The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Tuesday 18 August 2026
Porty MP says locals 'are literally swimming in shit', major new '7/7/7' bus lane trial for London Road, data centre campaigners celebrate 'common sense' + Greenside Church up for sale at £1m
🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. I accidentally sent the Festival Minute to everyone yesterday, instead of paying subscribers only. So apologies if that wasn't expected. A freebie! As I'm a human, mistakes happen, especially this . Here’s Tuesday's Edinburgh Minute.
🌦️ Cloudy with sunny intervals today. More on/off light rain is forecast this afternoon between 1pm and 7pm. - Get the full Met Office forecast here.
🌊 "My constituents are literally swimming in shit" - Chris Murray MP says he has personally found evidence of sewage spills at Portobello beach. - Heather Carrick, Evening News.
Heather Carrick
Scottish Water bosses should NOT get insane bonuses when my constituents have to tolerate sewage pumped into Portobello beach.
— Chris Murray MP (@ChrisMurrayMP) August 13, 2026
We’re picking up sanitary towels on the beach and they’re getting £1/4m bonuses? What a scandal!
Am writing to ScotGov ministers to demand action https://t.co/It74Nr4lh9
🚎 The council will trial new '7/7/7' bus lane times on a route from the Leith Walk end of London Road to East Milton Road. The trial is due to run for six months starting in October. The bus lane with apply from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. It is currently active 7.30am to 9.30am and 4pm to 6.30pm Monday to Friday. The route is used by bus services including the 4, 5, 15, 26, 44, 45, 106, 113, 124, X4, X5 and X7. - More details here from the council, including consultation details. The council says:
"As Edinburgh's population continues to grow, demand for bus services is expected to increase further. Since many of the city's bus lanes were first introduced in 1997, the population has grown by around 20%. Lothian Buses has identified Service 44 as one of the services most affected by delays and reliability issues outside the current bus lane operating hours. Delays are often seen when bus lanes are not operating because vehicles are parked or loading in the lanes. While walking and cycling are great options for some, they aren't for everyone, and the bus is more suitable, easier and quicker for many people."
The City of Edinburgh Council
🪫 Plans for new data centres in Edinburgh will be decided on by Scottish Government ministers, after public finance minister Hannah Mary Goodlad intervened on a series of controversial plans. The move means unelected planning officials won't make any decisions on data centres. Goodlad said: "Voices of communities that will be affected will be central to any considerations". - Scottish Government press release.
- "Common sense has, at last, prevailed," said Kat Jones of the Alliance for the Protection of Rural Scotland charity. "It shouldn’t have really needed a ten-month campaign for this to happen. Today we are celebrating that the process of getting a sensible approach to this situation is beginning."
- Sarah Matthews and Gordon Fraser of the West Edinburgh Community Campaign Against AI Data Centres campaign, said: "A 200MW AI data centre is not simply another warehouse. It requires massive quantities of electricity, massive water for cooling and supporting infrastructure, large-scale diesel backup generation and permanently occupies 30.5 hectares of greenbelt and prime food producing land. The requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment means that these issues must now be examined properly, transparently and on the basis of evidence."
- Meanwhile Police Scotland warned it may need 'robust security measures' to prevent protesters from attacking AI data centres. - Aisha Down, The Guardian.
Aisha Down
⛪️ Greenside Church on Royal Terrace has been put up for sale. The A-listed building's owner, Church of Scotland, is seeking offers over £1,075,000. A CoS spokesman sent this statement to the Minute: "Reducing the number of buildings we own has been one part of a range of radical reforms being undertaken by the Church in recent years aimed at ensuring we are lean and fit for mission in the 21st century and have well-equipped spaces in the right places." - The listing is here and a brochure with more details is in PDF format here.
- On possible future uses, the listing says the church and detached cottage 'could be used, without the necessity of obtaining change of use consent, as a crèche, day nursery, day centre, educational establishment, museum, art gallery or public library. It also has potential for a variety of other uses, such as a theatre, cinema or entertainment venue, retail space or community resource subject to obtaining appropriate consents. Conversion to residential accommodation would also be possible, again subject to the usual consents.'
