The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Thursday 2 July 2026
Surprise appearance from Prince William amid protests, complaints about cones on statues, get fit with your dog + Tom Kelly's monthly Water of Leith wildlife video
🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. Apart from the royal family stuff, it's a relatively quiet news morning so far. If I've missed anything please get in touch. Here’s Thursday's Edinburgh Minute.
👑 Royal Week updates: King Charles unveiled the new bronze lion memorial statue in West Princes Street Gardens yesterday to mark the 20th anniversary of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. - Heather Carrick, Evening News.
- Prince William made a surprise appearance at yesterday's Order of the Thistle service at St Giles' Cathedral yesterday. He attended with his uncle Prince Edward, King Charles and Queen Camilla. - Simon Perry, People.
- Outside, protesters held signs and chanted 'not my king'. - There are images and videos from protest group Republic here.
⚠️ A local community group is asking locals to report street cones on top of landmarks to the council. Yesterday council staff removed cones from statues on from the Royal Mile, but more have appeared at the east end of Princes Street and the top of Leith Walk. - New Town & Broughton Community Council wrote on Instagram: "Please respect our beautiful city! Putting cones on historical statues damages them, costs the council (you!) money and ruins the experience for people who've travelled thousands of miles to visit Edinburgh".
- Photos below by Tom Duffin.
Photos by Tom Duffin.
🎞️ Two former cinemas, on Clerk Street and in Portobello, have been added to the 'at risk' register. - Callum McCormack, Evening News.
- The A-listed former Odeon cinema 'lies in limbo after renovation works were halted in 2024', reports Urban Realm.
🚾 A disused public toilet block on Buckstone Terrace in Fairmilehead could be transformed into 'eco friendly' flats. - Nicholas Malizia, Edinburgh Live.
🪩 In this week’s Edinburgh Culture Minute newsletter:
- Ewan McGregor will be at the Film Festival next month,
- Tributes to local comedy legend Paul Sneddon, aka Vladimir McTavish,
- The Maccabees & Hamish Hawk at the Corn Exchange,
- Joe Lycett at the Playhouse,
- Fringe expert Kerry's festival guide returns & much more...
Michael MacLeod
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🚧 Powderhall Bridge latest — update and comments thread - 'Major: important transport link 'closed' and maybe about to be scrapped. Condemned bridge still being used due to inadequate barriers is a serious failing by Council. Background. Current situation. Explanations. Not sure anyone else has covered this.' - More details here, shared by the Broughton Spurtle.
🐕 Bring Yer Wee Pal x Griffen Fitness: Get Fit with your Dog - 'Dogs are the best training buddies! Learn a wee workout you can do when walking your dog, in your local park. No equipment required, suitable for all fitness levels... Fun guaranteed, and disobedient or disruptive dogs all welcome. Wee Pal endorsed!' - More details here, shared by Tracy.
🦦 Wildlife on the Water of Leith - JUNE 2026 - 'Lots of wildlife activity on along the Water of Leith in this past month! The highlights, in this month’s 2+ minute video, include the arrival of several roe deer kids and also two tiny otter cubs at the start of June!' - More details here, shared by Tom Kelly, GoWildInEdinburgh.co.uk.
🖊️ Edinburgh Handwriting Pen Pal [Until Sat]
Today, Thu 02 July - 'From today, 2nd July, pop into The Tailor to pick up an introductory letter and write to your new friend! Leave it at the bar! Due to high interest received, from now on, you can leave introductory letters any time! Let's have some fun!'
12pm to 3pm | The Tailor Cafe + Wine Bar · Abbeyhill & Meadowbank | FREE - More details here, shared by Sara (and on Instagram here).
🧠 Mental Health - Anxiety and Depression Workshop Series - 3CBT [Every Saturday]
Sat 04 July - 'This workshop group (5 x 2hr sessions) is run by two psychotherapists. It aims to help people with mild/moderate anxiety and depression to manage their symptoms. Free to attend with registration - to register or see more details use the web link.'
10am to 12pm | Accessible public venue near Leith Walk - Please register for further details and exact address · Canonmills & Broughton | FREE - More details here, shared by 3CBT.
🏋️♀️ Introduction to Strength Training Workshop
Sat 04 July - 'Are you curious about strength training, but unsure how to begin? This workshop, hosted at a Yoga studio, will take you through the very basic ideas and movements. Open to all.'
3pm to 5pm | Tidal Yoga Ltd · Leith | £45 - More details here, shared by Emma McCready.
🛍️ B's Vintage Market SUMMER at the Biscuit Factory
Sun 05 July - 'B's is BACK for summer at the Biscuit, with an absolute STELLAR lineup of vintage delights -clothes (for all genders!), accessories, shoes, jewellery, homewares, cameras, games & more! Plus House of Tapas will be in residence & the Biscuit bar!'
11am to 4pm | The Biscuit Factory · Leith | £2.50 - £3 online - More details here, shared by B's Vintage Market.
