The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Thursday 3 September 2026
Anti-data centre protest at Holyrood today, new hope for South Sub tram-train campaign, Leith's giant yellow windfarm towers set to leave + new season of community cinema screenings
👋 Good morning Edinburgh. There are now 33,000 of you reading this newsletter. I can't comprehend how many people that is so I won't try otherwise I'll get stage-fright. Instead let's say I write it just for you and a few pals like I did on day one. It's yours, so thank you if you support it. Here’s Thursday's Edinburgh Minute.
🌦️ Today's weather forecast: A sunnier start today. The rain should hold off until lunchtime. A chance of more showers in the afternoon and right through to the weekend. Expect a temperature high of 19C in the afternoon. - The full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh is here.
🗳️ Voting has just opened for by-elections in Southside/Newington and Portobello/Craigmillar wards today. A full list of candidates standing in both wards is on the council website. The electronic count is planned at the council's Waverley Court HQ, starting at the close of polling at 10pm.
⛴️ The 18 tall yellow wind farm structures towering over Leith will soon be on the move. Each 83-metre-tall jacket foundations is due to be lifted by crane on to the Alfa Lift vessel. That work is due to begin at some point this week. They'll then be taken to the Inch Cape site 15km off the east coast of Montrose. The work will take 'several weeks', reports Mark Selby in New Energy Weekly. The last one is due to leave Leith 'in early 2027', reports Kevin Quinn in the Evening News. You can track the heavy-lift Seaway Alfa Lift vessel here.
🚉 Those paying close attention to yesterday's news (that the trams to Granton plan could be paused) will have noticed a mention of a possible link to the South Suburban Railway, which is currently at the feasibility study stage. The alternative route Southside tram route (city centre to BioQuarter / Royal Infirmary) could include a 'potential connection at Cameron Toll', via tram-train technology. Welcoming the news, the Tram Trains for Edinburgh project said 'the schemes themselves are complementary and need to be taken forward together, as an ambitious plan to radically improve public transport across the Lothian region'. - Full details from Liam Eunson, Midlothian View.
- The South Sub feasibility study is due to be completed by next spring, reports Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco in The Herald.
Liam Eunson
🪫 Anti-data centre campaigners are planning a protest outside the Scottish Parliament today from 11.30am to 1pm. The protest is organised by 14 'grassroots groups from local communities across Scotland', writes Tom Anderson on Protect the Wild. Among them: 'No Gyle Data Centre' and 'No West Edinburgh AI', who are trying to stop plans for South Gyle and Wester Hermiston. - More details on the protest's page on Global Justice Now.
⮑ Scottish Government ministers are considering how to deal with a raft of controversial plans and could be 'inching towards moratorium', reports Aisha Down in The Guardian.
Aisha Down
- 'Scotland is a prime location for an AI industry looking to expand', reported Channel 4 News.
🥩 The Bar + Block steakhouse restaurant on Princes Street (in the former New Look unit) is closing down today, with owner Whitbread blaming 'significant cost increases in the form of business rates and national insurance'. - Kevin Quinn, Evening News.
⚽️ A former Hutchison Vale youth football team coach has been ordered by court to repay parents after he collected £22,644 from them for a team trip to Spain and instead spent it on gambling. - Alexander Lawrie in Edinburgh Live.
💻 Edinburgh-based tech firm PureLiFi, which spent more than a decade developing a light-based alternative to wi-fi, has collapsed due to 'no further investment forthcoming', forcing the loss of 42 jobs. - Scott Reid, Evening News.
🏰 Well Court Hall in Dean Village is for sale at £1.395m. It is described as 'One of Edinburgh's 'most iconic' homes' by Alexander Smail in the Daily Record. The listing on Savills is here.
Property agent
🛠️ More than 70 tools confiscated from passengers at Edinburgh Airport have been donated to the Leith Men’s Shed charity. - Jack Davies, Evening News.
👀 The August festivals are over but you'll find plenty more festivals in Edinburgh between now and Hogmanay. I've made this week's Culture Minute free for all to access. It's normally only available to paying subscribers. Enjoy!
Michael MacLeod
🎄 From the Culture Minute, an event for those who really like to plan ahead and book their winter festivities early: an announcement here from local literary legends Hollie McNish & Michael Pedersen:
'A festive fandango of words & music with: Hollie McNish, Michael Pedersen, Withered Hand, Gemma Cairney & Ivo Graham. Cold Turkey is a scrumptious festive buffet of music, spoken word, and arty weirdness. This is the mouth-watering ninth serving. Pop up bookshop and charity bucket collection.' - Cold Turkey's Joyboree @ Assembly Roxy, 03/12/26, 7-10pm: tickets here.
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💚 Thanks for kindness - 'I don't know if she'll see this, but I want to say a huge thanks to the lady in Waverley today when I felt on the edge of fainting. You were incredibly kind and deserve to be recognised.' - Thanks to a Minute subscriber for sharing this yesterday morning.
