The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Tuesday 12 May 2026

Illness outbreak linked to local farm, hundreds of Quartermile flats owned abroad, two local winners at British Book Awards + help to spring-clean the Foot of the Walk tonight

Michael MacLeod

12 May 2026 — 12 min read

Blossom at Harrison Park, photographed by Tom Duffin.

🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. It's a relatively quiet start, news-wise. The Community Noticeboard is bustling with things to get involved with. Thanks to everyone sending things in. Remember you can see all the events on calendars and the map here. Here’s Tuesday's Edinburgh Minute.

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🐑 The NHS is warning parents to look out for symptoms in children after 16 confirmed cases of the cryptosporidium infectious illness were linked to a lamb-feeding event at Craigies Farm near South Queensferry. - Rose Moncur, The Herald.

🛫 The price to drop off passengers at Edinburgh Airport is due to increase from £6 to £8.50 next week. - Calum Loudon, STV News.

🍝 All 16 jobs have been lost at Dundas Street's Artisan Pasta Maker shop, after it fell in to liquidation following an HMRC investigation into an unpaid tax bill. - Jamie Calder, The National.

🏙️ More than a third (263 out of 751) of the properties in the Quartermile area have been bought by people based outside the UK. - The BBC's Andrew Picken investigates.

📚 There were two local winners at yesterday's British Book Awards in London: Book Lovers Bookshop was named Independent Bookshop of the Year, while the City of Edinburgh Council's Library Service won Library of the Year. - Rose Moncur, The Herald.

🗳️ After last week's Scottish Parliament election results, the next vote is less than a year away as candidates look ahead to the 2027 local council elections. - Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco has an analysis piece in The Herald.

'The real reason Scottish Greens beat Angus Robertson in Edinburgh' - Lucy Jackson, The National.
'Meet the 13 Edinburgh MSPs entering Holyrood this week' - Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco, The Herald.
'Departing after defeat - five Edinburgh and Lothians MSPs saying a reluctant goodbye to Holyrood' - Ian Swanson, Evening News.
'Talat Yaqoob, an equalities campaigner based in Edinburgh, said people were worried about their safety and their future after Reform won 17 seats in the Scottish parliament, taking joint second place with Labour behind the SNP.' - Libby Brooks in The Guardian: 'Minority groups brace for surge in racism after Reform UK election gains'.

🤝 There are 23 different paid jobs available in the city now and a range of voluntary positions in the weekly Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network round-up. - Links to apply to each role are here and you can follow the charity on Instagram here.

🍸 The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has extended the opening hours of its newly revamped Garden View Deck and Bar for the summer. It's at the the John Hope Gateway. - Liam Eunson, Midlothian View.

🍽️ The new Unity Doner vegan kebab pop-up at Considerit in Sciennes is among Ailidh Forlan's round-up of 14 new foody spots around the city on @plateexpectations.

⚽️ Local singer Colin Chisholm is preparing for the 'performance of his life' tomorrow night ahead of table-topping Hearts' second-last game of the year, their Tynecastle season send-off. - Anthony Brown in the Evening News.

🐸 Montgomery Street Park now has a tiny pond. Friends of Montgomery Street Park are looking for more volunteers to help encourage more wildlife. - The local volunteers shared this update.

🏉 Portobello beach will host the first ever Civerinos Beach Rugby Festival five-a-side tournament on Sunday. - More details on Instagram.

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📲 TownSpot Update - 'Multi-area view now available! Force close your app twice to get the update. Two great volunteers are refining the maps. Newsletters should start next Tuesday after some more adjustments this week. Please keep the feedback coming → mike@townspot.co' - More details here, shared by Mike Gyi, TownSpot.

📖 Storytellers Wanted - 'Story Sessions are looking for a few more storytellers! This month’s theme is Endurance; the messy, funny, tender ways we keep going. Got a story that stuck with you? We’d love to hear yours. No experience needed, just a willingness to share. (Deadline: 15 May)' - More details here, shared by Ellie Clinch, Soapbox. (More details on Instagram here)

🎨 Board Directors — Finance, Governance & Community for Abandoned Artists CIC - 'We are recruiting three volunteer board directors to join Abandoned Artists CIC at a key stage of growth (Edinburgh / Remote) Full description of the opportunity is available via link below. (Deadline: 14 Jun)' - More details here, shared by Abandoned Artists.

💼 Space @ The Broomhouse Hub Hiring TWO positions - '👥 YOUTH BEFRIENDING PROJECT WORKER (Closes: 25 May) 🩷 HEAD OF COMMUNITY & CONNECTIONS (Closes: 8 June) (Deadline: 15 May)' - More details here, shared by Space @ The Broomhouse Hub.

💬 LifeCare Talks - 'Do you have a story, skill or experience to share? LifeCare is looking for volunteers for 'LifeCare Talks' held in our hub on the second Friday of each month. Full support provided. Contact sarahduckmanton@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk' - More details here, shared by LifeCare Edinburgh.

