The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Thursday 29 October 2026
New £18m AI chip centre for uni, students & staff plan 'cash cow' protest, Leith shops urged to join discount voucher scheme + People's Emergency Briefing screening on Sunday
👋 Good morning Edinburgh. A quick one this morning as I'm off to cover the council meeting. Here’s Thursday's Edinburgh Minute.
🌦️ Today's weather forecast: It's a sunny start and there's only a tiny chance of rain (30% at 2pm) and the temperature will reach 14C with a low of 7C. Similar tomorrow but cooler. - The full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh is here.
🌅 Sunrise: 7.13am. Sunset: 4.39pm.
🚔 Three men were arrested at the DPD warehouse in Newbridge 'as part of a UK-wide crackdown on illegal working in the delivery sector', reports Skye Donald in the Evening News + Cara Blackhall of Edinburgh Live.
💻 A new £18m AI technology 'academy' at the University of Edinburgh's King’s Buildings has been announced by the UK Government. Chancellor John Healey said the 'Advanced Chip Design Academy' will be part of 'a distinctively British approach to AI – one that doesn’t leave workers behind and defends our national interest, while ensuring the benefits of AI-enabled growth are felt right across the country'. - The government published some details here.
- 'The academy will be based at the King’s Buildings, led by Professor Themis Prodromakis, the university’s Regius Chair of Engineering,' reports Rachel Fergusson in the Evening News.
🐮 A cow-themed demonstration will be held by University of Edinburgh staff and students tomorrow. They claim they've been 'treated like cash cows' amid programme closures and staff cuts. - Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco, The Herald.
🗳️ Members of the city council have their monthly meeting at the City Chambers from 10am today. The webcast link is here for all you local democracy keen beans. Here's what's on the agenda:
⮑ 🔐 A motion on whether 'to close the loophole' on short-term let licensing, proposed by councillor Neil Ross (Lib Dem, Morningside).
⮑ 🎨 A discussion on the 200+ artists and organisations affected by redevelopment plans for Summerhall and St Margaret's House. - Motion brought by Finlay McFarlane (SNP, City Centre). Councillor Jack Caldwell (Lib Dem, Leith Walk) also calls for support for artists in this motion.
⮑ 🚎 There's a question on why bus stops were removed as part of the £86m restoration of North Bridge, proposed by councillor Pauline Flannery (Lib Dem, Southside / Newington).
⮑ 🛜 Councillors will vote on whether to ask officials to investigate AI-generated complaints. Councillor Jo Mowat (Conservative, City Centre) says in a motion: "Public bodies are seeing an increasing number of AI-generated complaints being submitted. These tend to be very lengthy, each covering a number of scenarios, may contain erroneous information in the form of hallucinated cases to support their complaint and detailed references to legal cases which require to be checked. The complaints can run to many thousands of words and require significant amounts of officer time to go through each point raised and check and address them – one case required two officer days to prepare a response."
💷 The council is the fifth highest borrower from the UK’s main source of public loans, making it 'one of the most indebted' local authorities in the country. - Local Democracy Reporter Nicholas Malizia on Edinburgh Live.
💰 Leith businesses are being urged to join up to a new 'More by the Shore' discount voucher scheme. The fund was set up by the council to support local businesses following the summer's Princes Street trams saga. Promotional activity around the itison scheme is due to begin this weekend, with vouchers redeemable from 14 November. - More details here and in the Community Noticeboard below.
🏡 'Stockbridge named Edinburgh’s best neighbourhood in ESPC top 10' - Jody Harrison, The Herald: "Leith emerged as the most affordable neighbourhood in the top 10, with an average selling price of £261,024, around £46,000 below Edinburgh's average of £307,347."
🏰 'Exclusive look inside Erskine Stewart Melville following historic school merger'. - Garrett Baylor Stell, The Herald.
🪩 In this week’s Edinburgh Culture Minute newsletter: Meet the city's top 32 creatives, uni experts on why AI data centres are NOT inevitable, stellar gig for Gaza + this week's cultural jobs...
📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard
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💻 Leith charity launches campaign to gift 50 computers across Edinburgh and the Lothians - 'Edinburgh Remakery’s Connect 50 campaign will refurbish and gift 50 computers to people facing digital exclusion, working with five local charities. Residents can support the crowdfunder by donating or sharing it. (Deadline: 30 Jun)' - More details here, shared by The Edinburgh Remakery Ltd.
🦠 Invitation to Participate in AIRLAB Respiratory Virus Study - 'We are looking for people with cold and flu symptoms to participate – if so, please contact us. Participation is voluntary and involves: Single visit to the RIE Breath sampling Nasal swab Time commitment of around 2 hours Amazon gift card' - More details here, shared by Rachel Keith, NHS.