🎬 Leith Kino September season announced! - 'Leith Kino is back for a double dose of eclectic screenings in September:Sundays in Leith Depot & Saturdays at Argonaut Books! We kick off with Black feminist post-biopic The Ballad of Suzanne Césaire followed by cosmic horror comedy Buffet Infinity. (Deadline: 04 Sep)' - More details here, shared by Morvern Cunningham, Leith Kino team member.
📚 New book presents the story of Gaelic language and culture in Edinburgh - 'A new book explores the role of Gaelic in the city from the Middle Ages to the current day. A’ Ghàidhlig ann an Dùn Èideann Tro na Linntean/Gaelic in Edinburgh Through the Centuries is published by local Gaelic charity Ionad Gàidhlig Dhùn Èideann.' - More details here, shared by Wilson McLeod, Chair.
🎉 Camera Obscura Celebrates 50 Years of Fun - 'Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is celebrating 50 years of fun during 2027 and is inviting past visitors to share their favourite memories, stories and photos for its anniversary year. Email memories@camera-obscura.co.uk to join in.' - More details here, shared by Camera Obscura & World of Illusions.
🪑 SHAKER - an exhibition inspired by the American shaker movement [Until 13 Sept]
Tomorrow, Fri 04 September - 'Inspired by the Shaker movement we craft objects which are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. These pieces are designed to respect and preserve traditional woodworking crafts and produce heirlooms of the future.'
10am to 5pm | Dr Neil's Garden · Holyrood Park | FREE - More details here, shared by Phoebe Hutcheson, Grain and Groove.
🧵 Refashion: Free Sewing and Mending Circle [Every Friday]
Tomorrow, Fri 04 September - 'If you have clothes that need mended or want to do some upcycling, come along to our weekly free drop-in sessions! Learn some fun creative mending techniques and breathe new life into your clothes. Equipment provided - come pop in!'
10.30am to 12pm | The Crannie Community Hub · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Rowena, Edinburgh Old Town Development Trust.
🎬 Screening of Bel
Tomorrow, Fri 04 September - 'This moving documentary chronicles the legacy and talent of late Kenyan-Scottish musician Beldina Odenyo aka Heir of the Cursed, and the efforts to keep her memory and music alive. On at the Filmhouse until Thurs 10th Sept.'
5.50pm to 7.20pm | Filmhouse · Tollcross | £5 - More details here, shared by Magda Paduch.
🍽️ Field-to-Fork Wild Gnocchi Masterclass
Sat 05 September - 'Join us for our first Field-to-Fork cooking class at the Cyrenians Farm: harvesting fresh ingredients grown at our Cyrenians Green Space Centre to create a vibrant Italian Meal with guidance from chef Lucia Ortisi. More event info on our website!'
10.30am to 2pm | Cyrenians Flavour and Haver Cook School · Leith | £50 - More details here, shared by Cyrenians.
🧘♂️ Mindful Peace Walk
Sun 06 September - 'Gather in front of the Bandstand for 11am. This silent walking meditation is an open event. It will be led by the lay members of the Edinburgh Sangha of the Community of Interbeing.'
11am to 12pm | Saughton Park & Gardens · Murrayfield | FREE - More details here, shared by Neill Walker, Edinburgh International Centre for Spirituality and Peace.
🧘🏻♀️ Qigong at Alae - Autumn Taster in Leith, Edinburgh
Mon 07 September - 'Perhaps you've heard of Qigong but never quite known what it involves, or you've been curious to experience it for yourself. Or you are exploring different teachings, venues, styles. This session offers a relaxed introduction to Numinous Flow Qigong.'
6.30pm to 7.30pm | Alae · Leith | £5 (taster session) - More details here, shared by Evi Tsiligaridou, Numinous Flow.
🎨 In a Zig Zag Way [Until 17 Sept]
Tue 08 September - 'New solo exhibition of tapestries, paintings, feltworks and sculptures by Dominik Zarzycki, engaging with the craft traditions of nomadic peoples (including 1 big structure welded from rebar).'
10am to 5pm | The Out of the Blue Drill Hall · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust.
🤸♂️ New Capoeira classes for complete beginners [Every Tuesday]
Tue 08 September - 'New class for complete beginners start in the city centre of Edinburgh! 📍 Southside Community Centre 🗓 Every Tuesday ⏰ 6-7pm Visit our website to understand why Capoeira is so special! 👉www.capoeira-edinburgh.com'
6pm to 7pm | Southside Community Centre · Southside | £10 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
✍️ Edinburgh Writers' Forum
Tue 08 September - 'Join us as author Amanda Block discusses writing the books we want to read rather than writing to what we think the market wants. At The Edinburgh Bookshop; ticket includes a drink and writerly chat. From 7pm for a 7:30ish start.'
7pm to 9pm | The Edinburgh Bookshop · Bruntsfield | 5 - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Writers' Forum.
🧵 Dean Patchwork [Every Wednesday]
Wed 09 September - 'Informal meet up for crafting, patchwork, knitting and more'
10.30am to 12.30pm | Saint Stephen's Comely Bank Church · Stockbridge | £35 per term - More details here, shared by Ann Wright.
