The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Tuesday 1 September 2026
Row over next year's Festival Fringe dates, Portobello pool closed for another week, fears for future of St Mark’s Path coffee box + nominations open for Creative Edinburgh Awards
🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. Here’s today's Edinburgh Minute.
🌦️ Today's weather forecast: More occasional rain showers, especially between 2pm and 6pm. A temperature high of 18C around midday. Similar tomorrow but clearing up by Thursday - The full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh is here.
🎟️ This year's Fringe hit a post-pandemic record, with more than 2.8 million tickets issued. That's up on last year's 2.6m, but still below the pre-pandemic record of more than 3m in 2019. - The festival published more statistics here, including its highest ever single-day attendance (164,000 tickets issued for performances on Saturday 15 August).
- 'Fringe audience tops 2.8m despite fire disruption and final week slump' - Brian Ferguson, The Herald. Includes lines from Sam Gough of Summerhall saying 'the final week of shows was the quietest he could remember'. Read more in Brian Ferguson's ticket sales report here.
- William Burdett-Coutts, chief executive of Assembly, said: "Having listened to feedback from participating companies and artists, Assembly is proposing that the dates of the Fringe move forward by a week in 2027, to allow more time before Scottish schools return in August. Companies and artists have consistently raised the current schedule as a pressure point, particularly in this last week, and Assembly believes an earlier start would ease that pressure without diminishing the festival". - There's more on the reported final week drop off from Jane Bradley in The Scotsman.
📆 However, the dates for next year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe have already been confirmed: 6 – 30 August 2027. - Fringe boss Tony Lankester refused to commit to earlier dates next year when speaking to BBC Scotland.
- "The schools will be returning in the second week of the festivals next year, but that will still mean the holidays will be over halfway through the run of thousands of shows." - Brian Ferguson in his 'best and worst moments from the festivals' piece in The Herald.
- 'Edinburgh Fringe 'needs to reflect on what it wants to be' in 80th year as ticket sales rise by 8%' - Jane Bradley, The Scotsman.
"'As we look to the festival’s 80th anniversary, it’s appropriate that we reflect on what we want the Fringe to be, and how we preserve Edinburgh's reputation as a world-class festival city. That’s the challenge but also the opportunity – and we urge all stakeholders to make the most of it." - Tony Lankester, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society.
📚 Early numbers for this year's Edinburgh International Book Festival were released this morning, showing a 20% increase in footfall and record book sales. Organisers said fewer events delivered more ticket sales, with 62% of tickets sold to people in EH postcodes. Director Jenny Niven said: "At a time when literacy rates are declining, book festivals have an important role in helping people discover the pleasure, confidence and connection that reading can bring. Our schools programme, free books for every child attending and year-round work with communities are all part of that commitment." - More details in the North Edinburgh News.
🗞️ While the festivals are over for another year, the global media coverage isn't quite finished yet. Here's a round-up of how Edinburgh looks in the national and international headlines:
- 🇺🇸 'Hit shows from Edinburgh's Fringe festival are coming to America. Here are our top picks' - Rebecca Rosman, NPR.
- 🏆 'Winner of Edinburgh fringe’s top comedy prize Chris Cantrill says he owes it all to Saturday Night Live' - John Simpson, The Observer.
- 📆 'Calls grow to move the Edinburgh Fringe one week earlier' - Chortle.
- 📺 'Switching channels: will the Edinburgh TV festival’s magic survive the move south?' - Robyn Vinter, The Guardian.
- 'Exclusive: Brian Cox: The Fringe is in danger of 'imploding' without festivals 'unification' - Jane Bradley, The Scotsman.
- 💰 "More than simply being a place visited by tourists, this is a city where people live, go to school, go to work. The much-needed injection of cash from the visitor levy will not fix all the city’s problems overnight but just as in other places around the world with similar schemes, it will help share the benefits of tourism to those who live here all year round." - Chris Marshall, Holyrood.
