The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Thursday 30 April 2026
20C today and a high pollen warning, new rooftop bar & hotel for Rose Street, cannabis worth £895,000 seized + locals in culture 'power list' top-50
🌞 Good morning Edinburgh. A shorter newsletter today but no shortage of events and updates from readers in the Community Noticeboard. Thanks to everyone who writes in. Here’s Thursday's Edinburgh Minute.
☀️ There's a high pollen warning and the temperature is forecast to hit 20C by 5pm. - Get the full Met Office forecast here.
🤝 Education activist Malala Yousafzai met First Minister John Swinney at Bute House in Charlotte Square yesterday to discuss efforts to have gender apartheid recognised as a crime under international law. - Rose Moncur, The Herald.
🏨 Plans to revamp the now empty Rose Street Theatre building (originally the Charlotte Baptist Chapel) with a 43-bedroom hotel and rooftop bar were approved by councillors yesterday. - Thom Dibdin, All Edinburgh Theatre.
🏗️ Plans have been lodged by The Place Hotel for a new three-storey extension to the A-listed building at 34–38 York Place. - More details in The Spurtle.
🏛️ An alliance has formed between Atholl Crescent and Forth Street residents campaigning against apartment and hostel developments in their neighbourhoods. - Phyllis Stephen in The Edinburgh Reporter.
🛍️ 'Westfield in the east end? Edinburgh residents mock ‘confusing’ St James Quarter rebrand plans' - David McLean, Evening News.
🚔 A 48-year-old man was charged after cannabis worth £895,000 was seized from properties in Salamander Street, Breadalbane Street and Western Harbour Way. - Police Scotland.
💰 The council has announced adult social care workers will now be paid the Real Living Wage (£13.45 per hour), costing the council £17.2 million. - Liam Eunson, Midlothian View.
🚉 The Save the Roseburn Path campaign group says been heartened by the support of most local candidates standing in next week's election. - Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco, The Herald.
⛴️ "I didn't think the entrance would be through a shopping mall." - Tourists give their verdict on the Royal Yacht Britannia in Elise Brand's report for BBC Scotland, with the headline: 'Is this really the best tourist attraction in the world?'
🎭 Launching a new Herald Arts monthly pull-out supplement, The Herald has published a list of 'The 50 most powerful people in Scottish arts and culture', including a lot of Edinburgh folks. - See the full list here.
Marissa MacWhirter
🪩 In this week's Edinburgh Culture Minute:
- 🎭 Ditch the doom on Mayday at Central Hall
- 📚 This year’s Book Festival stars announced
- 🎵 See Mànran at Porty Festival this weekend
- 💃 Strictly Come Dancing professionals in town
- 💰 Plus a big batch of new local creative jobs. - All in the bonus weekly edition here.
Michael MacLeod
📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard
⮑ Please get in touch using this form. < It’s the only way to get something featured in the newsletter.
🏃♂️ Last call for free Tough Mudder Scotland places! 5K or 15K of muddy fun. - 'Edinburgh Food Project has a limited number of charity places available for Tough Mudder, Hopetoun Estate on 6 June. Free to enter with an agreed fundraising target which they'll help you smash. Questions? email fundraising@edinburghfoodproject.org.' - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Food Project.
🍕 Holy Crust Pizza Night [Weekly]
Tomorrow, Fri 01 May - 'Our popular Holy Crust pizza nights are back. Join us on Friday nights for sourdough pizza and £5 negronis! Book a table at our website.'
4pm to 9pm | Milk at Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop, EH6 4JT - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🌍 People's Emergency Briefing
Tomorrow, Fri 01 May - 'An eye-opening film bringing together nine leading UK scientists with the latest evidence on how the cost of living, food security, extreme weather and health could affect us all catastrophically without urgent mitigation against the climate crisis.'
7pm to 9pm | St. Cuthbert’s Scottish Episcopal Church, EH13 0BB | FREE - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Greenpeace.
