The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Wednesday 13 May 2026
High-rise stand-off halts Muirhouse flats demolition, closure fear for Wester Hailes Community Wellbeing Collective, safe school cycle route partially saved + plans for two new nature reserves
🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. Sorry it's a few minutes late - a lot to get through! Here’s Wednesday's Edinburgh Minute.
🎓 Nearly 200 employees at Edinburgh Napier University have left their jobs since plans for cuts were announced last summer, reports Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco in The Herald.
🏗️ The council’s plans to demolish the Inchmickery Court high-rise tower block in Muirhouse have been delayed because one remaining tenant is refusing to leave the building. - Local Democracy Reporter Joe Sullivan in Midlothian View.
- ⮑ A council report (at this link, on page 8 of 16) states: "There is one remaining tenant in the block, so essential services are being maintained while the eviction process proceeds through the Sheriff Court."
- ⮑ The full agenda for today's council Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee is here.
🚧 Three out of six traffic filters on the Greenbank to Meadows Quiet Route have been saved after councillors voted against their removal. - Reporting on yesterday's council meeting, Nicholas Malizia in Edinburgh Live.
- ⮑ The remaining three filters are expected be reconsidered at a later date. - Ben Seven of edi.bike reports.
- 'Call for urgent meeting of transport committee to correct mistakes and save controversial traffic filters' - Ian Swanson, Evening News.
Edinburgh Critical Mass
💰 Volunteers from the Wester Hailes Community Wellbeing Collective are aiming to raise £15,400 in ten weeks or face closure. The charity says: "We’re facing a critical gap in funding that would mean closure." - More details on their Crowdfunder page here + on Instagram.
🚾 Leith Links public toilets should reopen 'by the beginning of June' after drainage repairs. - More details via Leith Links Community Council.
🚈 ScotRail is increasing the number of trains between Waverley and North Berwick. - Cameron Ritchie, East Lothian Courier.
Cameron Ritchie
🌳 Two new nature reserves could be designated at Wester Craiglockhart Hill and Little France. - Ross Chalmers, Deadline News.
🍽️ A new restaurant on Victoria Street is set to replace Maison Bleue, which closed earlier this year after 28 years in business. Whirlybird is due to open on Monday, offering coffee and pastries each morning, followed by a menu of 'modern takes on classic bistro dishes created by head chef Lucia Gregusova, formerly of Hawksmoor', reports Sarah Campbell in The Herald. + Find Whirlybird on Instagram here.
🍻 The former Las Iguanas restaurant on the corner of George Street and Charlotte Square could become a pub if plans are approved. - Lee Dalgetty, Edinburgh Live.
🎭 Two of Edinburgh's most high-profile culture journalists, Jane Bradley and Brian Ferguson, will be on the panel of a 'Meet the Media' breakfast event hosted by Charlotte Street Partners at the Traverse Theatre on Wednesday 20 May. They are due to discuss how The Herald and The Scotsman audiences view the arts, the titles' different priorities, how they experience arts and culture and more. To attend, RSVP to events@charlottestreetpartners.com. Arrivals and breakfast from 8:30am, discussion from 9:00-10:00am. Venue: Traverse Theatre.
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🏡 Inside a 1960s Council Flat Turned Sanctuary in Edinburgh - 'Eileen Inglis had three weeks to renovate a 1960s ex-council flat in Newhaven. A year on, it’s a personal sanctuary by the sea — made entirely her own.' - Video here, shared by NOSTALGIA.
🎨 Equalities arts organisation Artlink are looking for new Board members to join their Board. - 'Artlink uses culture and creative thinking to improve the quality of life of disabled and socially disadvantaged people of all ages. We are looking for Board members to join our Board to help with strategic direction and ensure accountability. (Deadline: 29 May)' - More details here, shared by Artlink Edinburgh & the Lothians.
🌍 World Humanist Day small grants scheme - 'Small grants of up to £250 are available to mark and celebrate World Humanist Day. We welcome applications from groups or individuals. How would you like to celebrate it in Edinburgh? (Deadline: 26 May)' - More details here, shared by Lara, Humanist Society Scotland + on Instagram here.
📚 Volunteer with Cymera - 'Scotland's Festival of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Writing is looking for volunteers for their festival, 5 to 7 June 2026, the Pleasance, Edinburgh. A variety of front of house roles are available and every little helps.' - More details here, shared by Ann Landmann, Cymera Festival.
🪴 Desk available in shared West End studio - 'Freelancers, small business owners & remote workers - we’re looking for a new studio mate: If WFH is not for you and you miss working alongside like-minded people, we’d love to hear from you: Dedicated desk, meeting room, 24/7 access, £200/month.' - More details here, shared by Denise Strohsahl, sandstonecastles marketing.
🎭 Guys and Dolls - Southern Light Opera [Daily]
Today, Wed 13 May - 'Following their successful production of Jesus Christ Superstar, Southern Light are returning to the Festival Theatre with the Broadway hit Guys and Dolls. Luck be a lady tonight!'
7.30pm to 10.30pm | Festival Theatre, EH8 9FT | £27.50 - £30.00 - More details here, shared by Fiona Hendry.
