The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Thursday 20 August 2026
Council could buy fire-damaged Princes St building, 300% council tax hike on second homes faces vote, more questions over North Bridge bus stops + new bus routes announced by Lothian Buses
☔️ Good morning Edinburgh. It's a jam-packed edition. Today's Festival Minute lands in paying subscribers' inboxes around midday, with some exclusive half-price offers on Assembly shows. Here’s Thursday's Edinburgh Minute.
🌦️ More rain is expected from 11am today until 7am tomorrow. It could feel colder today and tomorrow, with a low of 10C. The sunshine is expected to return over the weekend with temperatures rising to 19C by Saturday. - Get the full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh here.
- Flash flooding affected some Cowgate and Grassmarket venues yesterday. - Rain flooded the Potterrow underpass, temporarily trapping some people with comedians, as this video by Killian Sundermann and Shane Daniel Byrne shows. Water poured off the bridges (video from South Bridge by @Michaelexploring) and down Victoria Street and the West Port (video by @bedrockcoffee_). This video by @edinburgh_strolls shows where all that rain ended up.
💧 A water leak at the Royal Infirmary forced the temporary closure of two heart treatment units. - Andrew Picken, BBC Scotland News.
💰 Despite multiple tax-dodging cases highlighted by local journalists, including in this newsletter, it's been revealed this morning that no one in Edinburgh has faced criminal charges for tax avoidance over the last three years. - Exclusive by Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco in The Herald.
Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco
🚎 Lothian Buses announced new bus services will be launched next month when a raft of new drivers begin their jobs. The introduction of a new service number 28 between Gilmerton and Bellevue will link Gilmerton Station Road, Lasswade Road, Mayfield Road, Surgeons’ Hall, North Bridge and Leith Street every 30 minutes. Buses on the number 7 route are being increased to every 15 minutes. The Royal Infirmary will get new early morning and evening connections, with the 37A to/from Penicuik and the new 39A to/from Rosewell. There are lots of minor timetable changes on many other services, all due to start from Sunday 13 September, with full details and maps here.
- East Coast Buses changes include a reduction in the number of X5 route journeys, due to 'a reduction in customer demand on the North Berwick bus corridor'.
Karen Keith
🚧 The council could consider a Compulsory Purchase Order on the fire-damaged former Debenhams building on Princes Street. Local Scottish Green Party councillors have tabled the proposal for next week's full council meeting. They are also calling for a total ban on all private cars from the blocks bounded by Princes Street, Frederick Street, Queen Street and Charlotte Square, except where access is required, during the road closure. - Full details in the motion tabled by Portobello/Craigmillar councillor Alys Mumford here. She told the Minute:
"Everyone has been working hard to try and resolve the issues caused by the Princes Street fire, but we think there is still more that could be done to help get the city moving. Some of this has to involve a conversation about using the legal powers available to the Council to purchase the building, if that is the best option to get the repair and restoration on track - we simply can't have a situation where what is best for residents and visitors is held up by reluctance to find solutions from the building's owners. Like everyone else, we're hopeful that the situation will be resolved without any further delay, but if that proves not to be the case, Greens want to see the Council take steps to prioritise public transport over private profit."
⮑ Council leader (and Portobello/Craigmillar Labour councillor) Jane Meagher will tell next Thursday's meeting that she wants 'a structured lessons learned review' to be compiled by officers, looking at 'the resilience of the tram network, including consideration of operational dependencies, potential single points of failure, depot resilience, engineering and operational contingency arrangements, and options for improving network redundancy as the tram system develops.'
🗳️ Also on next Thursday's council meeting agenda:
- Questions on the closure, cost and repair timescale of Powderhall Bridge at St Mark’s Path - by Leith Walk Ward Lib Dem councillor Jack Caldwell.
- A request for an updated risk assessment for Portobello beach this financial year regarding lifeguarding, alongside concerns around sewage and bacteria levels in the sea and sand - from Portobello/Craigmillar Green councillor Alys Mumford.
- "What work is being undertaken with Lothian Buses to eliminate the appearance of 'Ghost Buses' on bus stop screens?" - asks Sighthill/Gorgie Green councillor Dan Heap.
🚏 On the topic of bus stops, City Centre Green councillor Claire Miller is trying to find out more about the process for removing bus stops. - See the questions here. She told the Minute:
"It's the busiest time of year just now and public transport is already disrupted by the Princes Street fire, so we urgently need to make it easier to get around by bus. I’m desperate to get more information about bus stops for North and South Bridge so that I can get back to all the constituents who are waiting for news. The Council must make it easier for people to find out information and to provide feedback on essential services such as city centre bus stops."