🏆 Edinburgh's Stockbridge Clinic Sweeps the Board at National Aesthetic Awards – Again. - 'The Stockbridge Clinic has won Aesthetic Clinic of the Year – Scotland & Northern Ireland at the Aesthetic Medicine Awards 2026 & earned Highly Commended in the national category, just over a year after opening.' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

📚 Looking for a local book club? Join Plot Twist! - 'Want to share great reads and bookish chats with a group of fun, friendly, like-minded people? Plot Twist Book Club provides a new novel every month, a social night, access to a vibrant online community, and loads of freebies and giveaways.' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

🚮 Edinburgh Trash Club hits up Leith Links
Today, Tue 12 May - 'The run club with no running! And no need to bring anything: let's blitz a nasty patch of litter near the Foot of the Walk tram stop - then we'll spend the rest of the hour picking up at Leith Links. And for those who can, back to the pub after!'
7pm to 8pm | The False Widow, EH6 7AD | FREE - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Trash Club.

🧖‍♀️ LÖYLY [Daily]
Today, Tue 12 May - 'Inspired by Finnish sauna culture, LÖYLY is a solo exhibition by Edinburgh artist Lezanne Scott. On now at Whitespace Gallery. Free entry. Open daily 9-13 May, 10:00-18:00, closing 14:00 on 14 May.'
10am to 6pm | Whitespace, EH8 9HQ | FREE - More details here, shared by Lezanne Scott.

🎨 Tarry a While Art Exhibition [Weekly]
Today, Tue 12 May - 'Four artists inviting you to Tarry a While in Dr Neil's Garden's Thomson's Tower and view their original artwork while enjoying the beautiful gardens and loch. Meet the Artists Saturday 16th May 3pm - 5pm'
10am to 5pm | Dr Neil's Garden, EH15 3PX | FREE - More details here, shared by Janette Sumner.

🧾 The Book That Taught the World to Orgasm and then Disappeared: Rosa Campbell on Shere Hite
Tomorrow, Wed 13 May - 'Shere Hite - the feminist hero whose work revolutionized how we think about sex, marriage, and the female orgasm. Lighthouse welcomes Rosa Campbell, feminist historian, for a deep dive into Hite's work, followed by a social in collab with Engender.'
7pm to 8.30pm | Lighthouse - Edinburgh's Radical Bookshop, EH8 9DB | £4, free seats avail - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

🏞️ Wicked wild wastes or sunlit uplands? Glencoe and Rannoch Moor in the 17th & 18th centuries.
Tomorrow, Wed 13 May - 'Many of Scotland's upland landscapes are perceived as empty 'wildernesses'. This presentation by Dr Eddie Stewart (Archaeology Scotland) will explore how archaeology can offer alternative narratives towards our upland landscapes.'
7pm to 9pm | Paterson's Land, EH8 8AQ | £3 donation - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Archaeological Field Society.

🏴‍☠️ Great Scots: People who Changed the World - A talk at the Southside Heritage Group
Thu 14 May - 'Bob McCulloch will give a talk to the Southside Heritage Group entitled - Great Scots: People who Changed the World. Attendance is open to everyone.'
10.30am to 12pm | Nelson Hall Community Centre, EH8 9QZ | By donation - More details here, shared by Elaine, Southside Heritage Group.

🎶 Haseeb Iqbal travels to Edinburgh to join Mark Quinn for a jam-packed week of events
Thu 14 May - 'Haseeb Iqbal, a DJ, broadcaster and storyteller based in London, joins Mark Quinn from Greenhouse Records to host a screening of his debut documentary, a one-off vinyl listening session and sound system party.'
8.30pm to 10pm | Cameo Picturehouse, EH3 9LZ - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

🦷 Invisalign Open Day at Chapter One Dental Clinic: Unlock your smiles potential
Thu 14 May - 'Your exclusive invite to a Free Consultation for Invisalign to include a free 3d Trios mouth scan, Free Clincheck for visualisation of the outcome, Free Whitening alongside treatment and Free follow up consultation to discuss your options.'
8.30am to 7.30pm | Chapter One Dental, EH10 4DQ | FREE - More details here, shared by Ashley Chisholm, Chapter One Dental Clinic.

☕ Edinburgh u3a FREE Open Coffee Morning
Sat 16 May - 'All are welcome to share a coffee, chat, and find out about joining us for just £10 a year. We have over 300 member-led groups covering everything from Album Club to Yoga.'
10am to 12pm | St Anne's Church, EH12 6JR | FREE - More details here, shared by Vikki Kirby, Edinburgh u3a.

🏠 Buy-To-Let Explained: Investing in Property with Confidence
Sat 16 May - 'ESPC is hosting a free Buy-to-let event that explains how to buy an investment property in the current market. We'll cover mortgage options, landlord legislation, rental yields and the realities of being a landlord.'
11am to 1pm | ESPC, EH2 2PA | FREE - More details here, shared by ESPC.