- The Greenside Parish Church website says a chapel was first established on its site in 1456. The current building opened for worship in 1839, according to the Scottish Churches Trust. Poet Robert Louis Stevenson was among the congregation.
🚔 Six people appeared in court yesterday charged with abduction, assault and firearms offences after a 22-year-old man was allegedly kidnapped in Edinburgh. All six have been remanded in custody having made no plea and will appear in court again at a later date. - BBC Scotland News.
Brian Ferguson
🎭 Having shown up for last week's council culture meeting only to be turned away, Fringe Society chief executive Tony Lankester has hit out at a 'loophole being used to shut down discussion' over festival funding. Council culture leader Margaret Graham said at last week's meeting: "We have not really had enough time to try to work out the implications and find a consensus". - Brian Ferguson has more details in The Herald.
- Writing in The Scotsman this morning, Mr Lankester says: "Ask any capital in the world what it would contribute to an event issuing 2.6 million tickets. The answer would not be £78,750.” - Jane Bradley has the analysis in The Scotsman.
Jane Bradley
⮑ It's possible that a dedicated meeting of the council’s Culture and Communities Committee could called for 28 August, reports Ross Chalmers in The Edinburgh Reporter this morning.
🗳️ It's a busy agenda for tomorrow's council planning meeting. Among the plans seeking approval: a new school and 275 new homes in Granton, George Heriots School's new sports facilities at Goldenacre and a new aparthotel on Forth Street. - The agenda and webcast links are here. The meeting is due to start at 10am tomorrow at the City Chambers.
👗 The British Fashion Council is planning a 'Fashion Britain' event at the St James Quarter in September. - Retail Gazette.
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🍷 Leith's first French wine bar officially opens - 'Jonathan Heredia and Isla Mosquera have officially opened the doors to Chez Bernard, a new neighbourhood French wine bar in Leith.' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
Joe Lutrario
🎨 Calling all Illustrators - 'Calling all illustrators! 🎨 Have your work displayed in the windows of Portobello Town Hall from September–December, right in the heart of the High Street. Interested? Email hello@supportthemakersuk.com to find out more. (Deadline: 23 Aug)' - More details here, shared by Carmen Chalmers, Support The Makers.
🏆 Nominations for north Edinburgh Community Awards now open! - 'The North Edinburgh Community Awards are back! On 30 September 2026 Harbour is celebrating tenants and community members across north Edinburgh.Do you know someone who deserves a big thank you? Nominations close on Sunday 30 August 2026. (Deadline: 30 Aug)' - More details here, shared by Lauren Gilmour, Harbour.
🐉 Women with Breast Cancer Needed! - 'Edinburgh Uni are investigating benefits of dragon boating in women with breast cancer. We need women with breast cancer who do NOT participate in dragon boating to do some simple tests (to compare with women with breast cancer who do dragon boating) (Deadline: 01 Sep)' - Shared by Dr Marie Mclaughlin, University of Edinburgh.
🥩 Gringo Supperclub's Argentine Asado Weekend - 'Join us this weekend in our garden for Argentine Asado. An afternoon of socialising and exploring the different traditional cuts of meat cooked over a wood fire.Its BYOB so don't forget to bring the Malbec!' - More details here, shared by Kevin, Gringo Supperclub.
🎏 Make Your Own Edinburgh Postcard - Scotland Meets Japan [Until Sat]
Today, Tue 18 August - 'Scotland meets Japan at the Edinburgh Fringe! Watch a live Japanese calligraphy performance, then create your own postcard inspired by Highland cows, Nessie and more, followed by a Hong Kong meal. Beginners and families welcome.'
4pm to 6pm | Made in Hong Kong · Southside | £39 - More details here, shared by Wayfarer Shodo Edinburgh.
