The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Monday 7 September 2026
Crucial votes on trams & Princes Street, climate crisis blamed as bird numbers plummet, Lost in Leith bar closing + Samhuinn Fire Festival tickets
👋 Good morning Edinburgh. Here’s Monday's Edinburgh Minute.
🌦️ This week's weather forecast: A dry start this morning with a chance of rain later this afternoon and into the evening. Wetter on Tuesday. Sunnier on Wednesday. Showers again on Thursday. This on-off sunny/rainy trend looks likely to continue throughout the weekend. A temperature high of 18C today and a low of 10C on Wednesday morning. - The full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh is here.
🚦 Princes Street could get new paving, planters and some lifts down to its gardens, where there could also be new public toilets and new spaces for cafes. The plans 'are the less radical of two options being presented to councillors following a summit on the area's future', reports Ian Swanson in the Evening News.
- Councillors will vote on the options on Wednesday. None of the proposals are due to be finalised until next year, as the revised 'Princes Street and Waverley Strategy' is to be returned to the council's planning committee in 'early 2027'. - Read the council report here.
- There's an interesting 'Vision for Princes Street' presentation from Richard Murphy Architects here.
- See Wednesday's Planning Committee agenda here.
📆 It's a big week for city transport, with a vote on the next direction for the tram network due at Thursday's council Transport and Environment Committee. The full agenda is on the council website, and there's a helpful preview in this week's edi.bike newsletter here.
🚨 Two girls, aged 13 and 14, have been charged by police after reports of vandalism and an assault in St Andrew Square at the weekend. - Lee Dalgetty, Edinburgh Live.
🌊 Work on repairing broken heating systems is due to begin today at Portobello Swim Centre, which is is still closed until further notice. - More details from Phyllis Stephen in The Edinburgh Reporter.
- Edinburgh Leisure added: "The current closure is due to an unexpected fault and is not related to the refurbishment project planned."
✈️ Edinburgh Airport says it 'shares responsibility' with airlines, handling agents and the UK Border Force after more complaints from some passengers about delays on arrival. - Alastair Dalton, The Scotsman.
🚔 Cocaine and cannabis with an estimated street value of around £1.4m was found during a police raid of properties in Granton and Leith last week. - Ross Hempseed, STV News.
🚑 A 26-year-old man is in hospital with 'serious' injuries after being found outside Asda in Chesser on Friday night. - Heather Carrick, Evening News.
🍻 Lost in Leith bar on Commercial Street at the Shore is closing down on Sunday 4 October. The bar's owners blamed the council's decision not to run trams for nearly two months after the Princes Street fire in July. "The closure of the trams in August resulted in a 26% reduction in our sales. Facing those hurdles without immediate council support made the decision to consolidate our business much clearer," said Paul Gibson Founder and Managing Director of Campervan Brewery. - Heather Carrick, Evening News + Lost in Leith on Instagram.
- Trams were not the only reason given for the closure. Campervan Brewery reported a 20% increase in beer sales and a record year for the taproom, with the brewery 'almost operating at full capacity.' To meet the demand, the company says it will invest in new brewing technologies.
- Owner Paul Gibson told the Minute that he hopes locals can support other local businesses at the Shore, to help them bounce back from a tough summer.
- Regarding jobs, a press release says: "The owners are working closely with affected staff members to support their transition into alternative local hospitality roles across the city." It adds that farewell events are planned, and: "The Campervan team invites the local community, loyal customers, and suppliers to pop in, raise one last glass, and say their farewells to the fantastic staff."
🪩 A new cocktail bar called The Shaker opened on Shandwick Place at the weekend, replacing The Rat Pack Piano Bar which closed in April. The Rat Pack was famous for its live music sessions, however The Shaker's owners are promoting: 'Absolutely no live music. No guitars.'
🍻 The Port O' Leith bar's new owners have been confirmed as Tiny Cup Collective, who also own of the St Vincent, Nightcap and Crybaby bars. The Constitution Street bar changed hands in May. - Port O' Leith on Instagram.