🌿 Seeing the now
Sat 16 May - 'Take time for yourself in the beautiful surroundings of Bridgend Farmhouse - a wee hidden gem in EH16. You don't need photography experience to join in - Ines , the tutor will be your guide to a relaxing, mindful, creative and restorative session.'
11am to 1pm | Bridgend Farmhouse Cafe, EH16 4TE - More details here, shared by Bridgend Farmhouse.

📸 Mindful Photography Workshop
Sat 16 May - 'Step away from the noise and into a slower rhythm ! Join the workshop to slow down, take notice and connect to the present moment. Mindful Photography is a gentle, meditative practice, which offers a chance to rediscover the simple joy of noticing.'
11am to 1pm | Bridgend Inspiring Growth, EH16 4TE | £16.96/£11.50/£9.00 - More details here, shared by Seeing The Now.

⚓ Newhaven Maritime Festival 2026
Sat 16 May - 'Step into the past and explore the people, traditions, and heritage that shaped Newhaven through music, storytelling, art, memories, and hands-on activities for all ages.'
12pm to 3pm | The Heart of Newhaven Community, EH6 4HY | FREE - More details here, shared by Roger, Heart of Newhaven Community.

🔧 Repair cafe Edinburgh
Sat 16 May - 'Got something that's broken? Want to try fixing it yourself but not sure how? Repair Cafes are free community events where you can bring your item and our volunteer fixers will help to guide you through your repair. Come along this Saturday!'
1pm to 4pm | The Out of the Blue Drill Hall, EH6 8RG | FREE - More details here, shared by Repair Cafe Edinburgh.

📚 Edinburgh Silent Book Club
Sat 16 May - 'Join other readers for an hour's quiet reading in a cosy cafe, with optional chats before and after. As well as the Saturday event, we have a few Tuesday evening events coming up. All welcome! Bring your own book.'
2pm to 4pm | Central Edinburgh (sign up for a free ticket to see exact location) | FREE - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Silent Book Club.

🚴‍♀️ BANZAI Bikes - Community Bike Library Spring Open Day on Bruntsfield Links - 16th May, 2-5pm
Sat 16 May - 'Come to the Links & try our free-to-borrow electric cargo bikes - the fun way to get around town with kids, dogs, shopping and more! If you've never tried a cargo bike we'll show you the ropes. We'll have tea, cake and kids' activities - all welcome!'
2pm to 5pm | BANZAI Bikes Hub Shed | FREE - More details here, shared by Carol, BANZAI Bikes.

💌 Letter-Writing Workshop
Sat 16 May - 'Join local writer Elizabeth Gaglio for a relaxing afternoon of writing letters. This workshop will give you the time and inspiration to write that letter you've been meaning to send. Materials provided. Come solo or bring a friend!'
1pm to 2pm | The Resident Edinburgh, EH3 7UG | FREE - More details here, shared by Elizabeth Gaglio.

🌿 I tried this outdoor session in Edinburgh - and it was awesome!
Sat 16 May - 'These nature school sessions are so fun! I joined the Leith session and ended up laughing so much, learning about nettles, and making cordage to take home. They also have sessions at Bridgend Farmhouse - I'd really recommend it.'
1pm to 3pm | Leith Community Croft, EH6 7EL | 15 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

🎨 Express and De-stress
Sat 16 May - 'Join us for a creative journey, exploring your emotions through artmaking and learning CBT informed worry-management tools! Only a few tickets left for this event, but follow us to find out about our follow-up event this summer.'
3pm to 6pm | Creative Arts Therapies Space CIC, EH7 5PL | £10-£14 plus booking - More details here, shared by Sarah-art-psychotherapy.

**@thecreativeartstherapiesspace on Instagram**.

🌬️ 'Waiting To Exhale'
Sat 16 May - 'Opening Night! An exhibition showcasing the diverse artwork of 80 artists responding to the title theme: artwork which invokes or reflects a momentary calm, allowing us a pause for breath as we negotiate these turbulent and uncertain times.'
5pm to 8pm | The House of Smalls, EH3 5BB | FREE - More details here, shared by Amy Oliver, The House of Smalls.

🎭 1974 film of John McGrath / 7:84 Theatre Company play 'The Cheviot the Stag and the Black Black Oil
Sat 16 May - 'John Byrne's play The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black Black Oil' performed by 7:84 Theatre Company toured Scotland in the 70s & 80s and remains relevant today. With an intro to Salvo and music from Robellya Livingstone-McKay & Stuart McHardy.'
7pm to 10pm | Ravelston House, EH21 6BH | £10 donation - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

♻️ Litterpick @ Hidden Door
Sun 17 May - 'Come along to the Hidden Door community litterpick event this Sunday 17 May! Our fab site is coming together for the festival 3-7 June, be part of the action and get a sneak peek of what's in store...'
11am to 1pm | Hidden Door, EH12 8NP | FREE - More details here, shared by Natalie Arnold, Hidden Door.

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