🛠️ Make A Planter Bench - Choose LIFE (Leith Improvements For Edinburgh)
Wed 09 September - 'Free, taught workshop session focusing on making items for green spaces around the city'
10.30am to 3.30pm | Edinburgh Tool Library - Leith Workshop · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Lorri Smyth, The Edinburgh Tool Library.
🎯 Your Pocket Daruma A wish you can carry with you. Japanese Calligraphy Workshop
Wed 09 September - 'Create Your Own Pocket Daruma A Japanese Calligraphy & Illustration Workshop with Stephanie Brown Create a Daruma. Write your wish. Carry your goal with you.'
3pm to 5pm | Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh West End · Haymarket & Dalry | ￡35 - More details here, shared by Marehuro Ito.
🤳 Pocket Film Workshop
Thu 10 September - 'We're inviting global majority folk interested in telling stories about a topic or activity close to your heart to join us for this special outdoor DIY workshop to create your own short film using just a smartphone!'
4pm to 6pm | The Meadows · Marchmont & Meadows | FREE - More details here, shared by Take One Action.
🍷 Flight Night - Adventures in Drinks & Snacks: Spanish Edition
Thu 10 September - 'Thursday 10 Sept 7-11pm. Your ticket includes a flight of three Spanish wines (125ml each), paired with a selection of Spanish-inspired snacks chosen to complement and enhance the flavours of each wine.'
7pm to 11pm | Rising Tide Cafe · Portobello | 25 - More details here, shared by Rising Tide Cafe.
🍂 Autumn Forest Bathing Walk-Slowing with the Season
Sun 13 September - 'A guided Autumn Forest Bathing experience inviting you to slow down, awaken your senses and reconnect with nature. Immerse yourself in the colours and stillness of the season, ending with a warming tea gathering beneath the trees.'
10.30am to 1pm | Midmar Drive & Hermitage Drive · Morningside | £22.38 - More details here, shared by Creative Roots in Nature, creative roots in nature.
🌱 Earth Matters Meet the Makers workshop with Becky Little
Thu 17 September - 'Get creative at the Botanics! Attend a special workshop with artist Becky Little teaching you Dorodango: the Japanese practice of polished clay spheres. Meet the Makers is a series of opportunities to learn from artists exhibited in Earth Matters.'
2pm to 4pm | Inverleith House · Inverleith | 16.95 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🛍️ Vintage and second hand clearance by YS Studio
Fri 18 September - 'Get ready for an unmissable day of vintage, pre-loved fashion & incredible clearance finds! Prices starts at £5'
11am to 5pm | Yellow Souls Studio · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Elena Citarella, YELLOW SOULS STUDIO.
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📖 Introduction to Proofreading: A Practical One-Day Workshop
Tue 22 September - '𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐭? Join our lovely tutor Denise Cowle for Introduction to Proofreading training, designed for complete beginners.'
9.30am to 4.30pm | Publishing Scotland · New Town | £250 - More details here, shared by Publishing Scotland.
🎶 Phoenix Kids & Youth Choirs! [Fortnightly Tue]
Tue 22 September - 'Up-beat, soulful choirs launching this term! Kids (ages 8-11yrs) and Youth (ages 12-18yrs) meeting bi-weekly to learn up-beat and soulful songs, all taught by ear, no sheet music and no experience needed. Come & join Edinburgh's most vibrant choirs!'
4pm to 6pm | Pianodrome Bruntsfield Community Hub · Bruntsfield | £5 Session / Free - More details here, shared by The Phoenix Choir.
😂 Suzi Ruffle: The Juggle
Thu 24 September - 'Multi-award winning, confessional comedian, Suzi Ruffell is back on the road in 2026 with her brand new show The Juggle. 'A fabulously funny show from a class act' - ★★★★ Evening Standard'
7.30pm to 9.30pm | Assembly Roxy · Old Town - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🍣 The Hoxton Edinburgh teams up with Harajuku Kitchen for Japanese inspired brunch
Sun 27 September - 'The Hoxton, Edinburgh brings a taste of Japan to its Hedonistic Brunch on 27th September, partnering with Harajuku Kitchen for a sake-fuelled feast of nigiri, handrolls, sushi, cocktails and vegetarian dishes.'
11am to 2.30pm | The Hoxton · Haymarket & Dalry - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
📮 What's missing from the Minute? Got an event to share? Nothing's too local! Please share your local news and events here. Remember you can always see all 250+ upcoming local events on TownSpot calendars and maps. Thanks to everyone who shares their things!
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 🐾 Tom Kelly's monthly Wildlife on the Water of Leith video for August.
- 🏛️ A&DS:SpACE: New temporary venue to explore architecture & design.
- 🚉 Bombshell report on tram future routes ahead of next week's council vote.
- 🧵 From the noticeboard: Two-week Sewing, Upcycling and Repair Course.
- 📚 The Stockbridge Little Free Library reopens after storm damage.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 989.
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