💍 Silver stacking ring workshop
Fri 21 August - 'A fun, beginner-friendly 2-hour jewellery workshop where you'll learn the basics of silversmithing and make two beautiful sterling silver stacking rings from scratch. Enjoy a relaxed session, good cake and leave with rings you made yourself. ✨'
6pm to 8pm | The Gift Tree Corstorphine · Corstorphine | £75 - More details here, shared by Clare Steen, Silverbean Jewellery.
🎶 Discotia presents: Hobbes | Sneaky Pete's
Fri 21 August - 'Discotia residents are joined by DJ, producer, label owner and promoter, the inimitable Hobbes! Expect six hours of genre-warping goodness to keep your head bopping and feet moving. This event is in aid of Maggie's Cancer Care.'
11pm to 5am | Sneaky Pete's · Old Town | £10 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎨 Open Studios at Beaverhall Art Studios [Until Sun]
Sat 22 August - 'An opportunity to see behind the doors of the working studios of four local artists and makers. There will be jewellery, fine enamel work, paintings, prints, textiles and upholstery to see and buy.'
10am to 5pm | Beaverhall Art Studios · Canonmills & Broughton | FREE - More details here, shared by Beaverhall Art Studios.
💃 Musical Dance with Jo Richard [Every Saturday]
Sat 22 August - 'Groove Back returns 22 Aug 2026- online live + in-person at Blazin (Sat 11am, open level). Bookings are open, and cover teachers will join for the start of the Autumn term. New style every two weeks, lots of fun, and a welcoming space for all levels.'
11am to 12pm | St Margaret's House · Abbeyhill & Meadowbank | £11/ £9.50 - More details here, shared by Pirita Tuisku, Groove Back!.
🎉 Fake Fringe 2026 - free live performance on Leith Walk
Sat 22 August - 'It's back FF Sat 22nd Aug 12-7 free live performance event. Music, poetry, dancing. All welcome, drop in - please share. Standing room only. Please dinnae dance on the cycle path and take your rubbish away with you. Free but donations welcome.'
12pm to 7pm | Leith Walk Police Box pop ups · Canonmills & Broughton | FREE - More details here, shared by Monty, Leith walk polisbox pop ups.
🎶 Vivaldi Gloria and Other Italian Splendours
Sat 22 August - 'Edinburgh New Town Church Choir, New Town Sinfonia and soloists under the baton of Ian Munro perform Vivaldi's Gloria and other Italian gems'
12.30pm to 1.30pm | Edinburgh New Town Church · New Town | £12 - More details here, shared by Edinburgh New Town Church.
🚶➡️ Walking the Linen Way, Bonnington and surrounds
Sat 22 August - 'A community walk around the Bonnington area of Edinburgh - local history, nature and art. Meeting at Bonnington Toll on the Rosebank corner ///hoping.wells.admiral opposite The Bonnington. Mostly pavement walking and good chat.'
2pm to 4pm | Bonnington Toll · Leith | Free / Donation - More details here, shared by Tamsin Grainger.
🛠️ Short film screenings: 'Can Everything Be Mended?'
Sun 23 August - 'Alongside this month's Repair Café, we'll be screening 'Can Everything Be Mended?' - a poetic short film exploring whether everything can (or should) be mended, and how repair is an act of resistance. Showing at 13:15, 14:00, 14:45 & 15:30. Join us!'
1pm to 4pm | Edinburgh Tool Library - Leith Workshop · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Daisy Crooke, Edinburgh Tool Library.
🧘♀️ Seasonal Yoga Class [Every Sunday]
Sun 23 August - 'We will start with 30 minutes of vinyasa flow then settle into 30 minutes of yin. We will work with the changing energy of the seasons and weave in wisdom from Traditional Chinese Medicine. To seal our practice we will finish with deep relaxation.'
7pm to 8.30pm | Gathering Essence · Canonmills & Broughton | £15, £20 intro offer - More details here, shared by Sarah Rose Yoga.
📚 Luke Healy discusses his latest graphic novel
Mon 24 August - 'Join comedian, cartoonist and screenwriter Luke Healy (author-illustrator of The Con Artists) in the bookshop for a conversation about Dogs on Dates with comics artist Steven Ingram. Come along and hear all about the charming tale of Bernie and Brad!'
