The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Thursday 26 March 2026
Rising antisocial behaviour on buses, uni talks break down ahead of Monday strike, dozens of new homes for Leith + readers solve New Town film shoot mystery
🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. It's a sunny start but there's a chance of rain this evening. Here’s Thursday's Edinburgh Minute.
🚎 Antisocial behaviour on Lothian Buses increased by nearly 5% last year. Councillors will discuss the situation at next Thursday's transport meeting. - Joe Sullivan, Local Democracy Reporter, STV News.
🚔 Nectar Bar on Broughton Street had a break-in on Monday night, with thieves taking away the till. - Lee Dalgetty, Edinburgh Live.
🏫 Some parents say they've been 'left in the dark' after structural issues in a floor of a classroom forced St Cuthbert’s Primary School in Slateford to close. Engineers are investigating. 180 pupils have been moved to other schools with no timeline for the closure. - Rachel Fergusson, Evening News.
🎓 The University and College Union has confirmed Monday's Tab report that University of Edinburgh staff will go on strike for five days over compulsory redundancy fears. - The union published its statement here, saying the five-day walkout will begin on Monday.
- ⮑ UCU Edinburgh branch president, Sophia Woodman, said: "We thought we had a deal which would protect members until the end of April, but members are clear that management haven't engaged in meaningful consultation and we've no choice but to come back out on strike. To resolve this dispute and the save jobs and rule out the use of compulsory redundancies in the long term, we need managers and the principal to engage openly and honestly with us, including negotiations on finances. Unions have proposed a framework for redundancy avoidance that outlines terms of meaningful engagement. We are ready to return to negotiations tomorrow to find ways forward that avoid further damaging staff cuts."
- Uni management and union leaders struck an agreement in December but talks have again broken down. Principal Peter Mathieson said: "The decision from UCU Edinburgh to take industrial action brings a premature end to the agreement we reached in December 2025. By targeting strikes during teaching, exams and graduations, our students will now be placed under more strain during an already challenging and important time. While we respect the right to protest, we will do everything we can to protect our students and staff from any disruption. We will continue all legally required consultation with union representatives and will continue to uphold our commitments under the agreement, as we believe this is in the best interests of our staff."
- More coverage by Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco in The Herald + by Phyllis Stephen in The Edinburgh Reporter.
- 🪧 Meanwhile lecturers on the picket line at Heriot-Watt University have spoken about why they plan to continue walk-outs as part of a series of strikes. - Katy McCloskey, BBC Scotland News.
🏠 Plans for 49 new affordable homes at Coatfield Lane at the Kirkgate in Leith (map link) been approved by councillors. Construction will begin this year. City housing leader Tim Pogson said: "This approval is a vital step in tackling the housing emergency facing our city. Unfortunately too many people are struggling to find a safe, secure and affordable place to call home and developments like this are a key part of the solution." - More details from the council here.
🎬 The ongoing film shoot in the New Town, is no longer a mystery thanks to the dozens of readers (literally dozens!) of New Town-based readers who replied to yesterday's newsletter. With a working title of 'Debutante 3', it is season three of Apple TV+ series The Buccaneers, as confirmed to the Minute by the producers.
⮑ Thanks to Richard Dickson for sharing the leaflet below, which was put through local residents' doors, and fellow subscribers Rosie Baruah and Adam More for their buccaneering detective work.
🪩 In this week’s Edinburgh Culture Minute newsletter: Another music venue closing, Children's Festival programme launched, live shows from Thundercat, Basement Jaxx & Richard Ayoade + a new local art zine.
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🚦 Less waiting for the green man - 'A Council review prompted by Living Streets has discovered that many pedestrian crossings didn’t meet the 20 second maximum wait time set out in council policy. A council report says that wait times will now be reduced at 24 pedestrian crossings.' - Thanks to Living Streets Edinburgh for sharing this.
- ⮑ The Transport and Environment Committee 'Improved signalised crossings' update report is here.
🛒 Call for Market Traders- Market on the Croft 10-4pm- April 2026 onwards - 'Market on the Croft want to here from makers, producers, artists, food vendors alike, looking for the opportunity to trade at Leith Community Croft in the coming weeks and months. Apply via the link or email marketonthecroft@earth-in-common.org' - More details here, shared by Earth in Common- Leith Community Croft.
🎨 Tinderbox Room to Play - Artist Call-out - 'We’re looking for emerging artists (aged 18-26) who want to dive into interactive sound, art and performance with a curious, playful spirit. If you’re excited by the idea of building something people can step into, we’d love you to join us.' - More details here, shared by Luci, Tinderbox Collective.
🖊️ Ditto Stationery Pop-Up Shop
Today, Thu 26 March - 'Ditto brings a curated selection of joyful, design-led stationery, with some Asian brands introduced to the UK for the first time! Pop-up starts today, Thurs 26th-Sun 29th March 11am-6:30pm/11am-5pm 👉 https://www.instagram.com/ditto.stationery/'
11am to 6.30pm | Edinburgh Pop-Up Shop, EH7 5HN - More details here, shared by Monica.
♻️ Sustainable Fashion Show
Tomorrow, Fri 27 March - 'Join us at The Crannie Community Hub Friday 27th 5-7pm as we showcase some of the clothing and jewellery pieces made in our Upcycling workshops, some second-hand looks, and try to make your own upcycled pieces!'
5pm to 7pm | The Crannie Community Hub | Free - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Old Town Development Trust.
