The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Thursday 4 December 2025

Tourist tax to pay for 'affordable' housing, Argyle house demolition update, Mimi's Shore replacement revealed + late night shopping in Marchmont, Porty & Stockbridge tonight

Michael MacLeod

04 Dec 2025 — 10 min read

Proposed replacement of Argyle House. Source: argylehouseconsultation.com

🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. A lot of what I'm seeing in this morning's local news publications has already been in the Minute this week. So I've dug around and found some of my own news today, and of course many readers have shared theirs on the noticeboard too. Remember there's also the Culture Minute to read, which you can get a preview of here even if you're not a paying subscriber. Here’s Thursday's Edinburgh Minute.

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💰 Money generated by Edinburgh's new tourist tax (starting in July 2026) will go towards delivering 472 'affordable' homes between 2026/27 and 2028/29, after councillors approved how the income will be spent. - Liam Eunson, Midlothian View.

🏗️ Plans for a new hotel and housing in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle have been published as part of a bid to demolish Argyle House. The building is currently home to 80 companies and 900 workers including CodeBase. Developer hendersonherd claims the structure is "coming to the end of its usable lifespan and no longer meets the needs of the modern occupier." Last month CodeBase told the Minute it would remain in the building 'for at least the next year'. The building owner PGIM is leasing the building to Telereal Trillium, in a deal due to end in 2033.

⮑ The full early plans can be seen in a 20-page PDF here.
⮑ Baird's Close would be reinstated, with steps linking West Port with King's Stables Road, along with a new publicly accessible lift.
⮑ The developer is inviting feedback here.
⮑ Another consultation event is planned for 28 January at the Lookout, Edinburgh Futures Institute.
⮑ Local architect Malcolm Fraser previously told the Minute: "It is madness, given the seriousness of the Climate Emergency and the ocean of waste that we condemn to landfill, to knock down a sturdy, solid and useful building, condemning huge amounts of embodied carbon."
⮑ Responding to the question, 'Why can’t you reuse the existing building?', the developer said: "Although the main structural frame is considered sound and well-maintained for the age of the building, there are several significant issues that affect its long-term future and limit options for reuse." - More details in the FAQs here.

**See full plans at https://www.argylehouseconsultation.com**

🌯 The owners of the Omni Centre have lodged plans to install new food kiosks and seating outside the front of the building. - Summary via Edinburgh Planning Updates here, and the full plans are here.

🥫 Volunteers say they have pulled a record amount of litter out of the Water of Leith. 228 cans and a bucket-full of dog balls were among the haul. - See what they pulled out in this post by the Water of Leith Conservation Trust.

🚨 A driver has been charged by police after a crash involving lorries and a bus saw Maybury Road closed for almost an entire day. - Lee Dalgetty, Edinburgh Live.

🎮 Councillors have voted to show 'Solidarity with and Support for Rockstar Workers' after dozens were dismissed for their jobs in an alleged 'union-busting' crackdown. Councillor Dan Heap, who successfully suggested the motion to other councillors, said: "I am delighted the Council has taken this stand for workers rights." Rockstar denies the claim. The council will contact the workers with social security and employment support. - More details from Councillor Heap are here.

🗳️ MSP Foysol Choudhury, who is suspended by Scottish Labour over a sexual harassment complaint, 'is facing an exit from Holyrood at next year's election' after he not selected in the party's candidate shortlist. - Paul Hutcheon, Daily Record.

🎬 Known for high-profile campaigns involving celebrities and big brands, Edinburgh-based media production company LS Productions has secured a £800,000 growth loan. Its co-founder Marie Owen said: "The goal is to take our award-winning capabilities into new markets and this loan will allow us to accelerate our growth plans significantly, ultimately enhancing our ability to secure major international productions." - More details via Scottish Financial News.

🍽️ The owners of Mimi’s Bakehouse on the Shore have announced plans to transform the cafe into a pan-Asian restaurant named Nami. - Gaby Soutar, The Scotsman.

🍦 A new gelato shop called Ciccettas is planned to open opposite Bruntsfield Primary School at 26 Bruntsfield Avenue. - The owner spoke to Gaby Soutar in The Scotsman.

🪩 Rounding up local creative news, events, jobs and opportunities in the Culture Minute this week: Local artists take over gallery on the Mound, Shirley Manson brings Garbage to the castle, Peter Capaldi hits the Cowgate, creative markets at Fruitmarket & OOTB + festive shows on local stages...

📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard

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📌 “Portobello Late Night Shopping. A host of fabulous independents open until 8:00pm on Thursday 4th December. A
festive evening of treats, beautiful gifts, and lots of amazing shops opening for the annual celebration. A perfect chance to shop small, support local, and enjoy the Christmas sparkle.” - Thanks to a kind subscriber for sharing this.

📌 “Join us in Stockbridge for an all-day Holiday Stroll with local shops. Collect a punchcard, visit five participating stores, and receive a festive goodie bag at treen. Support local businesses, enjoy exclusive discounts, and kick off your Christmas shopping!” - Thanks to Cat Anderson - founder of treen, for sharing this.

📌 “Marchmont late night Xmas shopping event Thursday 4th Dec 5-7pm. Support your local businesses and get 10% off your total spend on Thursday. Free mulled wine & nibbles for late night shoppers!” - Thanks to Andrew Haughton from The Nomads Tent for sharing this.

📌 “Tea Ceilidhs 2:30 till 4:15 pm. Live band Scots and other dances called. Great cafe with scones etc for sale!! Marchmont St.Giles 3 Kilgraston Road EH92DW. £6 on the door.” - Thanks to Stan Reeves for sharing this.

📌 "Tonight, 6.30pm, sees the official switch-on of Balerno's Christmas lights, courtesy of Balerno Community Council. Location is on Main Street by the Community Centre, with a local pipe band and choir booked to entertain everyone."

⮑ “Also tonight, Currie Balerno Rotary switches on their Tree of Life, each light sponsored in memory of a loved one or special event. Main beneficiary this year is My Name’5 Doddie Foundation to assist with research into Motor Neurone Disease. Part of the wider switch-on of Balerno's Xmas lights.” - Thanks to C&B News for sharing these.

📌 “One of Scotland’s most exciting and influential bands will headline the Saturday evening stage at Porty Festival on 2 May 2026, with tickets on sale now. Known for their bold fusion of traditional and contemporary influences, Mànran's distinctive sound has captivated audiences worldwide.” - Thanks to Carrie for sharing this.

A group of seven people, some holding musical instruments. — **Mànran** photographed by Kris Kesiak.

📌 “Edinburgh Art Festival & In Solidarity raffle to support Beirut-based Haven for Artists & 12 families in Gaza. More than 20 local artists & indy businesses have donated prints, artisanal wine & spirits, life drawing classes, curatorial consultation sessions & more. Tickets from £6. Ends 11 Dec.” - Thanks to Crystal from In Solidarity for sharing this.

📌 “Friday 5th December 1pm @ Stockbridge Music Hub, Stockbridge Church. The stunning voice of Hannah Rarity with super guitarist Anna Massie present their festive set with joyful banter! Donations welcome.” - Thanks to Clea Friend for sharing this.

📌 “Friday 5th December. Join us for our First Fridays Christmas Edition at Luma Pilates in the New Town. A chill, post-Pilates social where you can sip, chat and unwind with the Luma crew and get to know your community. Book your class at 4pm, we’ll bring snacks and vibes.” - Thanks to Lucia and Max, co-owners and founders of Luma Pilates, for sharing this.

📌 “Friday 5th December 7-10pm - Bad Knees Christmas Party at Banshee Labyrinth with support from Science Made Us Robots and Rudeface! We kindly ask for donations to cover the cost of the venue and pay the bands but if you can’t donate, you are still welcome to join the fun.” - Thanks to Bad Knees for sharing this.

📌 “Saturday 6 December, 10-11.30am, families with children aged 0–7 are invited to a free Christmas storytime party, with crafts, free play, and a dramatic retelling of the Christmas story! King's Church Edinburgh, 104 Gilmore Place, EH3 9PL.” - Thanks to Luke Davydaitis (Edinburgh Minute subscriber), King's Church Edinburgh, for sharing this.

📌 “Saturday and Sunday: Vintage football pop up for 2 days on leith walk. Inside the pop up shop “curioso” 27 Albert place leith walk. Open 11-4pm both days. Featuring vintage football shirts, football inspired clothing and perfect small accessories for stocking fillers.” - Thanks to EH Retro Kits for sharing this.

📌 “Saturday 6 December - Jimmy’s Festive Open Day! Jimmy’s Retro Furniture and Jimmy’s Homeware are hosting their annual festive shopping event, 11am-3pm, Unit 6D Wallyford Industrial Estate. Expect a wide range of beautiful midcentury furniture and vintage homeware. Coffee and cake by Ride Grind.” - Thanks to Zoe and Gavin Weir, business owners, for sharing this.

