever been to- the loos at ingliston were better' - Shared anonymously by a Minute reader.
🎶 The Voice House Community Choir Autumn Term starts 2 September - FREE taster available - 'Looking for something to do after the festivals? This could be for you. We're a friendly, supportive community choir, meeting in Bruntsfield, Wednesdays, 7 - 8.45pm. We sing songs from around the world. No experience required, no audition, just fun!' - More details here, shared by Jan McLardy, The Voice House Community Choir.
🏋️♂️ GoodGym Edinburgh: Free Fitness and Volunteering group. Do Good, Get Fit. - 'GoodGym Edinburgh has launched last month and we'd love you to get involved. We mix volunteering tasks around Edinburgh keeping fit. Regular meetups are Tuesdays 5.50pm at Edinburgh Street Food. Inclusive for all abilities - run, walk or cycle :)' - More details here, shared by Dave Entwistle, GoodGym.
🧘♀️ Hatha yoga class - 'I am currently based in the club gym Leith and I have some daytime availability now I am looking to make my classes which include lots of breathwork practice as well as asana. Accessible to everyone and will be offering a pay what you can yoga class' - More details here, shared by laura ogilvie.
🚚 Help Andro to Drive and Deliver a Life-Saving Evacuation Vehicle to Ukrain - 'In Nov 2026, Andro Mathewson, local Edinburgh resident, will drive 1,318 miles across Europe to deliver an evacuation truck to Ukraine, where it will be donated to save lives on the frontlines. He now needs your support to fund deliver this vehicle. (Deadline: 30 Oct)' - More details here, shared by Andro Mathewson.
📝 Crossing Tongues Poetry Residency – Open for applications - 'Poets across Scotland who write in English, Scots and or Scottish Gaelic are invited to apply to take part in a fully funded 7-day residency in Nigeria, alongside the Hausa International Book & Arts Festival in December. Details at the link! (Deadline: 30 Sep)' - More details here, shared by Edinburgh City of Literature.
Call for submissions
🎥 Morningside Film Club by Cinemaattic
Tomorrow, Tue 01 September - 'We're excited to share that we're restarting our Film Club at Morningside Library (Edinburgh) after our summer break. Join us for our new short film programme, September's Back: Young Hearts, Strange Worlds. Free event, tea and coffee on us!'
2pm to 4pm | Morningside Library · Morningside | FREE - More details here, shared by Cinemaattic.
🎟️ EH Residents Discount Offer at Camera Obscura [Until 30 Sept]
Wed 02 September - 'This September EH Residents can get one FREE child ticket with a full paying adult at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. Online only use code EHREWARD26. Valid Sun-Fri. Experience five floors of fantastic fun and interactive exhibits, for all ages.'
9am to 8pm | Camera Obscura & World of Illusions · Old Town - More details here, shared by Camera Obscura & World of Illusions.
🌊 The Carrying Stream [Every Wed-Sat]
Wed 02 September - 'Caroline Finlay and Frances Law explore people, place and the enduring links between landscape and myth. Inspired by Hamish Henderson's 'carrying stream', the exhibition reveals layers of folklore flowing through the land.'
11am to 5pm | Upright Gallery · Bruntsfield | FREE - More details here, shared by Ian, Farmer.
🎬 DOCo#022: VIEHSCHAU
Wed 02 September - 'This month we are hosting a work-in-progress screening and feedback session of the film, "Viehschau" directed by Callum Boath. Come along, share your thoughts, and be part of the creative process.'
7pm to 10pm | The Outhouse · Canonmills & Broughton | FREE - More details here, shared by DOCo.
🎶 Edinburgh Southside Choir Autumn Session
Wed 02 September - 'Our friendly, welcoming choir has no auditions, and no experience needed - why not try two free taster rehearsals. We sing a wide range of music, modern and traditional. More details on our website.'
7.30pm to 8.45pm | Greyfriars Charteris Centre · Southside - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🧘♀️ Gentle Yoga [Every Wednesday]
Wed 02 September - 'A class designed for those seeking wellbeing, mobility, and strength. This is a welcoming and supportive space where you will explore movement slowly and mindfully. Come join in! Taster sessions half-price. Easy booking: www.yogawithveronica.co.uk'
10.30am to 11.30am | Edinburgh Greenbank Parish Church of Scotland · Morningside - More details here, shared by Veronica Lussier, Yoga with Veronica.
🧘♀️ Community Yoga Class [Every Thursday]
Thu 03 September - 'A friendly inclusive yoga class focusing on breathing and gentle flows, suitable for both beginners and those with some yoga experience. Please bring a mat.'
6.45pm to 7.45pm | St Martins Church - Dalry · Haymarket & Dalry | £7 per class - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🧺 Willow Weaving Workshop to make a Foraging Basket at The Edinburgh Cookerybook shop, Leith on Thurs
Thu 03 September - 'Spend a relaxing evening learning to weave a foraging basket ready for Autumn hedgerow harvests. Suitable for beginners and those with some experience, tuition, materials, tools, refreshments included, take home your item and new skills. 10% off books'
7pm to 9.30pm | The Cookbook Shop · Canonmills & Broughton | £65 (+booking fee) - More details here, shared by Koren, Away with Willow.
🎶 Fairest Isles - the Musical Centres of Paris and London around 1700
Fri 04 September - 'Join us for an evening of music featuring a historic harpsichord from the keyboard collection at St Cecilia's Hall'
7.30pm to 8.30pm | St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum · Old Town | £10-15 - More details here, shared by Hannah.
🎶 THE SECRET LIBRARY [Every Monday]
Sat 05 September - 'The Secret Library brings free pop-up live music and poetry events featuring top Scottish artists to Edinburgh's public libraries this autumn. Featuring Mairi Campbell, Esther Swift.. and more!.. Book tickets now!'
7pm to 8.30pm | EDINBURGH LIBRARIES (VARIOUS) · Oxgangs | FREE - More details here, shared by Liam Baker.
🏋️♂️ Strength Training Class in Leith [Every Sunday]
Sun 06 September - 'Want to lift weights? This weekly class, suitable for all abilities, will give you a full body strength workout. The instructor is very knowledgeable about technique and managing injuries, and is passionate about body positivity and inclusivity.'
11am to 12pm | Run Strong Studio · Leith - More details here, shared by Emma McCready.
📸 The Camera - Portobello Photography School
Sat 19 September - 'Demystify the settings of your digital camera and get off of auto on this one-day outdoor workshop with the support of photographer Alicia Bruce. Based in Portobello, Edinburgh's seaside. You even get a free hot drink courtesy of the Little Green Van'
10.30am to 3.30pm | Little Green Van · Portobello | £79.79 - More details here, shared by Portobello Photography School + they're on Instagram here.
🎶 High Fade Twice as Nice Tour Stramash 9th of October
Fri 09 October - 'High Fade are bringing the Twice as Nice tour back home to Edinburgh!'
7pm to 10.30pm | Stramash · Old Town | £20 - More details here, shared by Harry Valentino.
brainguy63
📮 What's missing from the Minute? Got news or an event to share? Nothing's too local. Please share your local news and events here. Remember you can always see all 210 upcoming local events on TownSpot calendars and maps. Thanks to everyone who shares their things.
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 🚧 Spurtle: No new Powderhall bridge until 2028.
- ⛺️ Traveller family facing eviction from Granton's £100m Art Works site.
- 🏠🏡 Council rejects MSPs' exemption bid from 300% tax on second homes.
- 📽️ History behind two cinemas that served Niddrie and Craigmillar.
- 🪧 Paternity leave campaigners hold 'Parent Strike' at Holyrood parliament.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 986.
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