The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Tuesday 17 March 2026

🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. It's a busy newsletter today. But I've kept it as brief as possible, with the links there for you to go and read more. The Leith Custom House story is at the top of the Community Noticeboard section. Here’s Tuesday's Edinburgh Minute.

🏟️ Edinburgh Rugby Club has paid tribute to a fan who died during a medical emergency in the crowd at Hive Stadium next to Murrayfield during Friday's match against Ulster. - BBC Scotland News.

🚧 A vote on traffic calming measures in the Braid Estate will have to be re-run after two Morningside councillors were found to have broken rules. - Ian Swanson, Evening News.

💉 A three-month public consultation on a drug consumption room in Edinburgh will begin on 1 April, reports Ian Swanson in the Scotsman & Evening News.

🗑️ Having installed 1,400 bin hubs for 50,000 households across Edinburgh, councillors will today consider 62 public objections to the scheme. - You can read the report in full here [a seven page PDF] and if you're really keen you can tune in to the City Chambers meeting webcast from 10am here.

• ⮑ In January it emerged that fewer than one in ten review requests resulted in any change or relocation, reported Ian Swanson of the Evening News.
• This week there's also the monthly Full Council meeting on Thursday. I'll have a preview in tomorrow's newsletter but you can see the agenda items here.

🎓 Some staff at Heriot-Watt University are due to go on strike today and tomorrow over compulsory redundancies. - Jamie Calder, The National.

🛬 Hundreds of passengers flying from Edinburgh to Dubai spent 11 hours on a 'flight to nowhere' after their plane was turned back while over Egypt due to a drone attack. - Catherine Lyst, BBC Scotland News.

⚽ A 1,000 seater World Cup Fanzone is planned for the Gyle Shopping Centre this summer. Scotland's three games will be shown on a large screen in the carpark outside. Details and ticket info are here. Thanks to the organisers for sending this in. They're on Instagram. - More details in the North Edinburgh News.

• The screening events are subject to the council granting alcohol licenses. I'll report in the newsletter when those are up.

Edinburgh Fanzone - Browse events on Citizen Ticket

Citizen Ticket

• ⮑ Meanwhile Hearts fans will share a minute's applause at Tynecastle on Saturday to pay tribute to fan Graeme Taylor who died suddenly last month, aged 33. - Rhoda Morrison, Evening News.

🏛️ A building on Bristo Place next to the National Museum of Scotland could become home to the the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, Scotland's oldest heritage charity, if they can raise £1.5m. - Jody Harrison, The Herald.

🎭 Producers of 'One Day: The Musical' at the Lyceum Theatre have been accused of engineering a 'London-centric' reviewing policy by 15 Scotland-based theatre critics. - Chris Wiegand, The Guardian.

🎨 After 13 years the annual Out of Sight Out of Mind art exhibition had its funding cut back in August [Minute edition 719]. Now organisers, CAPS Independent Advocacy, have launched a £10,000 fundraising bid to get their Summerhall exhibition back on the calendar for October. The show aims to help hundreds of people with experience of mental health issues to share their voices through art. - More details from CAPS here.

🧑‍🔬 Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have found a way to turn plastic bottles into drug to treat Parkinson’s disease. - More details from the university here.

Waste plastic turned into Parkinson’s drug | News | The University of Edinburgh

A drug to treat Parkinson’s disease can be made from waste plastic bottles using a pioneering method, a study shows.

The University of Edinburgh

📚 The library at Saughton prison is among the libraries of the year. - The council published details.

📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard

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🏛️ Momentum for Museum: Major local funder supports plans for Leith Custom House - 'The Sir Tom Farmer Foundation has donated a substantial amount to help transform Leith Custom House into a museum for Leith, by Leith. Sir Tom, a proud Leither, championed the project for nearly two decades. Visit customhouse.org.uk to learn more.' - More details here, shared by the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust.

📍 Map of Free Things to Do in Edinburgh (and Beyond!) - 'I have curated a map of free things do in and around Edinburgh, including museums, galleries, places to enjoy nature, live performance venues, community spaces, and wee gems that aren't touristy. Information and links are provided for each place.' - Thanks to Alba McGowan, for sharing this.