🧵 Free Beginner Sewing Class
Sat 02 May - 'Free adult beginner sewing class at Wester Hailes Library on Saturday 2 May from 10:30-12:30! Email or call to book. Follow the library on Facebook for future classes!'
10.30am to 12.30pm | Wester Hailes Library, EH14 2ST | FREE - More details here, shared by Wester Hailes Library.
🖼 Knight Tales
Sat 02 May - 'A solo exhibition by Emma de la Peña. Showcasing art prints of Edinburgh, and beyond, in a fantastical way. Featuring dragons, gargoyles, and more! Private View Friday 1st May 6-9pm Open Saturday and Sunday 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th May 11am - 4pm.'
11am to 4pm | Coburg House Art Studios, EH6 6ET | FREE - More details here, shared by Emma de la Peña.
😊 'Try Bowls' events at Whitehouse & Grange Bowling Club [Weekly]
Sat 02 May - 'Come along and try bowls! No previous experience required. We provide bowls and coaching. Just bring flat shoes (trainers). Further events:- Thursday 7th May 18:30-20:00 Thursday 14th May 18:30-20:00 Saturday 16th May 11:30-14:00.'
11.30am to 2pm | Whitehouse & Grange Bowling Club, EH9 2AR | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎤 Caro Bridges live music video recording
Sat 02 May - 'Come help us make some live music video recordings in the Undercroft at St Vincent's Chapel by being in the audience! Free entry but RSVP essential, help appreciated with decorating the space. See link for full details and RSVP - limited spaces left.'
1pm to 3pm | St Vincent's Chapel: Scottish Episcopal Church, EH3 6SW | FREE - More details here, shared by Caro Bridges.
🌱 Nature School for Grownups: Foraging, Outdoor Play & Bushcraft (2 locations: Craigmillar & Leith) [Weekly]
Sat 02 May - 'Join a group outdoor session to learn basic foraging, identify spring plants, and try a hands-on activity. Includes a playful nature game and time to connect outdoors. No experience needed. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bruhanaturalofferings.'
2pm to 4pm | Populus Cafe (Leith Community Croft), EH6 7EL | 15-56 GBP - More details here, shared by Natasha Lowery-Lewis, Nature School for Grownups.
🎶 A Little Night Music- Watsonian Community Choir
Sat 02 May - 'The Watsonian Community Choir's Spring Concert features music from the Bee Gees, Purcell. Henry Mancini and Brahms - there's something for everybody. All proceeds go to the Aplastic Anaemia Trust and the George Watson's Family Foundation.'
5pm to 6pm | Edinburgh Greenbank Parish Church of Scotland, EH10 6ES | £5, concessions free - More details here, shared by Watsonian Community Choir.
🧘♀️ The Pilates Club: Pilates by Catrin x Carter Coffee
Sun 03 May - 'Good movement, coffee & company ✨☕️ 🥐🧘♀️ Start your Sunday with a 45 min Pilates by Catrin class, then stick around for coffee + something sweet! £5 from every ticket sold supports young minds in Leith. Powered by Carter Coffee and Company Bakery.'
9.15am to 11am | Carter Coffee, EH6 5FX | £17 - More details here, shared by Pilates by Catrin.
🌞 Try Bowls at Craigmillar Park
Sun 03 May - 'Come along and try bowls. It's free, fun and active. No need to have any equipment, just wear flat soled shoes. We'd love to see you there and introduce you to lawn bowls.'
2pm to 4pm | Craigmillar Park Bowling Club, EH16 5NT | FREE - More details here, shared by Anna Fowlie, Craigmillar Park Bowling Club.
🦢 Next week: Bird Fest at Wester Hailes Library - 'Bird themed activities, storytime, and even birdwatching for all ages with a volunteer from the RSPB local group next week! All free!' - More details here, shared by Wester Hailes Library.
💖 The Compassion Salon: Gavin Francis and Ruthanne Baxter
Mon 04 May - 'Join Gavin Francis and Ruthanne Baxter at The Compassion Salon chatting about compassion in their work and lives.'