🔥 Hotly anticipated tickets for this year's Samhuinn Fire Festival (on Saturday 31 October) go on sale tomorrow (Tuesday 8 September) at 7.30pm. The performance of stories and rituals usually sells out. - The ticket link is not live at the time of publishing just now, so keep an eye on the Beltane Fire Society website and social media pages.
🐣 The number of puffins on the Isle of May in the Forth has dropped by around 30% since the last count in 2024, reports the Scottish Seabird Centre. It said:
"This population drop is a stark reminder of how vulnerable our seabirds are to the impacts of the climate crisis. Rising ocean temperatures, reduced food availability and increasingly extreme weather are putting additional pressure on puffins and other seabirds. Tackling climate change must be central to protecting these iconic species for the future. In addition, better management of our seas is urgently needed to reduce other pressures and give seabirds the best chance of recovery."
- There are more details in this press release from NatureScot.
🚲 The Bike Station charity has launched a £10,000 fundraising campaign following last month's flooding at its Tollcross shop. - It currently stands at £785 with 25 days to go.
🎯 The signage of the closed-down Borlands darts and television shop on Leith Walk was removed at the weekend. - Original photos by Aldo Chob on Instagram (ironically also stolen by others online). The shop's £135k listing is now 'under offer'. Local historian Andy Arthur of Threadinburgh recently shared the family history of the shop, dating back more than 100 years.
Andy Arthur - Threadinburgh
🏥 A businessman linked to the construction 'scandal' of the new Edinburgh Sick Children's Hospital is to stand trial accused of fraud, which he denies. - John Ferguson, Sunday Mail.
💰 Five Edinburgh-based businesses have appeared on a UK Government list of firms accused of underpaying their staff. - Ross Chalmers in The Edinburgh Reporter.
🚀 William Shatner, who played Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek, is due to appear at next month's Comic Con Scotland event at the Royal Highland Centre at Ingliston on 24 and 25 October. - More details on the event's website + from Jack Davies in the Evening News.
🛍️ The St James Quarter will host a series of fashion and music events including a market, workshops and talks. Designer Charles Jeffrey will be curating part of the Westfield Days: The Sound of Style ten-day programme from this Friday until 20 September, in partnership with the British Fashion Council. - More details from the St James Quarter here.
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🤝 Southside Community Centre is hiring a new weekend Community Centre Assistant - 'We're looking for someone to join our team at weekends ensuring that our centre is safe and welcoming, and greeting and assisting our centre users. Excellent rate of hourly pay (£16.35 per hour minimum with full induction and training provided.' - More details here, shared by Southside Community Centre Association SCIO.
🎓 Boroughmuir Alumni Newsletter - 'To all former pupils, staff or parents of Boroughmuir High School - the latest edition of our newsletter is nearly ready! If you haven’t already, please sign up here to receive the latest news and events alongside our memories and archives.' - More details here, shared by Boroughmuir Former Pupils Association.
🗂️ Part Time Project Manager role with Enjoy Marketing - 'Award-winning, fast-growing marketing business, Enjoy Marketing® is looking for an energetic, highly organised, ambitious Project Manager. The contract is for an initial 20 hours per week, with the goal for this to grow into a full time role.' - More details here, shared by Niki Hutchison Limited T/A Enjoy Marketing.
🏢 Free Tool Lets Edinburgh Flat Owners Discover and Compare Property Factors - 'CompareFactors.co.uk is a side project to help flat owners compare 300+ Scottish property factors using regulatory data, google reviews and service commitments. Free, independent, no factor pays to be featured. Hoping Edinburgh folk find it useful!' - More details here, shared by CompareFactors.co.uk.
🏡 Two New Laws Are Coming for Edinburgh Homeowners That Could Cost Thousands. - 'With the Scottish Programme for Government hitting the headlines this week, it seems 2 of the 9 bills have gone rather unnoticed, yet could cost Edinburgh homeowners thousands. We've pulled together all the information to keep your readers informed.' - More details here, shared by Coulters Property.