🦒 Non-violent Communication Foundation 2 Day Training
Sat 28 March - 'Long for more collaboration? Find your self-talk restricts you? Tend to avoid conflict and say yes to things you don't want to do? These 2 days will give you skills to free yourself from unhelpful habits and the tools to express yourself with care.'
9.30am to 4.30pm | Muirhouse | £160/£220 (Organisers happy to discuss - a pay what you can) - More details here, shared by Jonny5050.
🌞 Portobello in Summer Community Meeting
Sat 28 March - 'Summer is around the corner, local MP Chris Murray is holding a community meeting to discuss plans for Portobello in the warmer months. Come along to meet your local policing team, and local councillor and council leader, Jane Meagher.'
12pm to 1pm | Bellfield, EH15 2BP | FREE - More details here, shared by Office of Chris Murray MP (Edinburgh East & Musselburgh).
🎹 Morningside Hope concert - Piano Duo
Sat 28 March - 'This is a piano duo concert with Margaret Wakeford & Simon Coverdale. The concert is open to everyone with a focus on being dementia friendly.'
2pm to 3pm | Morningside Parish Church, EH10 6BQ | FREE - More details here, shared by Morningside Hope.
🍰 Trusted Crumb wholefood bakery
Sun 29 March - 'Trusted Crumb bakery pop up - baked goods made with real, whole-food ingredients that are both nourishing & genuinely delicious. Comforting, joyful & kind to the body all at the same time. Sun 29th at the box 9.30-16.30 or sellout.'
9.30am to 4.30pm | Leith Walk Police Box pop ups, EH7 4LT - More details here, shared by Monty, Leith walk polisbox pop ups.
🛍️ Vinted In Real Life
Sun 29 March - 'If you love Vinted but hate the faff, come along and grab some bargains IRL! A huge selection of ladies, plus size, mens and kids clothing, shoes and accessories will be available. From high street to designer and vintage, new and secondhand.'
10.30am to 2.30pm | The Fisherrow Centre, EH21 6AT | FREE - More details here, shared by Love Musselburgh C.I.C.
🏛️ Tours of Scotland from 1700 to 1837
Mon 30 March - 'Learn about the travels of 18th and 19th century tourists like Dorothy Wordsworth and James Boswell using fascinating drawings and photographs from our archive. Join in-person or online via Zoom, book your free space by contacting archives@hes.scot.'
2pm to 3pm | Historic Environment Scotland, EH8 9NX | FREE - More details here, shared by Historic Environment Scotland.
🎶 creative soundLAB: Music Sync Networking and Showcase Event
Mon 30 March - 'Get ready to mix and mingle with music industry practitioners where music connections sync up perfectly! Come and explore discover and sample perfect music audio sound for your creative multimedia projects.'
6pm to 8.30pm | Bright Red Triangle, EH11 1AR | FREE - More details here, shared by opera.agency.
🎬 After Eight: The Story of Satpal Ram (+ short film)
Wed 1 April - 'ᴀꜰᴛᴇʀ ᴇɪɢʜᴛ uncovers the darker side of Britain's post-pub curry culture. In 1986, Satpal Ram defended himself against a racist attack in a restaurant. He was 19. That night set in motion a chain of events that would define the course of his life.'
6.10pm to 7.40pm | Filmhouse, EH3 9BZ | £5 - £12 - More details here, shared by Scottish Documentary Institute.
💻️ High Signal Edinburgh
Wed 1 April - 'High Signal is a casual meetup for entrepreneurs, devs and marketers. Come along for a chat, share how things are going and maybe get some help. This is an informal event without speakers etc. Just come for the vibes and good chat.'
8pm to 10pm | Joseph Pearce, EH7 4AA | FREE - More details here, shared by Pete.
🍷 Democracy Drinks [Monthly]
Thu 2 April - 'Democracy Drinks is an informal gathering for democracy enthusiasts to make connections, and share ideas over your drink of choice. Whether this is your work or you are just interested in democracy in Scotland, join us for friendly conversation.'
5.30pm to 8pm | MacKays On The Mile, EH8 8BJ | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎨 Sip and Draw a Concertina Sketchbook
Thu 9 April - 'A unique evening at Hotel du Vin making a concertina sketchbook with artist David Short. No experience needed, just bring yourself and leave with a beautiful handmade sketchbook and a head full of inspiration. Free drink, nibbles + hotel discounts.'
6pm to 7.30pm | Hotel du Vin Edinburgh, EH1 1EZ | £20 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader + in this Instagram video.
🩺 Free prostate cancer testing
Sat 18 April - 'Sir Chris Hoy is campaigning to get men in Scotland over 40 tested for prostate cancer due to falling survival rates. Early detection saves lives! Two dates 18/19 April - Meadowbank Sat, West Edinburgh Sun. This only involves a blood test!'
8.30am to 5.30pm | Meadowbank Sports Centre, EH7 6AE | Free - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🏟️ Hearts Heritage Trail
Sun 24 May - 'Hearts Heritage are running a Heritage Trail coach tour! Follow in the footsteps of heroes as we explore of the formative years of Heart of Midlothian Football Club, intertwined with the sights of the beautiful city of Edinburgh.'
10am to 1pm | Tynecastle Park, EH11 2NL | £15 - £24 - More details here, shared by Hearts Heritage.
📮 What's missing from the Minute? Please share your local news and events here.
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 💻 Hundreds sign uni staff open letter against OpenAI deal.
- 🐣 Public sailings to the Isle of May begin next week.
- 🔪 MP asks 'uncomfortable' questions over stabbings.
- 🍽️ Newhaven eatery owner fights 'miserable' kitchen culture.
- 🎬 Submissions open for Leith Short Film Festival.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 874.
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