⮑ When asked by the Minute last month why bus stops were removed as part of the £86m restoration of North Bridge, whether there was any public input and why no equality impact assessments on the decision exist, city transport leader (and Pentland Hills Labour councillor) Stephen Jenkinson said: "We’ve taken this decision, with the support of Lothian Buses, to improve the reliability of our services and increase footway space on North Bridge. We’ve seen over the length of the project, and through feedback from Lothian, that services from South Bridge have performed well. We’re now taking work forward to widen the footway here and make the area more accessible for everyone.”
🎓 New details on the University of Edinburgh's 'restructuring plans' is expected to be released by the end of the month, reports Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco in The Herald. The uni previously defended its cost reduction efforts, saying costs are rising and 'further recurrent savings are still needed to achieve financial sustainability'.
- Staff and students are planning an 'emergency rally' on Friday to protest against the £140m cuts. They fear '2000+ jobs are at risk'. - More details from the UCU here.
Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco
🚑 A man died after falling from the Harvey Nichols building in St Andrew Square yesterday afternoon. Police are investigating. - Lara Mertes, STV News.
🔑 Edinburgh’s freeze on letting council housing could be lifted in October, according to papers going before next week’s housing committee meeting. - Local Democracy Reporter Joe Sullivan in Midlothian View + in The Edinburgh Reporter.
🏠🏡 Councillors are also set to approve a delayed 300% council tax hike on second and long-term empty homes, after an aborted initial rollout cost the city £3m in lost revenue. - Local Democracy Reporter Joe Sullivan in the Evening News.
🏫 A predicted surge in demand for properties near Edinburgh's 15 private schools has not materialised, reports Jody Harrison in The Herald.
🏨 Plans to turn an eight-storey office block opposite Ocean Terminal shopping centre in to a 146-room hotel have been approved. - Kevin Quinn, Evening News.
🛍️ The Financial Times 'How To Spend It' has a feature on the Shore in Leith, describing it as 'a lesser known Edinburgh gem'. Of course, it's not 'lesser known' to you, but there are lots of good local independent businesses in the global spotlight here. - Ben Perdue interviews Samantha McCoach.
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📌 “Lothian Buses are hiring a creative, innovative and enthusiastic Junior Digital Designer to join our in-house digital team, based at Lothian’s main operating garage in Leith. More details here.” - Thanks to Minute subscriber Berna for sharing this.
📚️ Can't Play Twister - 'I've had my heart in Edinburgh for 8 months working with Michael to provide you with a city calendar. Another thing you might appreciate is my late mum's memoir about her battle with sarcoma, full of dark humour and optimism. Profits go to charity.' - More details here, shared by Mike Gyi, TownSpot.
👶 Baby App Study - 'Are you a new(er) parent who used baby apps in the first year of your child’s life? Would you like to talk about using these apps while becoming a parent? Then please join a focus group for my study on baby apps and "becoming parents.”' - More details here, shared by Dr Marlee Tichenor, University of Edinburgh.
📚 Local Publishers' PopUp for 3 days only [Until Sun]
Tomorrow, Fri 21 August - 'Small but mighty Scotland Street Press & Bold Wren Press, are popping up for three days only. There will be authors' readings, signings & who knows what else - though definitely kids books - and history, mystery.... 27, Albert Place, 21-23 August'
10am to 6pm | 27 Albert Place - on Leith Walk · Canonmills & Broughton | FREE - More details here, shared by Leslie Hills.
🏖️ Bamboo Bodies Beach Day
Sat 22 August - 'Fun, totally FREE workouts hosted by Bamboo Bodies at Portobello Beach! Join us for Calisthenics, an intro to Maces & Beach Bootcamp, with social time and fun challenges. All Weclome. Meet at the Calisthenics Park on the Prom (Straiton Place Park)!'
10am to 1pm | Straiton Place Park · Portobello | FREE - More details here, shared by Jon, Bamboo Bodies Gym.
🎶 Afternoon Tay
Sat 22 August - 'Afternoon Tay is a Taylor Swift-inspired afternoon tea designed for parents and under 5s. With soft play for the little ones, and a themed afternoon tea at the 5* Virgin Hotel for grown-ups. A small event created by a local mum, for other parents :)'
10am to 3pm | Virgin Hotels Edinburgh · Old Town - More details here, shared by Steph, Bonnie Skies Soft Play Hire.
🏳️🌈 Afternoon Tea with Jenny T.
Sat 22 August - 'Come for the tea, stay for the chaos! Grab a drink, relax, and let Jenny Tailia serve up an unforgettable event of glamour, comedy and drag entertainment: an afternoon packed with live vocals, lip-sync performances, audience interaction and laughs'
2pm to 4pm | The Tailor Cafe + Wine Bar · Abbeyhill & Meadowbank | FREE - More details here, shared by Lorenzo, The Tailor.
🕯️ Vigil for Prof Jason Arday
Sat 22 August - 'A community gathering in memory of Prof Jason Arday.'
