The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Tuesday 17 February 2026
'Huge milestone': £4m for Leith Links revamp, more university staff strikes planned, hospital bus axed + Kathy saddles up for Doddie Aid
🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. Plenty happening today. Here’s today's Edinburgh Minute.
❄️ It's another chilly start. The ice warning has been extended to this morning. It's due to be sunny all day, but the temperature is forecast to stay below 0C until 10am and reach a high of 4C by 1pm. - The Met Office has more details.
🛹 Plans to transform the former bowling greens on Leith Links have been given a £4m boost. The Leith Links Activity Park project, which will include a new skatepark, has been overseen by locals as part of the Leith Links Working Group and the council’s Thriving Greenspaces Project. They said:
"This is a huge milestone for the Activity Hub project, which sits at the heart of the masterplan. Final designs were published in December, so the opportunity to benefit from Visitor Levy funding has come at exactly the right time. We don’t yet have detail on precisely what elements will be delivered through this funding or the delivery timeline, but we'll share updates as soon as more information becomes available. Five years on from the community putting forward ideas and choosing a future for the former bowling greens, this announcement brings that shared vision one step closer to reality."
💰 Spending plans agreed last week for the expected £90m of tourist tax income are 'just the beginning' according to council leader Jane Meagher. She said the new levy was needed due to tourism and the 'pressure it places on our services and on the people who live and work here all year round'. - More details in this council post.
- ⮑ There's more detail on last week's council decision to pause another planned revamp of George Street in this week's Edi.Bike newsletter.
🎓 Workers at Heriot-Watt University yesterday backed industrial action in a dispute about job cuts. The walkout dates have not been confirmed. - More details from the University and College Union.
- ⮑ Meanwhile Professor Nola Hewitt-Dundas has been announced as the next Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University. She will be the first woman to serve in the role when she starts on 1 September, taking over from Richard A. Williams. - More details from the uni here.
🚎 Some Midlothian residents say the removal of the number 46 Lothian Bus route will make it harder for them to get to Edinburgh’s Royal Infirmary. - Callum McCormack, Evening News.
⮑ The route closure was announced earlier this month, along with bus and tram ticket price rises also starting on Sunday. - Full details here.
🍣 Costa Coffee has applied to move in to the Princes Street shop unit vacated by Yo Sushi last month. - Chloe Goodall, Edinburgh Live.
👗 Topshop, which closed all its high street stores in 2021, will return to Edinburgh at the John Lewis shop this week. - Beth Templeton, The National.
🥧 The owners of the Pie Dolly shop on Morrison Street are changing its name to Jeannie's Bakery. - They explain why in this Instagram post.
🏴 Bowdens Kilt Hire on Easter Road has gone in to liquidation. - Brian Donnelly, The Herald.
🚴♀️ Kathy Weir, wife of Edinburgh rugby legend Doddie Weir is planning a 750-mile charity bike ride in his memory. It will be the first time since Doddie’s death that Kathy has taken on a challenge of this size. She said:
“After Doddie died, I probably wasn’t in a great place. I’d tell everyone I was fine, but I was exhausted, mentally and physically. It was emotional, and it was public. It’s taken time. Last year I joined for the final stage and that helped. Now I’m at a place where I’m happy to do anything I can to help raise the profile for Rob, the Foundation, and for the whole MND community.” - More details in the press release here + the fundraising page is here.
⚽️ Former Hearts captain Gary Mackay talks about his ongoing work tackling youth anti-social behaviour at Friday night free football activities at Tynecastle Park. - Jody Harrison, The Herald.
✏️ Tributes are being paid to architect Michael Duncan, who has died aged 86. Having studied at the Edinburgh College of Art, he worked on Victoria Quay for the Scottish Executive/Government in Leith and the United Distilleries HQ. - Alan Balfour, The Guardian.
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☕ Community coffee morning raises over £200 in February fundraiser - Our Coffee and Cake fundraiser on 11 Feb raised over £200- thank you to everyone who joined in. The Open Door Edinburgh offers day services, social clubs and a supportive café that helps reduce isolation for older and vulnerable adults! - Thanks to Simon Warr from The Open Door in Morningside for sharing this.
📌 “CAPS Independent Advocacy report launch: More than just a cuppa!
Community drop-ins are often dismissed as just being places ‘for a cuppa and a chat’. But a new report shows they help maintain people’s mental wellbeing. The launch will be a non-judgemental space which prioritises voices of lived experience and is open to everyone.” - Thanks to CAPS Independent Advocacy for sharing this.
🏳️🌈 LGBT Health and Wellbeing celebrates partnership with Edinburgh Street Historians - To celebrate LGBT History Month, LGBT Health and Wellbeing and Edinburgh Street Historians are celebrating our successful partnership. Donations from the LGBTQ walking tour help support vital services. - Thanks to Fraser Horn, Edinburgh Street Historians, for sharing this.