- 🎭 "Yeah it’s mental and driving a car in the city is hell, but how nice is it to see everybody having a laugh and a drink and socialising again? We’ve all moved on so quickly from the fact that we were government-mandated in our house for a couple of years. I’ll take this. I’ll take it being a slight pain in the arse to get a bus if it means we can have some kind of human experience." - Connor Burns, interviewed by Teddy Jamieson in The Herald.
- 'My best and worst moments from the Edinburgh festivals'.
Teddy Jamieson
🎇 Details of a November 2024 gang fireworks violence spree have been revealed after four people pled guilty in court to 'violent, riotous and tumultuous' behaviour' around Calder Road. - Alexander Lawrie & Phyllis Stephen, Deadline News.
🏍️ A BMW motorbike was stolen from the Cameron Toll shopping centre carpark yesterday, reports Isla Storie in Edinburgh Live.
🌊 Portobello Swim Centre is still closed until further notice, with all activities and operations suspended. There are heating problems at the building, reports Phyllis Stephen in The Edinburgh Reporter.
🗳️ By-elections in the Southside/Newington (Ward 15) and Portobello/Craigmillar wards are due to take place this Thursday. A full list of the candidates standing in both wards is on the council website + there's a preview in the Edinburgh Inquirer.
☕️ The owner of family-run DelishYoss Coffee Bar at St Mark’s Path says he may be forced to close its doors after learning that the busy cycle and walking route won't reopen until 2028, due to structural problems with Powderhall Bridge. - Jack Davies, Evening News.
🗞️ Print copies of the September issue of the Spurtle hyperlocal newspaper for the Broughton area are out. You can read it online here.
🍻 Kay’s Bar in the New Town has been added to The European Bar Guide's top-100 bars list. - Craig Williams, The Herald.
🎨 The search is on for the city's most inspiring creative individuals, organisations and projects. as nominations are now open the 15th annual Creative Edinburgh Awards. The winners will be announced at a celebration event on 13 November at Central Hall. - Full details on how to nominate here.
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🎉 LOCAL EDINBURGH RADIO STATIONS OFFERING £1,000 PRIZES WITH A DIFFERENCE - 'Edge Radio are offering listeners the chance to win £1000 each month until Christmas with a charitable twist. They must give half away to a local Edinburgh charity of their choice. Listeners are starting to nominate their causes now.' - With thanks to Jay Crawford, Edge Media Group for sharing this.
🌮 New Gringo Supperclub & Cooking Class Dates On Sale - 'New Oct Supperclub dates are now on sale! A fabulous 8 course tasting menu of Scottish seafood and the flavours of Mexico & Peru. We've also launched new Taco Tuesday Cooking Class dates until the end of the year! Book now to avoid disappointment!' - More details here, shared by Kevin, Gringo Supperclub.
🪣 Are you a domestic/home cleaner? Take part in a Uni of Edinburgh Interview Study (£20 voucher) - 'Uni of Edinburgh Research: Inviting housecleaners(18+) for an 1-hour in-person interview to talk about what home design makes your job easier/harder. On UoE central campus. Free parking available. £20 gift voucher. See link for details & to sign up!' - More details here, shared by University of Edinburgh.
🌿 RSPB Youth Group currently taking on new members (12-18 yrs) - '1 x Sunday per month we meet up with other young people to learn about wildlife and take action for nature. We’re often at the Hermitage of Braid (EH10 6JF) but meet all over the Edinburgh area. £2.50 or less per session. See links for more info' - More details here, shared by RSPB Scotland.
🎭 Join Scottish Youth Theatre's Board! - 'Scottish Youth Theatre is inviting expressions of interest to join our Board as we approach the significant milestone of the company’s 50th anniversary. Be part of shaping the creative landscape for Scotland’s young theatre-makers. (Deadline: 18 Sep)' - More details here, shared by Scottish Youth Theatre.
🎷 The Dequorum Sax Quartet plays the music of the 29th St Sax Quartet
Thu 03 September - 'Dequorum Sax Quartet performs a wide range of jazz and groove-based music, built around collective improvisation, ballads and well-known classics.'