🎄 Volunteer models wanted for Christmas at the Botanics! - 'The festive trail is looking for groups of friends and couples to take part in a promo photoshoot celebrating the event's 10th anniversary on 18 November 6.30-8pm. Interested in taking part? Email a recent photo to christmas@clarkcommunications.co.uk (Deadline: 03 Nov)' - More details here, shared by Heather Schreuder.
📽️ Directors Call Out! - 'CinemaAttic is looking for new Voluntary Board Directors to help shape the future of our organisation, supporting our work to bring distinctive Spanish, Latin American and international cinema to audiences across Scotland and beyond. (Deadline: 21 Nov)' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎟️ More by the Shore x itison vouchers - Leith, Leith Walk and Newhaven business call-out - 'Join our voucher scheme, doubling the value of customer spend to your business this festive season & new year. All commission and fees covered by Forever Edinburgh at no cost to your business! Sign-up by Friday 30 Oct to be part of on-sale promotion. (Deadline: 30 Oct)' - More details here, shared by Forever Edinburgh.
👞 Loake Shoemakers Celebrates Opening of its Scottish Flagship Store [Until Sun]
Tomorrow, Fri 30 October - 'Join Loake Shoemakers on Frederick Street, 30 Oct-1 Nov, to celebrate the official opening of its Scottish flagship store. Enjoy 10% off for Members (free to join), complimentary shoe care gifts, refreshments and live shoe polishing demonstrations.'
10am to 6pm | Loake Edinburgh · New Town - More details here, shared by Loake Shoemakers.
🎨 Funtime Friday: Painting & Wine Evening
Tomorrow, Fri 30 October - 'Looking for a creative night out? This month's Painting & Wine Evening run by Suzanne Kemplay features artist Mary Fedden. No drawing skills needed - perfect for beginners! Wine and a sharing cheese platter included. Book a second space for just £36!'
6pm to 9pm | The Arienas Collective - Creative Workshop Hub · New Town | £36-45 - More details here, shared by Lynn Powell, The Arienas Collective.
🏃 Queer Run Porty
Sat 31 October - 'After a brief end-of-summer break, Queer Run Porty is back this Saturday morning for another socially paced 5k loop through Portobello. The run will be followed by coffee, pastry, and chats. Come! 🌈👟'
10am to 11am | Tribe Porty · Portobello | FREE - More details here, shared by Queer Run Porty.
👻 Halloween Headspin @ The Street
Sat 31 October - 'Ghouls, vampires, witches, werewolves & creatures of the dancefloor! Join the Horrible Headspin Crew for some freaky dancing & monstrous music with frightening funk, horrid hip hop, devilish disco, haunted house & more. FREE ENTRY IN FANCY DRESS!'
3pm to 9pm | The Street · Canonmills & Broughton | Free / £5 - More details here, shared by Colin (Headspin).
👻 Halloween Special 🎃 Album Replay Sessions in store 🎃
Sat 31 October - 'A little something for your spooky ears... Join us on Saturday 31 October: 🎃 11 am CD album replay of Enter the Horror Disco 🎃 1 pm Vinyl album replay of Nosferatu 🎃 3 pm Streaming album replay of Thriller And more treats than tricks on the day..'
11am to 5pm | Loud & Clear (Edinburgh) Ltd · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Loud & Clear.
🌿 Willow weaving workshop to create either a herb drying rack or vase for Winter dried flower displays
Sat 31 October - 'Suitable for beginners or those with experience, tuition, tools, materials, refreshments provided. Enjoy a relaxing Saturday and take home new skills and your item as a gift to yourself or others. Contact awaywithwillow@hotmail.com to book your place'
1pm to 4.30pm | Away with Willow Coffins · Morningside | £55 per person - More details here, shared by Koren, Away with Willow.
🎶 Free concert: 150 years of Manuel de Falla
Sat 31 October - 'Join us at St Cecilia's Hall to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Manuel de Falla's birth. Featuring Ricardo Gosalbo (piano), Elena Jáuregui (violin) and Raphaela Papadakis (soprano). Organised by the Cervantes Chair at the University of Edinburgh.'
6pm to 8pm | St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
👻 Halloween at Tamson's Bar! 🎃
Sat 31 October - 'Celebrate Halloween at newly reopened Tamson's Bar! DJs from EHFM from 9pm, great beers, free entry, costumes encouraged!'
8pm to 12am | Tamsons Bar · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Tamson’s Bar.
🧘 Taster Day - Practitioner Showcase
Sun 01 November - 'TASTER DAY | PRACTITIONER SHOWCASE Discover something new. Join us for a special day of 15-45 min taster sessions, from treatments, movement, workshops, relaxation sound experiences. Two sessions per ticket! Your time to relax, explore and reconnect!'