🚴 Tonight, 6pm to 7pm: Leith Neighbourhood Meetup - This is a chance to meet your neighbours and new people in Leith. This months speaker is Richard from Leith Cycle who will give you all the bike chat. Tips how to commute more efficiently, how to prep your bike for spring. - Thanks to Anna from Victoria Bar for sharing this.
🪭 Regency Quadrilles Dance Class [Fortnightly]
Today, Tue 17 February - There is still time to join our historical dance classes this term, where we teach Regency dances from the era of Jane Austen. Each week we learn one complete quadrille, so you don't need to have been to any previous classes to join in and have fun!
7pm to 9pm | French Institute of Scotland, EH1 1RN | £15 per class - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Quadrille Society.
🧘🏻♀️ Pilates classes at Tidal Yoga - At Tidal Yoga we offer some wonderful Pilates classes from Traditional Mat Pilates to Pilates Flow and MyoYin; a deep stretch working into the fascia. Come along to Tidal if you are recovering from injury or if you want to try Pilates or Yoga. - More details from Tidal Yoga here.
🤝 Referral for Older People’s Day Services - Assist day service staff at The Open Door Edinburgh by greeting users, supporting mobility, serving meals and refreshments, helping with clean-up, and providing safe, compassionate care for older people and their families - Thanks to Simon Warr from The Open Door for sharing this.
👥 New Town Hash House Harriers
Tomorrow, Wed 18 February - For more than 40 years The New Town Hash House Harriers has met every Wednesday at different pubs around Edinburgh for a 1 hour run/walk followed by socialising. Join us at Winston's Bar this week. All abilities welcome.
6.30pm to 7.30pm | Winstons, EH12 7HD | FREE - More details here.
🎲 Quiz in Victoria Bar [Weekly]
Tomorrow, Wed 18 February - Goose quizzes runs a weekly quiz night on Wednesday in Victoria bar. Booking essential
8pm to 11pm | Victoria Bar, EH6 8PD | FREE - More details here, shared by Victoria bar.
☕ Tea Ceilidhs [Weekly]
Thu 19 February - A live band will call Scots ceilidh dances and a few others. the venue has a cafe for tea, scones and cake. A friendly sociable crowd. Music by Stan Reeves and friends.
2pm to 3.45pm | Marchmont St. Giles’ Parish Church, EH9 2DW | £6 on the door - More details here, shared by Stan Reeves.
🎸 Fundraiser for Edinburgh's International Women's Day March
Thursday 19 February - Join us for a riotous night of bands and poetry to raise funds to run this year's International Women's Day March in Edinburgh, featuring Sheila at the Pound Shop, Fistymuffs, Cici, and poet Azra with Mega Raffle! Everyone is welcome.
7pm to 10pm | Leith Depot, EH6 5DT - More details here, shared by Victoria Plutshack, IWD Edinburgh.
🗣️ The Edinburgh Suburban and Southside Junction Railway (the 'South Sub')
Thursday 19 February - An illustrated talk on Edinburgh's 'South Sub' rail line - by railway author Kenneth G Williamson.
7pm to 8.30pm | The Quaker Meeting House, EH1 2JL | FREE - More details here, shared by Lawrence Marshall, Capital Rail Action Group.
🍕 Friday 20 February – Company Bakery February Pizza Party:
Join us for an evening of unlimited pizza, fresh salad, and dips in a relaxed 2-hour session for £20 per person, with two sittings available to suit your plans. On the night, you can also enjoy Luca’s ice cream and desserts, plus carefully selected wines and local beers. - Thanks to Company Bakery for sharing this.
🛍️ HelloArt Lunar New Year Market
Sat 21 February - Celebrate culture, creativity, and the spirit of the Lunar New Year with HelloArt at the Drill Hall this Saturday. Immerse yourself in Chinese culture, indulge in your favourite Chinese treats and dive into meaningful New Year activities.
12pm to 5pm | The Out of the Blue Drill Hall, EH6 8RG | FREE - More details here, shared by Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust.
🧩 Lunar New Year at St James Quarter
Sat 21 February - St James Quarter will officially mark the arrival of the Lunar New Year with a vibrant programme of celebrations, inviting visitors to enjoy traditional performances, family-friendly entertainment and exclusive giveaways in the heart of Edinburgh.
12pm to 2pm | St James Quarter, EH1 3AD | FREE - More details here.
🚴 Grow2Eat - free seeds & compost Sat 21st Feb at Leith walk policebox - Get growing this Spring with free seeds and compost. Sat 21st Feb 11-3 at Leith walk polisbox. Compost can be delivered to your home by cargo bike if you have accessibility issues. Plus a free but ticketed foraging walk. Supported by ECCAN. - Thanks to Monty from Leith walk polisbox pop ups for sharing this.