🌍 Vicky Allan on “The Environment” - 'Feature writer of the year, Vicky Allan has been reporting on the environment for The Herald newspaper for the last eight years. Join us for what promises to be a stimulating and inspiring conversation. (Deadline: 06 Sep)' - More details here, shared by Tim Maguire, Humankind.
environment correspondent for The Herald
🧙♀️ CRAFT WITCH: New DIY Crafting Studio at Wheel of Fate - 'Wheel of Fate has opened CRAFT WITCH, a new DIY crafting studio offering folk the experience to craft free-form, self-led and at their own pace. Try your hand at leather etching, collage, or make your own spell bottles!' - More details here, shared by Wheel of Fate.
👻 Artists needed for fun, spooky, Halloween exhibition! - 'Are you an artist? Have you seen a ghost? We are looking for artwork based on your ghostly experience for a free, two-day Halloween exhibition at The Undercroft (St Vincent’s Church). Visitors will explore the semi-dark gallery space in torchlight! (Deadline: 16 Sep)' - More details here, shared by Richard Wiseman.
♻️ 15% off at The Bethany Shop
Today, Mon 07 September - 'Let's start the semester right! With a valid Student ID, you can get 15% off everything in our Morningside shop for 14 days straight - the perfect way to restock before a busy term or find that niche piece to impress your flatmates. Until 20th Sept.'
10am to 4.30pm | Bethany Christian Trust · Morningside | FREE - More details here, shared by Bethany Christian Trust.
🚂 Railway enthusiasm through 35mm photography 1964-1972 (RCTS meeting, all welcome)
Thu 10 September - 'The Railway Observer Managing Editor Mike Robinson will tell us through his photography, about his railway enthusiast (gricing) days in the UK, plus a few visits to northern Europe, between 1964 and 1972. All welcome.'
2.30pm to 4.30pm | Scots Guards Club · Haymarket & Dalry | FREE - More details here, shared by Chris Hall, The Railway Correspondence and Travel Society.
🌿 Houseplant Bingo
Thu 10 September - 'Spend your Thursday having fun and winning houseplants at Fir Espresso Bar. You will have the chance to take home one of the ten houseplants available. It will be our last Houseplant Bingo before the weather turns chilly. Tickets on Eventbrite & Fir.'
6pm to 8pm | Fir Espresso Bar · Tollcross | £5 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🏛️ Edinburgh Architectural Association - VoiCES Circular Economy Series
Thu 10 September - 'Join the EAA for an evening exploring circular economy practices! Discover how resilient, biodiverse places, innovative materials and repurposed wind turbine blades are challenging conventional construction and shaping the built environment.'
6pm to 8pm | Pianodrome Bruntsfield Community Hub · Bruntsfield | £8 - £15 - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Architectural Association.
🧘♂️ Friday Night Lecture: Is Patience a Weakness or a Strength?
Fri 11 September - 'The evening begins with a short guided meditation to settle and focus the mind, followed by the lecture, then open discussion and Q&A - expect a bit of debate. We'll finish with refreshments, so there's time to keep the conversation going.'
7pm to 8.30pm | Kadampa Meditation Centre Edinburgh · Leith | £15/£5 members - More details here, shared by Jen Derwingson-Peacock, KMC Edinburgh.
🎹 Pop Piano for Beginners
Sat 12 September - 'Do you like popular music and pianists like Elton John, Norah Jones, Stevie Wonder, etc...? Would you like to accompany yourself or someone else singing, play in a band or jam to your favourite songs? This workshop is for you!'
10am to 12pm | 86 Causewayside · Southside | £40 - More details here, shared by Nicholas, nicholasfranck.com.
🍄 ⚘⁕ Medicinal Fungi & Celebrating the Equinox ⁕⚘
Sat 12 September - 'Curious about medicinal fungi? Join us for a fungi foray for the Autumn Equinox on the beautiful Craiglockhart Hill. Together, we'll explore the fascinating world of fungi and discover ways to connect with and appreciate these incredible organisms.'