7pm to 9pm | Steel Coulson Southside, EH9 1PU | £1 - More details here, shared by Marti, The Compassion Salon.
🎶 Schubert Octet & Songs of Inspiration
Tue 05 May - 'Join us for an evening of glorious music in St. Vincent's Chapel, Edinburgh. The Bloomsbury Players perform Schubert's Octet on historical instruments, alongside new arrangements of Schubert's songs that inspired his instrumental chamber music.'
7.30pm to 9.30pm | St Vincent's Chapel: Scottish Episcopal Church, EH3 6SW | £20, £10 under 30s - More details here, shared by Bloomsbury Players.
🎲 The RPG One-Shot Club
Wed 06 May - 'Come play one-shot tabletop role-play games. Find us by buzzing #4 on the Sandstone Building intercom (beside Kiki's Café), and just say if ramp or elevator access is required. Arrive from 18:00, games start 18:30. Beginners warmly welcomed!'
6pm to 10pm | Ancient Robot Workshop, EH6 5DT | FREE - More details here, shared by Tanya Floaker.
🏠 Edinburgh Tenants Federation Housing Association Forum
Thu 07 May - 'NEW DATE! Are you a housing association tenant looking to connect with other tenants and learn more about your housing rights? Then join ETF's first Housing Association Tenants Forum! This tenant-led forum will be supported by ETF staff.'
2pm to 3pm | Norton Park Business and Conference Centre, EH7 5QY | FREE - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Tenants Federation (ETF).
🎨 Paint & Sip Little Picardy
Sat 09 May - 'Paint & Sip at Little Picardy! Kick things off with a complimentary Prosecco or soft drink, then enjoy 10% off all additional drinks. Our in-house artist will be there to guide you throughout -no experience needed, just bring your vibe.'
7.30pm to 9.30pm | Little Picardy, EH1 3AA | From £27 - More details here, shared by Four of a Kind Events.
🚤 Canal Boat Volunteering Open Afternoon - 'An Open Day on Thursday 14 May, 1–5pm will showcase volunteer opportunities on four Union Canal boats outside Boroughmuir High School. The drop‑in event requires no sign‑up, with crews on hand to discuss roles and free tea and coffee for visitors.' - More details here, shared by All Aboard.
🎲 Fundraiser MtG Draft Event @ St Oswald's Community Centre
Sat 06 June - 'An afternoon of competitive Magic: The Gathering draft featuring secret booster sets, multiple prize tiers, and all proceeds supporting St Oswald's Community Centre right here in Edinburgh. The event will take place in St Oswald's North Hall.'
12.30pm to 7pm | St. Oswald's Centre, EH10 4NB | £25 - More details here, shared by Federico Andreis.
🎧 DJing in Music Therapy Workshop with Pippa Rous
Sat 27 June - 'This workshop, led by Pippa Rous, offers an introduction to the basics of DJing and how this can be applied into music therapy practice. The workshop will explore case studies and a practical showcase in live mixing.'
2pm to 3.30pm | Queen Margaret University, EH21 6UU | £20 or £16 student - More details here, shared by Scottish Music Therapy Trust.
📮 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:
- 🚨 Armed police bring Leith Walk traffic to a standstill.
- ⭐️ Local mum wins lunch with George Clooney.
- 🔪 High school theatre show led pupils to hand in weapons.
- 🏠 Council signs off £15.5m to tackle homelessness.
- 🔐 Victory for campaign against Shore holiday flats.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 902.
📬 Free subscribers: 30,000+.
📲 Visits generated for local news sources: 2,500,000+.
💚 This newsletter is people-powered! The Edinburgh Minute exists because of its community and relies on no advertising or private investment. For £5 a month, you help fund the (currently) tiny team of one person (👋) plus some occasional freelance support. In turn you’re supporting the promotion of local journalists’ vital work and keeping the newsletter 100% independent. Together, your contributions can allow the Minute to continue and one day even grow, investing in more journalism and building a truly local platform – free from algorithms and commercial pressure. The more people who join, the better the newsletter gets.