🧠 Reduced-fee Therapy for ADHD & Anxiety - Edinburgh & Online [Daily]
Tomorrow, Thu 14 May - 'Struggle with focus, procrastination, or constant worry? For Mental Health Awareness Month, I'm offering reduced-fee first sessions - a lower-pressure way to try a first session and see whether we'd be a good fit to work together.'
8.30am to 5pm | Trinity Road, EH5 3RU - More details here, shared by Emily Yao Therapy.
🎬 'The Dispute' Film Screening and Living Rent Workshop/Fundraiser
Tomorrow, Thu 14 May - 'Film screening by Hong Kong director Fredie Chan exploring local housing activists. Followed by a workshop and fundraiser by Living Rent, Scotland's Tenant and Community Union. Part of Waving Kites Hong Kong Diaspora cinema tour.'
6.30pm to 8pm | Leith Depot, EH6 5DT | FREE - More details here, shared by Living Rent.
🏠 The Dispute: Screening & Workshop with Living Rent
Tomorrow, Thu 14 May - 'Living Rent & Waving Kites will be screening Fredie Chan's exploration of Edinburgh's housing crisis - "The Dispute" - with a workshop and bake sale, this Thursday! Everyone welcome.'
6.30pm to 8pm | Leith Depot, EH6 5DT | FREE - More details here, shared by Fraser, Leith Kino.
☀️ Ascension Mass: An Uplifting Celebration
Tomorrow, Thu 14 May - 'A feast that's uplifting. A tonic for a weary world. At St Michael and All Saints, the Ascension is marked with a richly ceremonial Mass and music that elevates the spirit.'
7.30pm to 9pm | Saint Michael & All Saints, EH3 9JH | FREE - More details here, shared by Oliver Brewer-Lennon, St Michael and All Saints.
👜 Maggie's Pop-up Boutique [Daily]
Fri 15 May - 'An exclusive sale of pre loved designer fashion, bags and accessories, featuring pieces from Chanel, Stella McCartney, Isabel Marant, Loewe, Fendi and many more at incredible prices. Raising vital funds for Maggie's Edinburgh.'
10am to 6pm | 93 George Street | Fri/Sat £10 Sun free - More details here, shared by Maggie’s.
🎨 Saturday sketching with the Edinburgh Sketcher
Sat 16 May - 'Learn how to quickly capture the city's perspectives in ink and watercolour guided by the Edinburgh Sketcher. (Then why not stay on for his 2.30pm Sketchbook Journalling class to start creating a memorable personal journal!).'
10am to 12.30pm | The Arienas Collective - Creative Workshop Hub, EH3 6NW | £35-45 - More details here, shared by Lynn Powell, The Arienas Collective.
🖼 On Falling Tide: Artistic responses to Cramond Island [Daily]
Sat 16 May - 'This two day multi-disciplinary exhibition explores the 19-acre tidal island off the coast of Edinburgh in the Firth of Forth. A group of artists, makers and practitioners present their work in response to this local landscape.'
11am to 5pm | Whitespace, EH8 9HQ | FREE - More details here, shared by Forest Publications and Edinburgh Environmental Humanities Network PhD Lab + on Instagram here.
🕺 Free CeilidhKids Family Dancing Workshop
Sat 16 May - 'Join the fun at one of two FREE family-friendly Scottish Ceilidh workshops. Lead by Caroline from CeilidhKids, each workshop is aimed at families, with kids aged 3-9 yrs. One adult can dance with 2 children. Dance steps are simplified & non-scary!'
2pm to 4pm | The Out of the Blue Drill Hall, EH6 8RG | FREE - More details here, shared by Festival of Europe Scotland.
🌿 Learn Foraging & Bushcraft Outdoors: Nature School for Grownups - This Friday & Saturday [Daily]
Sat 16 May - 'Join this 2-hour outdoor session for grownups: identify a seasonal plant, take part in a simple nature game, and make something to take home. Playful, hands-on, and beginner-friendly.'
2pm to 4pm | Bridgend Farmhouse Cafe, EH16 4TE | 15 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎺 St David's Brass Spring Concert
Sat 16 May - 'St David's Brass' first concert performance since qualifying for the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. They have prepared an eclectic musical programme, including great ensemble pieces, solos and some of the band's favourites!'
7pm to 9.30pm | Blackhall St. Columba's Church, EH4 3QU | FREE - More details here, shared by St David's Brass.
🎸 Shinlifter/Baker Island/Diet Of Worms
Sat 16 May - 'Fuzz Bat gigs returns to Leith Depot after a two month break featuring a cracking triple belter of a lineup featuring indie moon rockers Shinlifter, noisy indie pop quintet Baker Island (from Newcastle) and newish post-punk band Diet Of Worms.'
7.30pm to 10.30pm | Leith Depot, EH6 5DT | £12 OTD, £9 Advance - More details here, shared by Calum.
🧘♀️ The Lymphatic Reset: A guided morning ritual of dry brushing, breath, and movement.
Sun 17 May - 'Experience how Body Brushing and Yoga can help you reduce morning sluggishness and regulate your nervous system. Join this 2-hour small-group workshop to understand your lymphatic system & reconnect with your body through touch, breath, and movement.'