Free Things to do in Edinburgh (And Outwith) - Google My Maps

**Disclaimer below, reccomended to read** Thank you for having a look at my map of free things! Hope it helps you find something interesting to do. Links to where you can keep up with upcoming events are at the bottom of this description. First, general disclaimer: please check details of opening hours and such before travelling. I do not take responsibility for anything that occurs when visiting these places, I am merely flagging that these things exist. Do your own research before heading out. Second, no AI was involved in the selection of places, this is entirely human research! I am also making my way through writing a brief description and including a link for further info for all the places. I’m also looking to add any links for families. And third, I wanted to give a brief guide as to what the categories of places I have included are: Galleries: Places where you can go see art. This varies from large publically funded buildings that you could spend hours in, like the National Galleries, to small private spaces that may have one or two exhibitions. Have a look into them before you decide to go. Additionally, many places that proport to be galleries are just high end art shops. I have tried to use the litmus test of ‘can you go in and not be expected to buy anything’ in my approach. I have put a few of these gallery-shop type places in, but I’ve deliberatly opted to consider those outwith the city centre to promote a geographic spread. Museums: Places where you can learn things. These also vary in size, and some may be a few exhibition rooms within a larger centre, like the ones run by West Lothian Council. It is again your discretion as to what is worth your time. Do your research, and especially check times as more niche museums often offer very limited times. Tours: Places you can only look around with a tour. These all require booking beforehand. Green and Outdoor Spaces: Places outside that you can enjoy. I have prioritised larger parks and estates, but there are a few relatively smaller gardens within Edinburgh that I have highlighted. Live Performances: Places where you can watch a live set. I have only considered those that frequently allow free access, especially those that explictly mention it in their marketing. For a day-by-day list of gigs in Edinburgh, which also highlights which are free entry, visit The Gig Guide: http://www.gigguide.co.uk/Edinburgh%20Listings/edinburghmonday.htm Community Centres and Libraries: Places where you can do things with others. Libraries, as well as where you can borrow books, often provide spaces for community groups and activities for free, which is why these are put together. To not cause clutter, I have only put those within the City of Edinburgh council area. Wee Gems: Places that don’t fit into any of these categories, that are outside the city centre, and are not tourist attractions, that are worth the trek to go see. This is more my subjective reccomendations here. Finally, any things I missed, send them over to albamc35@gmail.com. **Keep Up With Events Happening** Edinburgh Minute, delivering local news and events to your inbox every weekday at 7am: https://www.edinburghminute.com/ What’s On Edinburgh: https://www.whatsoninedinburgh.co.uk/events/ Eventbrite always has such a range of things happening, and you can filter search to what is free: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--edinburgh/all-events/?page=1 Gayle’s Guide, a weekly preview of family friendly events happening: https://gaylesguide.substack.com/ Shop Local, a weekly preview of all arts related events happening: https://neilcooper.substack.com/s/shop-local My Queer Diary Edinburgh, a weekly preview of queer events happening: https://myqueerdiary.substack.com/ Doors Open Days in September, where many buildings are open to the public for a weekend you would not otherwise get to see inside: https://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/

Google My Maps

🧵 Free Beginner Sewing Class - 'Free adult beginner sewing class at Wester Hailes Library on Wednesday 18 March from 5-7:30pm!' - Thanks to Wester Hailes Library for sharing this.

🤖 Meet the Robots
Today, Tue 17 March - 'Step inside the world of human-robot interaction with live demos, hands-on activities, and the people shaping our robotic future. Join us for a special one-hour engagement session as part of the 21st edition of the ACM/IEEE International Conference.'
4.30pm to 6pm | Edinburgh International Conference Centre, EH3 8EE | FREE - More details here, shared by Shannen.

🧤 Time to clean up Dalmeny Street Park!
Today, Tue 17 March - 'Join us at 7pm at Dalmeny Street Park for an hour of trash-picking - we provide bags and pickers, but please do bring a headtorch / light and gloves if you have them. Pub after!'
7pm to 9pm | Dalmeny Street Park, EH6 8RQ | FREE - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Trash Club.

🎶 Gong Bath: The resonant power of Gongs with Daniel Killeen - 'Gong bath with guided meditation. Daniel uses the resonance of gongs and other percussion instruments leading you on a journey into a world of sound, imagination & emotions.' - Thanks to Daniel Killeen, Edinburgh Therapy Centre, for sharing this.

🌍 Advanced Higher Geography Questionnaires - 'We are a group of Advanced Higher Geography pupils from a secondary school in Edinburgh. We would be incredibly grateful if you could take the time to complete one or more of the surveys below for our coursework. All responses confidential. Thanks!' - Thanks to a the students for sharing these four surveys: 'Edinburgh Microclimate', 'Gullane beach survey', 'Urban Friendliness Survey' & 'Crime survey'.