📌 “Saturday 9 December - Join us at St Cecilia's Hall for the fourth installement of our Cantata Concert Series with music from Asako Ueda, violin & theorbo, Timothy Lin, viola da gamba, Louis Moisan, guitar & theorbo & Pablo Devigo, harpsichord.” - Thanks to Hannah for sharing this.

📌 “Saturday 6th December 4pm - Mark Quinn from Greenhouse Records will be hosting a vinyl listening session themed on folk music from around the world in Bruntsfield's new Pianodrome.” - Thanks to the organisers for sharing this.

**View on Instagram: @the.pickle.community.radio**

📌 “Sunday 7 December - Portobello Writing Retreat with Women Who Write Edinburgh for women and non-binary writers. Full and half day tickets available (includes tea, coffee, and, a mince pie!) Join us for guided writing sprints, an optional beach walk, and a friendly, community atmosphere.” - Thanks to Women Who Write Edinburgh for sharing this.

📌 “Running throughout December - Looking for some festive cheer and gin? Our Christmas Cocktail Baubles workshop returns! You'll shake and sip two delicious cocktails, choose your favourite, then fill three baubles with cocktail ingredients, and take home to enjoy two delicious tipples.” - Thanks to Ellen Corsie from Summerhall Distillery for sharing this.

📌 “Sun 7 Dec, 14:00-16:30, Ash Rise Afternoon, National Museum of Scotland: Audiences will learn about Scotland's native ash tree, ash die-back and how the discarded wood is transformed into contemporary furniture designs. A film screening and chance to meet the makers alongside their creations.” - Thanks to Kirsten for sharing this.

📌 “Sunday 7 December – Andy Chung launches his new album ‘My Heart is Yours to Keep’ at the Royal Navy Club. Expect an afternoon of live music from 3–7pm with a full band & support. Tickets are £20 and can be bought by visiting The Andy Chung Society on Facebook or contact 07719 991469” - Thanks to the organisers for sharing this.

📌 “Luis Albaros-Parro, of the British Geological Survey, speaks on 'The Building Stones of Edinburgh' at the Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge. He will tell us why and how stone decays, and should it be conserved or replaced. Tickets £6, all welcome.” - Thanks to the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland for sharing this.

📌 “Tuesday 9 December - storytelling is returning to The Bowlers Rest pub in Leith! Come and tell us a funny 5-minute story about Leith in a friendly, relaxed setting. The evening is hosted by the brilliant comedian and storyteller Gareth Mutch, and you are the stars of the show. Free entry.” - Thanks to Rosalind from Leith Comedy Presents for sharing this.

📌 “The Portobello Bookshop is hosting a Holiday Crafting Workshop where you will learn how to embroider, sew, and decorate your very own felt ornament! All supplies are provided alongside festive drinks and snacks, and the shop will be open for private late-night browsing with 10% off your shopping.” - Thanks to The Portobello Bookshop for sharing this.

📌 “Friday 12 December: Greyfriars Kirk 6pm-9pm. A Charity Christmas Concert for Ukraine. Organised by Spiders for Ukraine. Ukrainian Carols, and Scottish music, a play, stalls, food and cheer. All proceeds for humanitarian aid in Ukraine.” - Thanks to the organisers for sharing this.

📌 “Saturday 13th Dec 5:30 to 8PM🎄Cosy Christmas Adventure Kev’s Class at North Merchiston Club 🎅 Operation Save Christmas Adventure🎤 Winter Wonderland Game Show 🪩 Disco, Games & Edible Crafts Zone 🧸 Soft Play &Toddler Room 🎮 VR Ride with Santa ☕ Parents Hideout Café, Kids £15, Adults free.” - Thanks to North Merchiston Club for sharing this.

📌 “Saturday 13 December - Join us for a relaxed evening of good music, good fun and excellent home baking. If you want to enjoy the Christmas spirit, but not drown in it, come to Craigsbank Church, Corstorphine at 7pm. Tickets available at door, donation requested.” - Thanks to Bristo Community Concert Band for sharing this.

📌 “Sat 20th - Mond 22nd Dec (various times) at SUMMERHALL. The Elf who wasn't Elfing is an affordable and accessible show for families to come and enjoy in the area. Tickets under £10. Aimed at ages 3+, our inclusive and heart warming 60 minute experience will set you up for Christmas.” - Thanks to Edinburgh Acting School for sharing this.

📮 Anything missing? Please share your local news and events here.