🚶♀ Local Place Plans webinar - from a pedestrian's point of view - Want wider pavements, better crossings or other improvements in your area? Local Place Plans are a way for community groups/individuals to ensure their ideas and suggestions are considered by the council. Join us on Zoom at 3pm, Monday 23 February. - Thanks to Living Streets Edinburgh for sharing this.
🧘 Rock On!
Sun 22 February - 'A community walk featuring rocks at the edge of Edinburgh for the Festival of Terminalia.'
2pm to 4pm | Wardie Bay, EH5 1ER | FREE - More details here, shared by Tamsin Grainger.
🎪 Youth Circus Classes (ages 5 - 11) [Weekly]
Mon 23 February - Spin, twirl and juggle with these fun and confidence building classes! Families can book a free trial using the code FREETRIAL
4pm to 6.30pm | Leith St Andrew's Church, EH6 8HT - More details here, shared by Think Circus SCIO.
🧒 Kids Club [Weekly]
Mon 23 February - Starts Monday 23 Feb! All Primary School children are welcome to come to Kids Club. Games, crafts, Bible stories - come and have fun and make new friends! Kids Club is free but please follow the link to register your child before the club begins.
6pm to 7pm | Buccleuch and Greyfriars Free Church of Scotland, EH8 9JP | FREE - More details here, shared by Sarah Lytle, Buccleuch Free Church.
🗣️ Currie and District Local History Society: "Bletchley Park"
Mon 23 February - 'Talk on Bletchley Park by Derek Douglas, highlighting its importance during the Second World War.'
7.30pm to 9pm | Currie and District Local History Society, EH14 5NY | £5 - More details here, shared by C&B News.
🌿 Tribe Talks [Monthly]
Thu 26 February - Our next Tribe Talks series covers the theme of Body & Mind. Tribe Talks brings together bright minds and engaging topics to spark inspiration, encourage meaningful conversations, and help our community learn, grow, and do better together.
6pm to 7pm | Tribe Porty, EH15 2AJ | FREE - More details here, shared by Alice Hudson, Tribe Porty CIC.
🧘🏻♀️ Silent Disco Yoga at Greyfriars Kirk
Thu 26 February - Join us for our Silent Disco Yoga experience set inside the stunning Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh. Expect a gentle, accessible yoga flow guided through wireless headphones, paired with chilled beats and immersive sound.
6.30pm to 7.30pm | Greyfriars Kirk, EH1 2QQ | £15 - More details here, shared by COYAMA.
📷 ️ Street Photo Social Exhibition [Daily]
Sat 28 February - Announcing the first Street Photo Social exhibition! A street photography exhibition celebrating Edinburgh through the eyes of Edinburgh's leading street photographers.
10am to 7pm | Whitespace, EH8 9HQ | FREE - More details here, shared by Olly.
🧵 Make and Upholster Your Own Mid-Century Stool
Sat 28 February - New to upholstery? In this friendly, hands-on class, you'll build and upholster your own mid-century style footstool using modern techniques and take it home the same day. Perfect for beginners.
10am to 5pm | Edinburgh Open Workshop, EH6 7BQ | £250 - More details here, shared by Selvedge Edge Upholstery.
🎨 Design & Make your own Notebook
Sun 01 March - Come and learn the art of notebook making! You will design your own artwork using our professional pens. We'll print it instantly, and then guide you through the satisfying process of building a hard cover and wire-binding it together.
10am to 12pm | Portobello Town Hall, EH15 1AF | £25 - More details here, shared by Jessica Carr, Blooming Creative.
🤝 Basketry Willow Bed Work Volunteer Sessions
Sun 15 March - Creating and managing basketry willow beds at Lauriston Farm Agroecology Co-op with Anna Liebmann. We will do the first full harvest of the the new 'perfect, model' willow bed, planted in 2024 through ecotex mulch mat.
11am to 1pm | Lauriston Farm | FREE - More details here, shared by Anna Liebmann, Anna Liebmann Basketweaver.
🎭 “Our Sunday Social Sessions at Edinburgh Acting School are now open.
Suitable for everyone, regardless of prior acting experience! Acting workshops, audition prep, networking, and much more... ✔️Drop In each week if you want to join ✔️Pay on the website, or pay on the door ✔️12.30pm - 2.30pm Sundays” - Thanks to Edinburgh Acting School for sharing this.
📮 Anything missing? Or an event to share? Nothing's too local! Please share your local news and events here.
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 🚨 Dispute over Granton travellers.
- 🤝 Look inside Edinburgh's masonic lodges.
- 🧙 'Is Harry Potter tourism ruining Edinburgh?'
- 📌 Bookings open for University of Edinburgh short courses.
- 🛝 Local half-term holiday activity ideas.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 842.
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