10am to 4pm | The Wellness Barn Edinburgh · Currie & Balerno | £17 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
📞 To Absent Friends Wind Phone
Sun 01 November - 'Say what you wanted to say to a special person who's died. A disconnected hand set in a private space to say those words. Drop in between 11-4. You may have to wait. Refreshments available.'
11am to 4pm | Leith Walk Police Box pop ups · Canonmills & Broughton | FREE - More details here, shared by Monty, Roy.
🧘♀️ Yin Nidra Enhance with Reiki [Monthly]
Sun 01 November - 'Your intimate invitation to pause. Sink into 2½ hours of supported Yin Yoga, individual Reiki and soothing Yoga Nidra. A special space to soften, feel held and return to yourself. Leave the world outside and discover the quiet beauty of simply being.'
3pm to 5.30pm | OMH Therapies Yoga & Meditation Studio Edinburgh · West End | 35 - More details here, shared by Esmeralda, Yoga With Esme.
🔧 DIY Basics: Introduction to Power Tools
Mon 02 November - 'Join us for a fun and practical, beginner-friendly introduction to power tools. This class is designed for anyone who wants to learn the basics in a relaxed and supportive environment. No previous DIY experience is needed.'
6pm to 8pm | Edinburgh Tool Library - Leith Workshop · Leith | £35 - £51 - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Tool Library.
🎶 Fair Saturday 2026 Launch Party!
Mon 02 November - 'Join us to celebrate the launch of the 2026 Fair Saturday programme. Enjoy storytelling from Niall Moorjani & music by The Salty Scrimshaws. Haggis, neeps and tatties are included in the ticket. Free, but please book. We hope to see you there!'
6.30pm to 8.30pm | Scottish Storytelling Centre · Old Town | Free - More details here, shared by Suzy Ensom, Fair Saturday Foundation.
🏉 This is Murrayfield: Featuring Gavin Hastings
Mon 02 November - 'A century of iconic matches, memories and Scottish rugby history with special guest Gavin Hastings! Join Peter Burns, Rob Robertson & Guy Richardson as we celebrate 100 remarkable years of Murrayfield Stadium.'
7pm to 8.30pm | The Royal Scots Club Edinburgh · New Town | £8 - More details here, shared by Elena Culman, The Royal Scots Club.
🎬 Morningside Film Club with CinemaAttic
Tue 03 November - 'The third session of our FILM CLUB at Morningside Library, Edinburgh will take place next Tuesday 3rd of November! 🍿This month's programme is spooky themed. 👻 FREE ENTRY, TEA AND COFFEE ON US! ☕️'
2pm to 3.30pm | Morningside Library · Morningside | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🗳️ Democrats Abroad Scotland Election Night Gathering
Tue 03 November - 'Join Democrats Abroad Scotland for an election night gathering! We'll be watching the election coverage and discussing races from across the US in a social, community gathering - all welcome regardless of political affiliation or nationality.'
7pm to 12am | The Outhouse · Canonmills & Broughton | FREE - More details here, shared by Democrats Abroad Scotland.
🎶 Edinburgh Medical School & the Scottish Chamber Orchestra thanks the people of Edinburgh!
Tue 17 November - 'The Prof. of Anatomy and tutors of Clinical Skills show how Edinburgh Medical School couldn't operate without the enthusiastic support of the people of Edinburgh. The Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO) will play a specially-commissioned piece.'
6pm to 7.30pm | Edinburgh Futures Institute · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Dr Gavin Francis.
🌍 Screening of the People's Emergency Briefing
Sun 22 November - 'The People's Emergency Briefing is a film bringing together leading UK experts to explain, as clearly as possible, what the latest science says about the climate and nature crisis, how it is already affecting our lives, and what can still be done.'
1.30pm to 3.30pm | Augustine United Church · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🏛️ Calling boom saloon at A&DS: SpACE [Until Fri]
Mon 23 November - 'From November 23rd-27th join us for a series of events presented by boom saloon, hosted at A&DS: SpACE at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, bringing together individuals to explore one question: how has where you work shaped the change you make?'
6pm to 9pm | Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS) · Old Town - More details here, shared by Hannah Cuerden, boom saloon.
Remember you can always see all 290+ upcoming local events on TownSpot calendars and maps. Thanks to everyone who shares their things!
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 🤬 Cowgate rage driver who broke cyclist's skull avoids jail.
- 🍻 Bid to let unaccompanied 12-year-olds into pubs.
- 🛝 Centre shuts in childcare 'crisis' as birthrate blamed.
- 🚚 Can you help Oi Musica find their van? Stolen in Porty.
- ⚓️ Leithers share ideas for 'Town of Culture' bid.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 1,028.
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