🧘‍♀️ FREE Chair Yoga at Tidal Yoga [Weekly]
Thu 19 March - 'Curious about Chair Yoga? I'm offering two free sessions at Tidal Yoga to try it out. Chair Yoga uses the chair for support with seated and supported standing movements, helping to build mobility, strength and relaxation in a steady, accessible way.'
2.15pm to 3.15pm | Tidal Yoga Ltd, EH6 8NP | FREE - More details here, shared by Nick Tang (plus a video example here).

☕ South Sudan Coffee Cupping
Thu 19 March - 'One for the coffee community: have you ever tried coffee from South Sudan? With native Arabica and rare Excelsa growing there, it has huge potential. Join Omwani Coffee and Machina at Machina's cafe to cup the latest lots from Nzara and Yambio.'
6pm to 8pm | Machina Coffee - Marchmont Cafe, EH9 1HX | FREE - More details here, shared by Machina Coffee Roasters.

🎲 March Board Game Playtesting
Thu 19 March - 'Join us to playtest games from local designers: free to play, or bring your own game to test (£7 unless you're an Ancient Robot Workshop member).'
6pm to 8.30pm | suite 4, EH6 5DT | FREE - More details here, shared by Ancient Robot Workshop.

💃 Ceilidh in Newhaven
Fri 20 March - 'Love a ceilidh, or never been to one before? Either way you're welcome to join us this Friday night at Newhaven Community Centre. Soft drinks and sweet treats will be served.'
7.30pm to 9.30pm | The Heart of Newhaven Community, EH6 4HY | £3 Under 16s go free - More details here, shared by Rosalie Faithfull, Kings Church Edinburgh North.

🍲 Persian Cooking Masterclass
Sat 21 March - 'Solmaz Eradat brings her expertise in crafting delicious food with this Persian New Year themed class. You'll learn to make Persian Noodle Soup and Walnut & Rose water meringues. An absolute treat for the taste buds!'
10.30am to 2pm | Cyrenians Flavour and Haver Cook School, EH6 5HG | £60, Kids £30 - More details here, shared by Cyrenians.

🌍 Climate Cafe
Sat 21 March - 'Climate Cafe about Our Soil - We rely on soil for food and to store carbon. Join to explore together what makes good soil, how is it at risk from the effects of climate change, how can we protect it locally and globally. Cuppa and Cake! All welcome.'
2.30pm to 4pm | St Ninian's Scottish Episcopal Church, EH4 1AG | Free - More details here, shared by Libby Morton, St Ninian's Episcoapl Church.

🏳️‍🌈 Strange New Places, Harry Miles Watson & The Union, Skinny Imps
Sat 21 March - 'Queer as Punk's first gig of 2026, with live music from Strange New Places (on tour from Belfast & playing Edinburgh for the first time), plus local bands Harry Miles Watson & the Union, & Skinny Imps.'
7pm to 10pm | The Wee Red Bar, EH3 9DF | £12 otd, £10+bf adv - More details here, shared by Suky Goodfellow, Queer as Punk.

🥢 Miso & Shoyu Tasting with Slow Sauce at The Safari Lounge
Mon 23 March - 'Join fermentation educator Robin Sherriff for a tasting of miso and shoyu made with Scottish oats and carlin peas using traditional Japanese koji fermentation. Explore the flavours, stories, and strange, wonderful world of microbes and umami.'
7pm to 8.30pm | The Safari Lounge, EH7 5SN | 8 - More details here, shared by Robin Sherriff, Slow Sauce.

👥 24th March - Facial Palsy UK - Scotland Group event - 'Facial Palsy UK's Scotland Group is holding an event at St. John's Hospital in Livingston for individuals, and families of individuals, living with facial paralysis or Bell's Palsy.' - Thanks to Facial Palsy UK, for sharing this.

🌸 Edinburgh STYLE: Paper Flower Workshop
Tue 24 March - 'Celebrate Edinburgh STYLE with a creative evening of florals, fragrance and fizz at The Botanist and take part in an interactive paper flower workshop led by Jen O'Flaherty of Edinburgh Paper Flowers.'
5.30pm to 9pm | The Botanist Edinburgh, EH1 3AR | 30 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

Edinburgh STYLE: Paper Flower Workshop - St James Quarter

Celebrate Edinburgh STYLE with a paper flower making workshop at The Botanist with Jen O’Flaherty from Edinburgh Paper Flowers.