7pm to 8pm | The Portobello Bookshop · Portobello - More details here, shared by The Portobello Bookshop.
🏃♂️ Sundowner 5K @ Fettes College
Wed 26 August - 'Ever wondered what it's like to run around Hogwarts? Well, now you have the chance! Join us for an evening's 5K run and social, hosted by Westwoods Health Club as part of this year's Summer Sundowner 5K Series.'
6.30pm to 7.30pm | Fettes College · Inverleith | £12 - More details here, shared by Blast Running.
🎨 Joyce W. Cairns and the Academy
Thu 27 August - 'Join the Royal Scottish Academy for an evening with Joyce W. Cairns PPRSA to celebrate her exhibition, A Personal Odyssey. Drawing on personal memories and professional milestones, Joyce will discuss the experiences that shaped her career.'
6pm to 7.30pm | The Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture · New Town | £12 / £10 Concession - More details here, shared by Royal Scottish Academy.
🧺 510 Laundry Pop up Shop [Until Sun]
Fri 28 August - '510 Laundry pop up shop! Workshops and afternoon tea, exclusive new products and special displays of our vintage and reworked homewares, clothing and accessories. A wonderful chance to step into the world of 510 Laundry!'
10am to 6pm | Shop With No Name · Canonmills & Broughton - More details here, shared by 510 Laundry, who are on Instagram here.
🩹 Pain Concern's Drop In Sessions at Portobello Library [Monthly]
Tue 01 September - 'A drop in session offering 1-1 help and support to manage pain, taking place at Portobello Library on the first Tuesday of the month at 11am-1pm. You can also contact our Helpline for help by phone 0300 123 0789 or email help@painconcern.org.uk'
11am to 1pm | Portobello Library · Portobello | FREE - More details here, shared by Pain Concern.
🚴♂️ Introduction to Bikepacking Course - Alpkit x with Ana Norrie-Toch [Until 29 Sept]
Tue 01 September - 'Whether you're bikepacking-curious, held back by questions, unsure about kit choices and looking for a supportive space? This is for you! After two successful rounds, Ana is back at Alpkit Edinburgh with her Introduction to Bikepacking!'
6pm to 7.30pm | Alpkit Edinburgh · Southside | £42.96 - More details here, shared by Ana Norrie-Toch, Alpkit x Adventures with Ana.
👩🍳 Professional Cookery Courses Open Evening
Wed 02 September - 'Perfect for those considering a career in the culinary industry, this Open Evening explores the professional courses at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy including the new part-time Evening Course. Ask questions, meet the teachers and tour the Academy.'
6pm to 8pm | Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy · New Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy.
🍹 "First Fridays: Reformer Pilates & Barre then drinks and nibbles with the Luma Community [Monthly]
Fri 04 September - 'Reformer Pilates with Lucia or Barre with Serena, both open to all levels. After class, stay for drinks and nibbles with the Luma community. Come solo, bring a friend, or finally step through the doors. Everyone is welcome.'
4pm to 7pm | Luma Pilates · New Town - More details here, shared by Max Howarth, Luma Pilates.
🎶 One City Concert: Scotland
Tue 15 September - 'Capella Edina and the One City Trust invite you to a special free-to-attend concert that explores the many musical faces of Scotland. Let's come together and experience great orchestral music united as one city.'
7.30pm to 9.30pm | The Usher Hall · Tollcross | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
📌 Remember you can always see all 200+ upcoming local events on TownSpot calendars and maps, and you can share your local news or events here.
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 👀 Calton Road: litter droppers and fly-tippers' 'wall of shame'.
- 🚔 Six people arrested in over 'abduction'.
- 🎭 Palestinian performers 'shocked' by racist graffiti.
- 🗑️ 'Market Street Midden' once again overflowing outside Waverley.
- 🏫 New Liberton High School opens doors to pupils.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 977.
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