📚 Blackwell's Book Quiz [Monthly]
Mon 06 July - 'Join us for our free book quiz on the 1st Monday of every month in Caffè Nero. We'll quiz you on anything from classics to current bestsellers, Booker Prize winners to celebrity biographies and everything in-between. Teams of max 5 people.'
6pm to 7pm | Blackwell's Bookshop · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Ann Landmann.
🎥 Film Screening: River of Grass (Kelly Reichardt) at Newbarns Taproom
Tue 07 July - 'As part of a series of Film Screenings at Newbarns Taproom, Kelly Reichardt's, River of Grass (1994) is being shown on Tuesday 7th July! Join us to watch, have some drinks and can stay to discuss the film after!''
7pm to 10pm | Newbarns Brewery and Taproom · Leith | £5.00 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🧵 Age 11-16 - Summer Sewing Course [Until Fri]
Wed 08 July - 'A fun 3-session course where kids and teens will create their own patchwork drawstring bag while learning sewing skills and upcycling. They will design, sew, and take home a unique handmade item.'
2pm to 4.30pm | Paradigm Shift Open Studio Ltd · Leith | £75 - More details here, shared by Paradigm Shift Open Studio Ltd.
🍲 Social Stew [Every Wednesday]
Wed 08 July - 'Beautiful Bridgend Farmhouse is hosting a social stew every Wednesday in July and August - food, talks, music, activities something for everyone - see programme for details'
5pm to 7pm | Bridgend Farmhouse Cafe · Cameron Toll | FREE - More details here, shared by Bridgend Farmhouse.
🏡 Selling This Summer: From Valuation to Move Out Day
Sat 11 July - 'Confused about selling your home? 🏠 Join our property experts for practical advice on valuations, viewings, offers, and moving day. Book a 20-minute appointment or drop in to get clear, expert guidance on every step of the Scottish selling process.'
11am to 2pm | ESPC · New Town | FREE - More details here, shared by ESPC.
🐾 Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home Charity Tattoo Walk-in Event @ Absolute Body Art
Sat 11 July - 'On Saturday 11th July, the amazing team at Absolute BodyArt are hosting a charity walk-in tattoo day, with 100% of proceeds donated to our Home! 🐶🐱 Choose from a selection of specially designed flash tattoos. All proceeds go straight to the home!'
11am to 5pm | Absolute Body Art Studio · Old Town | Various - More details here, shared by Khalid Al-Ani, Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home.
🎶 Salad & Peach Homecoming: Morven McArdle + Sarya
Thu 16 July - 'After years of scattered time zones and wildly different musical directions, Sarya (Salad) and Morven McArdle (Peach) are reunited for one genre-hopping night only. Prepare to feel deeply and bring your pals!'
7pm to 10pm | People's Leisure Club · Old Town | £6/£8, £10 otd - More details here, shared by Anna Mikelsone.
🎨 Sip n' Paint: Wine, Creativity & Connection at The Melting Pot
Thu 16 July - 'Join us for a evening of painting, wine and great company at our Sip n' Paint. Led by experienced art teacher Talia Pelosi, you'll be guided step-by-step through creating your own unique masterpiece to take home.'
7pm to 9pm | The Melting Pot · Old Town | 25 - More details here, shared by The Melting Pot.
📖 The Story Sessions: Origin Stories
Fri 17 July - 'Join us for an evening of storytelling, connection and community. This month's theme is Origin Stories: the beginnings that shaped us. Come as an audience member or share your own story. We'd love to have you!'
6pm to 8.30pm | Tribe Porty · Portobello | £5 & £10 - More details here, shared by Ellie Clinch, Soapbox.
📝 Creative Story Writing Summer School for ages 8 - 11
Mon 20 July - 'Join the Super Power Agency for 4 days of creative writing and storytelling! Whether you want to write a sci-fi adventure, a spooky story or a comedy caper, we will help you bring your ideas to life and put them in your very own published book!'
11am to 3pm | Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Super Power Agency.
🪑 Edinburgh Empty Chairs
Wed 22 July - 'Empty Chairs is a simple community idea: book a small table in a pub, leave a few chairs empty, and make it easy for anyone to join for a chat. You can grab a free ticket on Luma, or simply turn up without a ticket. Everyone is welcome!'
6.30pm to 8.30pm | Hectors · Stockbridge | FREE - More details here, shared by Beth Anderson, Edinburgh Empty Chairs.
💪 Learn Pilates - 3 week beginners course at The Pilates Hub, Leith [Every Monday]
Mon 27 July - 'Join us for our three-week beginners' course where you will be introduced to the Reformer, Mat, Tower, and Chair: the full Pilates system. Suitable for absolute beginners.'
6.45pm to 7.40pm | The Pilates Hub · Leith | £88 - More details here, shared by Elaine Turner, The Pilates Hub.
📮 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:
- 📰 July edition of Spurtle in shops and online now.
- 🎨 Tributes to street artist Brian ‘Elph’ McFeely.
- 👑 'Queen Camilla Criticised for Meeting with J.K. Rowling in Edinburgh'.
- 👩🌾 Gorgie Community Farm seeks volunteers.
- 🚧 Another Cameron Toll roundabout closure.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 943.
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