St James Quarter

🎶 A Night with Belgian Opera at the Royal Scots Club
Tue 24 March - '24 March: Live at the Royal Scots Club! Puccini, Verdi, Donizetti & Gounod performed by soprano Laura Telly Cambier, tenor Hadrien Baudot & pianist Meghan Rhoades (Scottish Opera).'
7pm to 8.15pm | The Royal Scots Club Edinburgh, EH3 6QE | 20 - More details here, shared by Belgian Opera and Operetta Organisation.

🏳️‍🌈 Queer Coworking in Edinburgh - A New Inclusive Work Space for the LGBTQ+ Community
Wed 25 March - 'Join us at Duncan Place, Leith for Queer Co-working in an inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community to get some work done! We are a welcoming group for all ages, with 20 work spaces available. Book your ticket to save your space.'
9.30am to 5pm | Duncan Place Community Hub, EH6 8HW - More details here, shared by Katie M, Queer Coworking Edinburgh.

🍵 The Tea Mind Gathering
Wed 25 March - 'If your mind feels full and you're craving a little space to hear yourself think, this is for you. A small, tea-led circle for reflection, real connection and clearer next steps. Feel calmer, clearer, and more like yourself.'
10am to 11.30am | eteaket leaf tea co - HQ & Tea Events, EH6 6BZ | 15 - More details here, shared by eteaket.

🛍️ Samples & Seconds Edit - Pop Up [Daily]
Fri 27 March - 'Join us at Shop With No Name for a curated pop-up celebrating local makers and independent brands. Discover samples, seconds and end-of-line gems at reduced prices. Come browse, discover something special, and shop sustainably 💛.'
11am to 5pm | Shop With No Name, EH1 3RX | FREE - More details here, shared by Carmen Chalmers, Support The Makers.

🗣️ EICC:Live - Say It Well
Fri 27 March - 'Join the David Hume Institute and EICC Live for an evening with former Obama speechwriter Terry Szuplat, who will share stories, behind‑the‑scenes insights and practical communication lessons from his bestselling book Say It Well.'
5pm to 6.30pm | Edinburgh International Conference Centre, EH3 8EE | FREE - More details here, shared by Rob Turnbull, Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

🗣️ Towpath talk March
Fri 27 March - 'March's talk is nearly here! Come listen to Peter Gostelo and Anna Ruddiman as they talk about thier adventures!'
7pm to 9.30pm | Gamma Transport Division, EH4 1EA | £12 - More details here, shared by Mackenzie.

Towpath Talks - 27th March 2026 — Gamma Transport Division

Date:&nbsp;27th&nbsp;March&nbsp;2026 Time:&nbsp;Doors&nbsp;open&nbsp;18:30 for 19:00&nbsp;talk Ticket price: £12 Join us for the&nbsp;final talk of this Towpath Talks&nbsp;series&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;March&nbsp;27th. We will&nbsp;hear from

Gamma Transport DivisionGamma Transport Division

🎭 What do young people really feel about AI in schools? (Research + Live Performance)
Tue 31 March - 'Do you work in AI, software development, or education technology? This short performance explores what young people really think about AI in schools. Produced by University of Edinburgh and Toonspeak Youth Theatre.'
2pm to 4pm | Edinburgh Futures Institute, EH3 9EF | FREE - More details here, shared by Digital Skills Education.

🎭 ️ Mystery Event : Mystery Unfolding...
Sun 26 April - 'The fourth (ME) community gathering-part performance, part connection, part celebration. You'll experience dance + poetry moments, gentle participation (if you want!), and a night that moves from "watching" into "being in it"... without revealing much.'
5.30pm to 9pm | The Voodoo Rooms, EH2 2AA | £18/ £13/PAYC - More details here, shared by Pirita Tuisku, Mystery Events.

📮 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:

1. 🎓 'Come on Edinburgh students, it’s time for us to actually start going to our lectures'.
2. 🍽️ Edinburgh eateries in The Guardian coverage on 'micro-restaurants'.
3. 🅿️ Debate over Hutchison parking permits plan.
4. 🪩 Headliners announced for Hidden Door festival.
5. 🎭 First review in for 'One Day: The Musical'.

⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 865.
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