11.30am to 2pm | Easter Craiglockhart Hill reserve · Craiglockhart | £8-£30 - More details here, shared by Jim.
🎸 Beezer - Blue Album + Greatest Hits
Sat 12 September - 'Scotlands finest and possibly only Weezer tribute act. Playing the iconic blue album in full + greatest hits!'
7pm to 10pm | People's Leisure Club · Old Town | £10.60 - More details here, shared by Chris Herraghty.
🎶 Siskin Green 'Living in the Echo' album launch
Sat 12 September - 'Acclaimed Scottish folk trio Siskin Green launch their new album Living in the Echo with an evening of close harmonies and thoughtful songs shaped by themes of hope, justice, faith and the natural world. For fans of Spell Songs and Rachel Sermanni.'
7.30pm to 9.30pm | St Brides Centre · Haymarket & Dalry | £20, concessions £15 - More details here, shared by Siskin Green.
🚺️ IWD-Edinburgh Community Picnic
Sun 13 September - 'Join us for the International Women's Day Edinburgh picnic on Sunday 13th September from 2-4pm. At Leith Links, near the Leith Community Croft Cafe. Potluck style, BYOB. It'll be a casual afternoon of community and resistance! Everyone welcome!'
2pm to 4pm | Leith Links · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by IWD-Edinburgh.
📚 Fantasy Bookclub Scotland Edinburgh presents: Into the Maasverse!
Sun 13 September - 'We're bringing together Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City for one giant spoiler-filled evening of debates, theories, games, and unapologetic fangirling.'
2pm to 4pm | Slow Progress Records & Coffee · Old Town | £20 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
- Next week:
💖 The Compassion Salon
Mon 14 September - 'Join Sara Trevelyan and Kirsty MacGregor The Compassion Salon discussing all things compassion in their lives and work.'
7pm to 9pm | Steel Coulson Southside · Southside - More details here, shared by Glen Dawkins.
💬 Memories of working in the Leith Custom House during the 1960s - a talk by Alison Moodie OBE
Tue 15 September - 'Organised by Leith Local History Society as part of their annual programme of talks - Alison Moodie OBE shares her memories of working in the Leith Custom House during the 1960s. Tea and coffee served from 6:30pm.'
7pm to 8.30pm | Leith Community Centre · Leith | £2 - More details here, shared by Michael Traill.
🍂 Autumn Flower Arranging at Norah, Newhaven
Wed 16 September - 'Local author Rosie Steer is hosting an Autumn flower arranging workshop at Norah to celebrate the Autumn Equinox: local blooms from Ochre Botanical Studios, light bites and refreshments from Norah and a sneak peek inside Rosie's new book, 'Gloaming'.'
2pm to 4pm | Norah · Trinity & Newhaven | £55 - More details here, shared by Rosie Steer, author of Slow Season + on Instagram here.
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♻️ Make Your Own Upcycled Vest from a Quilt - Sewing Course
Wed 16 September - 'Make a unique and cosy vest from blankets in this 4 week sewing class! Suitable for beginners and improvers, we'll guide you through customising your pattern, cutting out your vest and take you through every stage of sewing it together.'
6.30pm to 8.30pm | Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios · Abbeyhill & Meadowbank | 115 - More details here, shared by Jen Byrne.
ClassBento
🏃♂️ Runners of Leith x Williams & Johnson
Sun 20 September - 'A socially paced 10km followed by coffee on the shore. Bagdrop 10:30am Run 10:45 am'
10.30am to 1.30pm | Williams & Johnson Coffee Co. · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Runners of Leith.
📚 Short Courses from the University Of Edinburgh
Mon 21 September - 'Whether you're looking to learn a language, explore literature, dive into history, get creative with art and design, or discover something completely new, there's a course for you in the new Centre for Open Learning (COL) 2026/27 programme.'