7.30pm to 9.30pm | Baberton Golf Club · Juniper Green | £15 - More details here, shared by Juniper Green Note.
🎶 Album Launch - Unforeseen: Improvising Life and Music by Justyna Jablonska (cello and electronics)
Thu 03 September - 'Unforeseen draws on memories, field recordings, and conversations with Polish, Ukrainian, and Roma migrants living in Scotland. Rhythmic, ambient, and electronic music, with raw cello sound, accompanied by a beautiful film by Anna Leszczynska.'
7.30pm to 11pm | The Biscuit Factory · Leith | £5, kids go free - More details here, shared by Justyna Jablonska.
🎶 Edinburgh Ableton Users Group
Mon 07 September - 'We're back at the Leith Depot for more Ableton Live music and chat. If you want, please bring your laptop and a project to share if you're comfortable with that, no pressure at all. Relaxed, friendly, just Ableton users swapping ideas and workflows.'
6.30pm to 9pm | Leith Depot · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Ally.
👥 Edinburgh Guarantee Employability Event
Tue 08 September - 'We're bringing together key partners, employers and members of the public to support Employability Day. We are looking for employers who have upcoming opportunities and would like a free stand at our event. Join us to find how we can help you!'
10am to 3pm | Assembly Rooms · New Town | FREE - More details here, shared by The City of Edinburgh Council.
Edinburgh Guarantee
🌸 The Cycle to Success - Bloom Scotland Panel 2027
Thu 10 September - 'Join us to hear voices from communications, women's health and fitness explore how understanding the female hormone cycle can help women thrive and teams in the workplace collaborate more effectively. This event is open to men and women.'
10am to 12pm | YOTEL Edinburgh · New Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Claire Mathieson, Bloom Scotland.
🏡 Home Renovation Planning Evening - Expert Advice & Panel Discussion
Thu 10 September - 'An evening of practical advice from trusted local renovation experts. Join home designer Sarah Maguire, architect Erin McGuire, and developers Steven Connell & Sean McFadden for honest insights to help you plan your renovation with confidence.'
6pm to 8pm | The Caledonian Edinburgh · West End | £20 - More details here, shared by Sarah Maguire.
📚 Albertus Annual Lecture: Albert the Great on Becoming Fully Human
Fri 11 September - 'Learn more about Albert the Great, teacher of St Thomas Aquinas! Dr Tracy Wietecha gives the Albertus Annual Lecture in parternship with the School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh. Join us for the reception in the historic Rainy Hall afterwards.'
4pm to 7pm | New College · Old Town | Donation/Free - More details here, shared by The Albertus Institute.
🏴☠️ Join Team Scran for the Edinburgh Kiltwalk
Sun 13 September - 'Whether it's your first Kiltwalk or you're a seasoned walker, we'd love to have you on the team and fundraising for Scran Academy helping to create life-changing education and employment opportunities for young people.'
9am to 4pm | Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium · Murrayfield | FREE - More details here, shared by Jane Strutt, Scran Academy.
🎶 Magical Mozart Evening in aid of Jessie's Fund
Sun 13 September - 'An evening of Mozart, from the sparkling Symphony No. 29 and the much-loved Eine kleine Nachtmusik to Horn Concerto No. 4 - as immortalised by Flanders and Swann.'
7.30pm to 9pm | Stockbridge Parish Church · Stockbridge | Adult £16 Child FREE - More details here, shared by Andrew Lees.
🎶 The UoE Charity Recital
Tue 15 September - 'A lunchtime celebration of music, bringing together University of Edinburgh staff and friends to raise funds for FACE (Fighting Against Cancer Edinburgh).'
1pm to 2pm | St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum · Old Town | Donation - More details here, shared by Hannah.