2pm to 3.30pm | Holyrood Park · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Educators for Peace.
🎤 Live Music - Majk Stokes [Every Saturday]
Sat 22 August - 'Comedy poet and singer-songwriter once described as "Bill Bailey's good-looking younger brother", explores some of the issues that face us in the world today and finds the funny side. (There is one, honest) £6 suggested donation or pay what you can.'
8pm to 9pm | Steel Coulson Southside · Southside - More details here, shared by Glen Dawkins.
🎲 Alchemax D&D [Every Monday]
Mon 24 August - 'Want to try out Dungeons and Dragons? Looking for a fun activity where you get to be creative? Try out Alchemax D&D at Potions and Rations! Every Monday at 6:30pm, each ticket includes a meal, drink, and 3+ hours of entertainment by a paid DM.'
6.30pm to 10pm | Potions And Rations · Canonmills & Broughton | £35 - More details here, shared by Chris Mckenzie, Alterra Entertainment.
👶 Postnatal Small Group Strength Course [Every Thursday]
Thu 27 August - 'A 12 week small group programme for mums and babies, designed to support postnatal recovery and rebuild strength, confidence and connection. Small groups of 5 maximum. Specialist coaching. Babies very welcome.'
1pm to 2.30pm | Pitt Strength · Granton & Pilton - More details here, shared by Nikki Price, Nikki Price Wellness.
🍽️ Syrian Supper Club
Thu 27 August - 'Interested in trying authentic Syrian food? Come and join us for delicious Syrian food cooked with love in Edinburgh by our award winning chef Noura. Funds support the Cyrenians Community Cook School in Leith.'
7pm to 9pm | Coffee Saints · New Town | £38 - More details here, shared by Cyrenians.
🏆️ No Scotland No Party!
Thu 27 August - 'Nothing is off-limits as one woman crosses borders en route to the World Cup - or at least to the nearest pub with a big screen! Tears, humour, despair, goals and celebration all shoehorned into a lively hour of poetic mastery.'
3pm to 4pm | St Columba's by the Castle Scottish Episcopal Church · Old Town | £10, £7 concessions - More details here, shared by Luath Press.
🧘♀️ Roll & Release Yoga Massage Workshop
Sun 30 August - 'Do you need a lie down at the end of the month? This workshop- combining Myofascial Release with Restorative Yoga- can help with aches and pains and promote deep relaxation. Taught by experienced Yoga teacher and athlete Emma McCready.'
3pm to 5pm | Ashtanga Yoga Edinburgh & Hillside Collective · Canonmills & Broughton | £45 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎶 Edinburgh Police Choir Open Night
Sun 30 August - 'Edinburgh Police Choir gets rave reviews every time we perform. If you'd like to be part of it, come along and find out more at our open night. Email edinburghpolicechoir@gmail.com for more information.'
7pm to 9pm | Craigsbank Church · Maybury | FREE - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Police Choir.
🍁 Grownups deserve recess too! Learn Fall Foraging with Nature School for Grownups [Until 23 Oct]
Fri 04 September - '🍂 Go back to school - outside. Join the Fall Foraging Journey this September and October. Learn to identify and forage seasonal plants, then turn what you find into wild preparations. Friendly, playful and hands-on. £15/session or £56 for all four.'
2pm to 4pm | Bridgend Farmhouse Cafe · Cameron Toll | 15-56 GBP - More details here, shared by Natasha Gabriella Lowery-Lewis, Nature School for Grownups.
🏳️🌈 Edinburgh Gay Men's Chorus Open Evening
Tue 08 September - 'Curious about singing with a choir? Come along on Tuesday 8 September to meet our members and find out what we're all about. No audition and no pressure - just a warm welcome, a few songs and some friendly faces. All welcome!'
7.30pm to 9.30pm | LifeCare Edinburgh · Stockbridge | FREE - More details here, shared by Mabon Elis, Edinburgh Gay Men's Chorus.
🏡 Home Renovations in Edinburgh - Expert Advice & Panel Discussion
Thu 10 September - 'Enjoy fizz and canapés, followed by a panel event and Q&A with trusted local architect, interior designer and builder. Discover top renovation tips, budgeting advice and avoid common pitfalls. Have your burning questions answered for your own project'
6pm to 8pm | The Caledonian Edinburgh · West End | £16 - More details here, shared by Sarah Maguire, Raison Home Edinburgh.
Remember you can always see all 240+ upcoming local events on TownSpot calendars and maps. Thanks to everyone who shares their things!
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 🎤 '24 of the best jokes so far at this year's Fringe'.
- 🏥 Upgrade plans for Royal Infirmary hospital.
- 🌳 After 15 years in the suit, a new Burryman for South Queensferry.
- 🚲 Voi bike bosses looking for new parking spots.
- 🚊 Tram Trains for Edinburgh.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 979.
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