7pm to 10pm | Paterson's Land · Old Town - More details here, shared by Jenny Deans, University of Edinburgh, Centre for Open Learning.
💼 Community Job Fair at Muirhouse Millennium Centre
Wed 23 September - 'Meet with a wide range of hiring employers as well as organisations to give advice on training, self-employment, CV's, applications and interviews. Jobseekers can register for a place using link https://tinyurl.com/bd8tu3zf !'
10am to 1pm | Muirhouse Millennium Centre · Muirhouse & Drylaw | FREE - More details here, shared by Capital City Partnership.
🌍 The People's Emergency Briefing introduced by Chris Packham
Thu 24 September - 'This film presents the latest evidence on the climate and nature crisis, how it is affecting our daily lives and what the future might look like. After the film, there will be a facilitated discussion. Free coffee, tea and biscuits from 5.15pm.'
5.45pm to 7.30pm | Gilmerton Community Centre · Gilmerton | FREE - More details here, shared by Dr Joni Wilson.
🏰 Human Towers Workshop & Open Rehearsal
Sat 26 September - 'Come along and discover the Catalan tradition of human towers! Have a go at building a castell with us, or simply watch the rehearsal. A family-friendly event for everyone - no experience needed!'
3pm to 5pm | St. Oswald's Centre · Bruntsfield | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
⚽ Spartans Alternative School Charity Football match
Fri 02 October - '⚽ Students vs Staff! Join Spartans Alternative School young people for a family-friendly charity football match raising money for Therapet. 🐶❤️ Friday 2 Oct, 1:30pm. Football, therapy dogs, raffle, bake sale & more!'
1pm to 4pm | The Vanloq Community Stadium · Granton & Pilton | £5 - More details here, shared by Sarah-jane Henderson, Spartans Communnity foundation + on Instagram here.
🎨 Creating Inner Safety - Art Therapy Session @ Central Library
Sat 03 October - 'Join Art Therapist Jessica Kirkpatrick for a three-hour art therapy session designed to support nervous system regulation. The small group session combines guided art-making, reflection, and simple body-based awareness practices.'
1pm to 4pm | Art & Design Library · Old Town | £45 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🧗♂️ Forth Rail Bridge Abseil with Cyrenians
Sun 04 October - 'Abseil from the iconic Forth Rail Bridge with Cyrenians! Challenge yourself and pledge to raise at least £250, ensuring people get support before crisis strikes. Help tackle homelessness, brave the bridge and sign up now!'
2pm to 4pm | Forth Bridge · Currie & Balerno | £25 registration fee - More details here, shared by Cyrenians.
🛍️ Europe's Largest Thrift Festival
Sun 18 October - 'Europe's Biggest Thrift Festival/market : 100+ vintage sellers, free clothes swap, DJs, street food, free alterations, immersive activations & hidden surprises all under one roof'
11am to 5pm | Meadowbank Sports Centre · Abbeyhill & Meadowbank | £2-£8.50 - More details here, shared by Clothes Cycle.
🎤 Adventures in Marketing
Thu 04 February - 'Scotland's most (in)credible business and marketing event Adventures in Marketing is back for a fifth year! Keynote speakers, expert workshops, boardroom Q&A, Local Legends panel and more - give your business the thrill of its life!'
9am to 5pm | Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel - More details here, shared by Niki Hutchison, Niki Hutchison Limited T/A Enjoy Marketing.
Remember you can always see all 260 upcoming local events on TownSpot calendars and maps. Thanks to everyone who shares their things.
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 🇺🇸 The New Yorker's festival round-up featuring this illustration of Edinburgh.
- 💰 Reddit discussion on Edinburgh Live's new paywall.
- 🗳️ By-election results for Portobello/Craigmillar & Southside/Newington.
- 📚 Archive records showing plans to demolish Calton Hill feature in BBC doc.
- 🪧 Anti-AI data centre protest video from Deadline News.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 991.
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