The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Thursday 2 April 2026
Uni probes 'harassment' as Mathieson crosses picket line, MP says students' Sheriffhall 'throughabout' idea 'blew me away', + Cosy Corner pop-up at Dalry police box + the mystery of disappearing teaspoons
🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. Lots going on today, so let's skim through it as quickly as possible to get you up to speed. Here’s Thursday's Edinburgh Minute.
☔️ Heavy rain is expected over the weekend, with the Met Office yesterday issuing a yellow warning, saying: 'A spell of very strong winds later Saturday and overnight into Easter Sunday morning may cause some damage and travel disruption', adding: 'Peak gusts of 50-60 mph will be possible fairly widely'. - See the full Met Office forecast here.
🎓 Amid the ongoing uni cuts protests, union leaders are warning of a 'year of disruption' at the University of Edinburgh, after staff voted for more strike action in the coming year. Sophia Woodman, president of the UCU Edinburgh branch, said: "The possibility of a further year of disruption should be a wake-up call to the principal to engage meaningfully and find a resolution to this dispute." - STV News.
- ⮑ There were dramatic scenes yesterday morning as uni Principal Sir Peter Mathieson was temporarily trapped inside Black Medicine Coffee as striking uni staff members on the picket line surrounded him while chanting ‘shame on you’. - The moment he left was captured in this video, which uni bosses are now investigating.
- ⮑ Referencing the video after it was featured in a report in The Herald by Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco, a UoE spokesperson said: "The University’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor was subjected to harassment and personally threatening behaviour by protestors during a work meeting at an off-campus premises today. While we see protest as very much part of the life of a university, actions that create a hostile and intimidating environment for any member of our community are completely unacceptable. We unequivocally condemn this behaviour in the strongest terms and will investigate and respond to it in an appropriate and proportionate way."
Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco
🔥 A van and a car were set alight in an apparent arson attack in Niddrie yesterday, report John-Paul Clark & Lee Dalgetty of Edinburgh Live.
💉 A consultation has opened on proposals for a safer drug consumption facility in Edinburgh. - The consultation opened yesterday and ends on 1 July.
- It's reported that there had been 36 drug-related deaths within a 15-minute walk of Spittal Street in the West End and 34 drug-related deaths within a similar proximity to the Cowgate in the last three years.
- ⮑ "Research suggests that this type of facility would reduce drug-related harm and, crucially, reduce the number of fatal overdoses." - Christine Laverty, chief officer of the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership told BBC Scotland News.
- ⮑ 'Where could Edinburgh's safer drug consumption room be located?' - Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco reports in The Herald.
💐 Members of the local Dads Rock charity handed in flowers, eggs and milk to the council HQ yesterday to highlight the two-week 'shelf life' of paternity leave. The groceries were emblazoned with yellow stickers reading: 'Lasts longer than UK paternity leave'. - Ena Saracevic, Evening News.
🗳️ The full list of candidates standing for election to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh’s six constituencies alongside those contesting the seven seats from the Edinburgh and Lothians East Region was confirmed yesterday. The election is on 7 May. - The candidate list is published by the council here.
The City of Edinburgh Council
🔐 'Edinburgh businessman convicted of running brothel struck off landlord register' - Joe Sullivan, Local Democracy Reporter, Edinburgh Live.
🛳️ Forth Ports declared the start of 'Capital Cruising season' yesterday ahead of the expected arrival of dozens of ships between April and October. - Forth Ports press release.
🛣️ While plans to upgrade Sheriffhall roundabout are paused until after May's election, a new idea has surfaced. A 'throughabout' has been modelled by Civil Engineering students at Heriot-Watt University. Local MP Scott Arthur says the concept 'genuinely blew me away'. - You can see Transport Scotland's design in this video and the students' design in this Bluesky thread.
A better Sheriffhall Roundabout. Today, I had the absolute pleasure of catching up with some of my former Civil Engineering students at Heriot-Watt University, and what they’ve achieved genuinely blew me away. 1/3 @edinreporter.bsky.social @edinburghminute.com
— Dr Scott Arthur MP (Edinburgh South West) 🌍🌈🌹 (@drscottarthurmp.bsky.social) 2026-04-01T20:00:04.585Z
🍷 A new bar called Leith Wine Kitchen will open on 9 April, replacing the now closed Abode bar on Leith Walk. - Nicholas Malizia, Edinburgh Live.
🍝 Gio’s on Slateford Road has been named 'best new Italian restaurant in the UK' at the UK Italian Awards in London. - Rachel Fergusson, Evening News.