10am to 12pm | OMH Therapies Yoga & Meditation Studio Edinburgh, EH3 8HT | 31 - More details here, shared by Marta, Artemisia Holistics.
🏉 Portobello Beach Rugby
Sun 17 May - 'Portobello Youth Rugby Academy present the first ever Porty Beach Rugby Festival! Fast-paced beach rugby, rolling subs, no tackles - just pure fun on the sand. Huge thanks to Civerinos and EHC Charity. Come join us!'
10am to 1pm | Civerinos Portobello, EH15 1HJ | FREE - More details here, shared by Portobello Youth Rugby Academy.
🧘 Yoga on the Beach
Sun 17 May - 'Start your day with intention at this energising beach vinyasa yoga session, followed by coffee & brunch, hosted by Third Eye Yoga with A Nice Day Out. Full event details in event link!'
10.45am to 12pm | The Beach House High Street, EH15 1AL | £15 - More details here, shared by A Nice Day Out.
🧘🏻♀️ Build your Confidence: Your Journey Towards Self Exploration and Self Expression
Sun 17 May - 'Discover your authentic self in this intimate 2-hour workshop in Leith. Explore self-awareness, confidence & personal style through guided exercises, psychology & colour. Connect your inner world to outer expression. Limited space, book now.'
11am to 1pm | Yellow Souls Studio, EH6 6RS | 40 - More details here, shared by Kizanne James, Health Equity Solutions and Yellow Souls Studio.
🌿 Willow Obelisk for your garden- Willow Weaving Workshop Sunday 17th or 31st May
Sun 17 May - 'A hands-on workshop where you'll make your own willow obelisk in time for supporting your growing plants sweetpeas/runner beans. Ideal for yourself or as a handmade gift. All materials, tools, and tuition are provided, suitable for beginners.'
1.30pm to 4pm | Away with Willow Coffins, EH10 5LS | £45.00 - More details here, shared by Koren Calder, Away with Willow.
🎨 Experimental Life Drawing
Sun 17 May - 'Join Strongman Collective for a FREE afternoon exploring the intersection of dance and drawing, featuring a live movement artist as model. All skill levels welcome. BYO sketchbook. Please pre-register as capacity is limited.'
1.30pm to 3pm | Edinburgh Student Housing Co-operative, EH10 4HR | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🌿 Connect and distress- online EFT tapping group [Monthly]
Sun 17 May - 'Are you seeking a practical, effective way to reduce stress, manage emotions, and boost your resilience? Join our monthly EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) group sessions and experience the transformative power of tapping.'
6pm to 7pm | Zoom Event online only (please ignore address) | FREE - More details here, shared by Ann Diment, Resilience Rebel.
📚 EIBF Paper Trails x Ratho Library [Daily]
Mon 18 May - 'EIBF is bringing a series of captivating events right to the heart of Ratho, exploring all things history! In particular; how is history memorialised? How can we engage with local history? How do we understand history through fiction?'
6pm to 7pm | Ratho Library, EH28 8TT | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
📚 Cast Away - book event with Francesca de Tores
Mon 18 May - 'Join us May 18 for an evening with author Francesca de Tores, to discuss her new novel CAST AWAY, which reimagines the true story of Alexander Selkirk, the Scots sailor whose extraordinary survival on a remote island inspired Defoe's ROBINSON CRUSOE.'
7pm to 9pm | Argonaut Books, EH6 8LN | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🌸 Women's Upland Network Spring Networking Brunch
Tue 19 May - 'The Women's Upland Network is celebrating spring with a networking brunch, providing an opportunity to connect with others working in upland and rural sectors, followed by a programme of talks. We can't wait to celebrate our unique uplands with you!'
10.30am to 1.30pm | Hampden Bank, EH2 4DF | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
⚔️ Wargames Workshop
Wed 20 May - 'Wargames Workshop is an event to make and play new wargames in a friendly, supportive environment. Buzz #4 on the Sandstone Building intercom (beside Kiki's Café), and just say if ramp or elevator access is required. Beginners warmly welcomed!'
6pm to 10pm | Ancient Robot Workshop, EH6 5DT | FREE - More details here, shared by Tanya Floaker.
📚 Book Launch - Gravel Rides Edinburgh, Fife & The Lothians with Markus Stitz
Wed 20 May - 'Join Markus Stitz for an evening of gravel stories from Scotland & beyond, celebrating the launch of his book, Gravel Rides Edinburgh, Fife & The Lothians. The evening also includes a screening of Great British Gravel Rides, a 58-minute documentary.'
6.30pm to 9pm | Gamma Transport Division, EH4 1EA | £12 - More details here, shared by Markus Stitz.
📮 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:
- 🏙️ Hundreds of Quartermile flats owned abroad.
- 🤝 This week's local jobs & voluntary roles via Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network.
- 🟢 'The real reason Scottish Greens beat Angus Robertson in Edinburgh'.
- 🐑 Parents urged to stay alert after Craigies Farm outbreak.
- 🍽️ 14 new places to eat/drink in town.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 909.
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