🧶 Colourwork knitting class - join our small, friendly class & learn to knit your own Hot Water Bottle [Every Tuesday]
Tue 15 September - 'Learn how to knit a beautiful hot water bottle cover with Samira Hill. Perfect for knitters who know how to cast on, knit & purl - no prior experience of circular knitting or colourwork needed. Book now and be ready to cosy in on cold nights!'
5.45pm to 7.45pm | Scottish Textiles Showcase · Old Town | £65 (2 week course) - More details here, shared by Carrie.
🎨 Drawing in the Autumn: Evening Art Workshops at Out of the Blue Drill Hall, starting 17th September [Every Thursday]
Thu 17 September - 'Celebrate the Autumn and learn new art skills in this series of six Thursday evening art workshops. Learn techniques for drawing, painting and printmaking with a different Autumn theme every week. 6 workshops for the price of 5 when you block-book.'
6pm to 8.30pm | The Out of the Blue Drill Hall · Leith | £32 per workshop - More details here, shared by Felicity Inkpen.
Felicity Inkpen
📚 An Opinionated Guide to Edinburgh X The Free Company at The Cookbook Shop
Thu 17 September - 'Pippa Perriam (@itspippa) will join us to celebrate the publication of her first book and chat with Charlie Buchanan-Smith, one of the founders of The Free Company--he's also bringing along handmade drinks and nibbles.'
7pm to 8.30pm | The Cookbook Shop · Canonmills & Broughton - More details here, shared by Liz Bryson, The Cookbook Shop.
🥳 Bubbles & Bingo for CHAS
Sat 19 September - 'Fancy a fun night of bubbles and bingo while supporting Children's Hospices Across Scotland? Enjoy a welcome drink, delicious buffet and full bingo entertainment - every ticket helps families across Scotland.'
6.30pm to 9.30pm | Norton House Hotel & Spa · Kirkliston | 45 - More details here, shared by CHAS.
🇺🇸 An Evening with James Naughtie : Insights into American Politics
Sun 20 September - 'A special evening with James Naughtie, one of Britain's best-known broadcasters. James has covered every US presidential election from 1988 to 2012! Includes a talk with Q and A and an opportunity for informal chat afterwards. Tea and baking.'
7pm to 9pm | Edinburgh Greenbank Parish Church of Scotland · Morningside | FREE - More details here, shared by Rachel, Greenbank Church.
🧵 Taster Workshop - Fabric Bead Making
Sat 26 September - 'Create chunky, tactile beads using simple strips of fabric, a needle, and thread in this relaxed, hands-on crafting session. At our new studio in Portobello! No sewing experience necessary. All materials are provided.'
2pm to 5pm | Action Station · Portobello | £40 - More details here, shared by Lucinda Walker, Portobello Art Therapy Collective.
🧶 Beginner Knitting Machine Course - Textile Techniques & Design a Vest [Every Sunday]
Sun 27 September - 'This course will take you through textile techniques on the knitting machine so you can learn and tap into your creativity! This will run for 5 weeks, followed by a full weekend in the studio to make an item designed by you!'
10am to 2pm | Paradigm Shift Open Studio Ltd · Leith | 250 - More details here, shared by Paradigm Shift Open Studio Ltd.
🧠 Cooking to Help Neurodivergent Kids Shine
Fri 02 October - 'Join leading child nutrition expert Lucinda Miller for a delicious, educational demonstration exploring how nutrition can support focus, sleep, mood and wellbeing in neurodivergent children. Brain-boosting recipes, expert advice and practical tips!'
4.30pm to 6.30pm | Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy · New Town | £30 - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy.
📮 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 200+ upcoming local events on TownSpot calendars and maps. Thanks to everyone who shares their things.
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 🎭 Council culture chief says locals are 'traumatised' by the festivals.
- 🚊 Window smashed 'by kids' one day after trams are reintroduced to Leith.
- 💚 Fitness meets community action at new 'GoodGym'.
- ♿️ Council to investigate ways to make Inverleith Park more accessible.
- 🍻 Tamson’s Bar on Easter Road reopening by team behind Leith Bottle Shop.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 987.
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