🏡 The restoration of a mews house in Canonmills is featured in Wallpaper magazine by Tianna Williams.
Tianna Williams
🏨 Plans for a new 207-room Mollie's Motel next to the planned Edinburgh Arena have been withdrawn after council officers cited the 'consideration of the housing emergency'. - Kevin Quinn, Evening News.
🪩 In this week's Edinburgh Culture Minute: Who's behind Leith's 'Town of Culture' bid, 1,700 new Fringe shows, Science Festival this weekend, new local creative jobs + a chance to win a paid writers' residency at the Forth Bridge...
Michael MacLeod
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🕵️♂️ The Case of the Disappearing Teaspoons - 'University of Edinburgh researchers secretly tracked teaspoons in their staff kitchen. Over 66% vanished - gold ones faster than silver. Spoon theft is alive and well. The mystery of where they go remains unsolved.' - More details here, shared by James Catterson, University of Edinburgh.
🎲 Board Game Playtesting
Today, Thu 02 April - 'Playtest board and card games from local designers at this free, friendly evening for playtesters. A great chance to try new games, share feedback, and support local creators.'
6pm to 8.30pm | suite 4, EH6 5DT | FREE - More details here, shared by Ancient Robot Workshop.
🥖 Cosy Corner Popup
Tomorrow, Fri 03 April - 'Sourdough flatbread, creamy dips, cold brew green tea and lots of ferments. You've been invited to Cosy Corner's opening this Easter Friday at Orwell Terrace, home to Pourboy Coffee and Kissa Orwell. Come for a good time and some nice food!'
10am to 4pm | Orwell Terrace Police Box - More details here, shared by @cosy.cooking.club.
💃 Jukin' and Charleston Dance Workshops
Sat 04 April - 'Learn juke joint dancing as seen in the hit 2025 movie, Sinners and the iconic Charleston dance of the 20s! Perfect for if you are brand new to jazz/blues/swing dancing or if you are an experienced dancer who wants to deep dive these topics.'
4pm to 7.30pm | The Out of the Blue Drill Hall, EH6 8RG | £25 (both workshops) - More details here, shared by Leith Jazz & Blues Dance.
🎨 Final Weekend - Isobel Colville Art Collection
Sun 05 April - 'We are in the final week of our wonderful collection featuring Isobel Colville's work. The Edinburgh gallery is open this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11-4. Her work deserves to be seen, celebrated, and collected. Viki x.'
11am to 4pm | Viki Knott Antiques and Art, EH14 1QB | FREE - More details here, shared by Viki Knott.
🕊️ Online Zoom Forum: Interspirituality: The Heritage
Wed 08 April - 'There will be five talks, each of 12 minutes, followed by discussion among the speakers and the chair, followed by Q & A.'
7pm to 9pm | Online. - More details here, shared by Neill Walker, Edinburgh International Centre for Spirituality and Peace.
🍵 Tea Social - a relaxed evening of tea and conversation in Edinburgh
Thu 09 April - 'Looking for something different to do in Edinburgh? Why not enjoy a relaxed evening of tea and conversation hosted by Chiya & Chai. Taste three single garden teas, chat, connect, and unwind - no formal tasting, just good tea and good company.'
6.30pm to 8.30pm | PekoeTea Edinburgh, EH6 8LN | £15 incl £5 voucher - More details here, shared by Sandra Benn, Chiya & Chai Tea Tastings.
🎨 Braid Bowling Club Art Exhibition [Weekly]
Fri 10 April - 'Over 50 artists are exhibiting at Braid Bowling Club, Morningside, Edinburgh to raise funds for this historic venue. Enjoy a wide range of art, explore the club, and even join-free for the first year. Supported by Upright Gallery.'
11am to 4pm | Braid Bowling Club, EH10 6BR | FREE - More details here, shared by Ian Farmer.
🌸 Forest Bathing at Lauriston: Blossoms and New Beginnings
Sat 11 April - 'Spring is here and the cherry blossoms are calling! Join us for a rejuvenating experience in nature at our 'Blossoms and New Beginnings' forest bathing event at Lauriston Castle. Take a break and enjoy a moment of tranquillity. All welcome!'
10am to 12.30pm | Lauriston Castle, EH4 6AD | £24-29 - More details here, shared by Dr Eve Hepburn, LongLeaf.
