The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Thursday 5 February 2026

🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. Here’s Thursday's Edinburgh Minute.

🔋 Councillors unanimously rejected plans for a ‘green’ data centre at South Gyle yesterday. After a four-hour meeting there was cross-party agreement in refusing the plan. Councillors raised concerns about ‘how it affects the climate emergency’ and ‘how emissions could be minimised’. They said they were not convinced the plan met the definition of ‘green’.

• Three main reasons were given by councillors:
  • 'It does not address the climate crisis' (Contrary to NPF4 policy 1),
  • 'It doesn’t address lifecycle Green House gas emissions' (Contrary to NPF4 policy 2),
  • 'It does not support the mixed use vision for Edinburgh Park area', (Contrary to the City Plan Place- Place 19 policy).
• There are quotes from each of the local political party members in this report by Ian Swanson in the Evening News.
• Concerns were also raised about 'significant errors' made by the developer during independent environmental assessments, writes Ross Chalmers of Deadline News.
• Developer Shelborn claimed 'modern cooling technology' would allow the site to use less energy than traditional data centres. But until an operator for the site was confirmed, it couldn't say whether water cooling technology would also be used. - Louise Wilson, Holyrood.
• Dr Kat Jones, Director of Action to Protect Rural Scotland, said:

"This is an absolutely momentous decision. Congratulations to all the campaigners who have been raising awareness of the huge impacts that data centres have on communities and the environment. The Committee refused this application on the grounds of the impacts that it would have on the climate crisis, the lifecycle greenhouse emissions, and that it does not fit within the local plan for the area."

🚔 Police are hunting for a hit-and-run driver and launched an attempted murder investigation after a man was hit by a vehicle on Lochend Drive at around 9.50pm on Tuesday. - Keiran Fleming, STV News.
⮑ A 36-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment, reports Fionnuala Boyle in the Daily Record.

🎭 The number of visitors to Edinburgh's summer festivals dropped by 40,000 to 3.85 million last year compared to 2024, according to the council's latest Summer Festivals Scorecard report. That's 1%. But the number of Edinburgh local rose by 10% and Scottish locals rose by 22%. - Jane Bradley, The Scotsman / Evening News. (More details in the Culture Minute later today too.)

🅿️ The recent increase in motor parking charges 'has brought in less cash for the council than planned,' writes Local Democracy Reporter Joe Sullivan for Edinburgh Live.

🎇 A Southhouse teenager has admitted attacking police officers with fireworks during a 2024 Bonfire Night riot in the Gracemount area. - Alexander Lawrie, BBC Scotland News / STV News.

🥘 The owners of the Casserole Wang hot pot restaurant on Candlemaker Row claim their turnover has halved after they were ordered to remove their illuminated shop sign. - Cara Blackhall, Edinburgh Live.

🛬 EcoJet Airlines' bid to launch 'the world’s first electric airline' with an an Edinburgh to Southampton route has failed to take off after liquidators were appointed. - Brian Donnelly, The Herald.

🍽️ The annual 'Eat Out Edinburgh' month of discounts at local bars and restaurants is due to return in March, with more than 50 venues taking part. - Neil Johnstone, Evening News.

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📌 “A great start to the new year on the Water of Leith. OK, it's been a bit grey & wet but it's not stopped lots of wildlife appearing, with several clips of an elusive water rail on the river in January's 2 min video!” - Thanks to Tom Kelly of GoWildinEdinburgh.co.uk for sharing this.

📌 “Thursday 5th February 7:30pm: West End Community Council will meet 61 Melville Street St & via Zoom. We will be discussing planning, licensing, roads, waste management issues & other things from the West End. To join, just turn up or email secretary@edinburghwestendcc.org.uk for a zoom invite.” - Thanks to West End Community Council for sharing this.

📌 “Saturday 7th February - Portobello Local Market, 9.30-1.30 in Brighton Park. Our much loved monthly market is back with lots of brilliant food, drink and craft stalls. Come along and support this long standing local event.” - Thanks to Ruth, Pedal Portobello, for sharing this.

📌 “Friday 6th February - Luma Pilates First Fridays gathering. Enjoy a Reformer or Barre class followed by sharing some nibbles and a glass with our wonderful community. Bookings through our website.” - Thanks to Lucia & Max - Luma Pilates Ltd for sharing this.

📌 “Friday 6th Feb: live jazz with the Tenement Jazz Band at the Edinburgh Jazz 'n Jive Club. The band focuses on jazz in the New Orleans style, which is great for dancing Jive, Collegiate Shag, Balboa, Lindy, Laminu & slow Balboa. Location: Heriot's Rugby Club, EH3 5QN. Price: £12 Members / £15 Guests.” - Thanks to Edinburgh Jazz 'n Jive Club for sharing this.

📌 “Saturday: Edinburgh Trash Club is here! It's like a run club... but with no running. Our first pick will be at Marine Esplanade down at Seafield 11am-12.30pm, followed by an optional pub gathering. Bring your own gloves - we provide the rest! (What 3 words location: client.rang.strut).” - Thanks to Edinburgh Trash Club for sharing this.

📌 “Monday 9 February, 6:30pm. A Musical Sing-Along at Riddle's Court! Join local professional musician Jenny Laahs for an hour of group singing in one of Edinburgh's most beautiful historic venues - no experience needed, just enthusiasm! Only £5, with all proceeds supporting Health in Mind Charity.” - Thanks to Scottish Historic Buildings Trust for sharing this.

📌 “Tuesday 10 to 14 February - Enter into the glamorous world of Baltimore theatre for a night of music, dancing and some unexpected guests with Edinburgh University Footlights' production of Kiss Me, Kate! Showing for 5 days in Churchill Theatre, and tickets are available via the link. Thank you!” - Thanks to Edinburgh University Footlights for sharing this.

📌 “12.02.26 10-12pm: Southfield Medical Practice, Edinburgh. Join us for an introduction to to pain self‑management for people experiencing pain for more than 12 weeks. You do not need to be a patient of Southfield to join. To book your place email pain-education@painconcern.org.uk” - Thanks to Sam Mason, People and Operations Manager, Pain Concern for sharing this.

📌 “Friday 13 February - Join the debate and come to the Night of Ideas at the Institut français d'Écosse! The evening will start at 5pm with an inspiring round table exploring what it means to be an independent businesswoman in 2026, followed by a unique concert with Julia Pertuy and Dara Dubh” - Thanks to the Institut français d'Écosse for sharing this.

📌 “Love is in the air for Valentine's weekend at the Drill Hall. Overtly romantic All That Heaven Allows & the charming musical Sing Street will both be shown this Valentine’s weekend in our heated Rehearsal Studio. Food available before in the cafe area or take it into your seat.” - Thanks to Out of the Blue Drill Hall for sharing this.

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

👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:

1. 🚔 Manhunt for sex offender who skipped sentencing.
2. 🏗️ Plans for 212 flats at Western Harbour Way, Newhaven.
3. 🍻 Leith Social Club up for sale.

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