🎶 Step Up! EP Launch - Kat Brooks
Sat 11 April - 'Feisty, fierce, and celebrating the FIRST release from Edinburgh indie artist Kat Brooks - live! Expect soulful vocals, chunky bass riffs & soaring harmonies, as well as a whole lot of energy and full band. Support by Rue Cooper. Soul/Funk/Rock/R&B.'
7pm to 10pm | La Belle Angele, EH1 1HJ | £10 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
💃 Kid's Spring Disco at Portobello Town Hall
Sat 18 April - 'Get ready to shake away the winter blues at our Fundraising Kid's Spring Disco! Join us on April 18, 2026 at 9:30 am at Portobello Town Hall. Fun for the whole family - good tunes, face painting and proper coffee for the grown ups.'
9.30am to 11.30am | Portobello Town Hall, EH15 1AF | £3 (Under 2s Free) - More details here, shared by Claire Wilson-Elmes, Portobello Town Hall.
🪄 Edinburgh Magic at The Caledonian [Weekly]
Sat 09 May - 'Edinburgh Magic returns for a seven-day run of mind-blowing illusions, storytelling, and hidden stories of the city you've never heard before. Just 30 seats per performance in the stunning Caledonian's Versailles Suite! From 9th May, 6pm & 8:30pm.'
6pm to 7.30pm | The Caledonian Edinburgh, EH1 2AB | £25 - £65 - More details here, shared by KQ Productions.
🍰 Edinburgh Cake Grab 2026 - Vintage Vibes
Sun 10 May - 'Inspired by the viral cake picnic phenomenon, it's time for Cake Grab 26! Bring a cake (baked/bought), grab a pizza box and have 5 minutes to grab as many delicious slices as you can! Plus, all funds raised support local charity Vintage Vibes!'
1pm to 3pm | Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield, EH12 6UG | £10 donation - More details here, shared by Vintage Vibes.
💪 Lighthouse Bookshop hosting Keir Milburn on Radical Abundance - 8 April at 7pm - 'Capitalism has created a world of bullshit abundance - we need an alternative: radical abundance! Join us for an evening discussion on how to build a green democratic future with Keir Milburn and Mike Small.' - More details here, shared by Lighthouse - Edinburgh's Radical Bookshop.
🎷 Dogs and Jazz at the box postponed - 'Due to the weather on Sat 4th April, the dog grooming Q&A with a bit of live music at Leith Walk Polisbox popups has been postponed. Check the website for new date (tbc) www.leithwalkpolicebox.com/events or follow dogdazeinsta' - Thanks as always to Monty of Leith Walk polisbox popups for sharing this.
📰 Introducing The Grange Prestonfield Voice - 'Grange Prestonfield Community Council has launched a monthly newsletter for people living in the Southside of Edinburgh. Our ambition is to inform you on what’s happening in the neighbourhoods across a variety of topics. Read our latest issue!' - More details here, shared by GPCC.
The Grange Prestonfield Voice
🌍 New issue of C&B News - 'Celebrating communities along the upper Water of Leith valley: Currie, Balerno, Juniper Green, Baberton Mains, and Colinton. April edition now available to view/download online, with print copies available locally from Good Friday onwards.' - More details here, shared by C&B News.
🏛️ New events space to open off The Royal Mile - 'CODE Concepts has announced a new project: a brand-new dedicated events, community and coworking space, The Pend. Occupying the historic Old Fishmarket Close site, The Pend’s events programme will feature a blend of local and international talent.' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
☀️ Watt Good News - The LifeCare Hub Is Going Green! - 'LifeCare's installed solar panels and battery storage at its Cheyne Street hub and café, cutting costs and emissions while boosting support for older people and the wider community. Thanks to Scottish Government CARES funding.' - More details here, shared by Claire Montgomery, LifeCare Edinburgh.
Emily Galloway
🤝 Volunteer Trustees Wanted – Leith Community Centre. - 'We are looking for new volunteer Trustees to join our friendly and committed board. Our Centre is a vibrant local hub, supporting a wide range of community groups and we are seeking individuals who are passionate about community development.' - More details here, shared by Leith Community Centre.
📮 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:
- 🗳️ Reform candidate grilled by school children after climate crisis denial.
- 🦊 Tom Kelly's 'Wildlife on the Water of Leith' March video round-up.
- 🚔 15-year-old boy arrested following Princes Street stolen car police chase.
- Introducing The Edinburgh Society of Unapologetically Imperfect Mothers Podcast.
- 🚒 Fire crews 'remove trapped casualty' after Granton Road crash.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 879.
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