The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Tuesday 19 May 2026
Old Town business improvement district bid, new leaders for local political parties, Scotland’s Home of the Year winner + £5,000 Community Grants Fund opens
🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. It's a much shorter newsletter today. Here’s Tuesday's Edinburgh Minute.
💰 Yesterday's newsletter was so busy that I wonder whether this got a bit lost in the shuffle for some. So I'm sharing it again as it's been such a hot topic for months: Locals to vote on how £2m of tourist tax cash is spent.
🤝 A group of Old Town business leaders have launched a fresh campaign to establish a Business Improvement District (BID). - Exclusive by Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco in The Herald.
Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco
🚦 A car was driven in to traffic lights on a pedestrian island on the junction of North Charlotte Street and Albyn Place, reports Lee Dalgetty in Edinburgh Live.
🚖 Some taxi drivers in Edinburgh say fare dodging is costing them £40,000 every year. - Amie Flett, STV News.
🚔 Residents in a Fountainbridge building claim they are 'living in fear' due to drug dealing and crime. Police are investigating. - Lee Dalgetty, Edinburgh Live + Callum McCormack, Evening News.
🗳️ Former transport convener Lesley Macinnes and education spokesman Euan Hyslop are bidding for the SNP's local leadership. - Ian Swanson, Evening News.
- Meanwhile Alys Mumford and Ben Parker have been named as the local Scottish Greens' co-leaders in Edinburgh. - Phyllis Stephen, The Edinburgh Reporter.
📆 The council's Holiday Hub service has opened to applications from eligible families of children with disabilities and additional support needs. - More details here.
🏡 A mid-century bungalow conversion in Mortonhall has won the BBC Scotland 'Scotland’s Home Of The Year' TV show. Some coverage:
- 'Home of the Year winner says renovating house was 'like childbirth'' - BBC Scotland News.
- 'Inside the unassuming Edinburgh bungalow crowned Scotland’s Home of the Year 2026' - Cara Blackhall, Edinburgh Live.
- Watch it on iPlayer here.
BBC News
🌸 A tea blend produced by Edinburgh-based entrepreneur Dr Sally Gouldstone, founder of Seilich, has been named as the RHS Chelsea Sustainable Lifestyle Product of the Year 2026. - Rose Moncur, The Herald.
💚 This newsletter is people-powered! The Edinburgh Minute exists because of its community and relies on no advertising or private investment. For £5 a month, you help fund the (currently) tiny team of one person (👋) plus some occasional freelance support. In turn you’re supporting the promotion of local journalists’ vital work and keeping the newsletter 100% independent. I’ve decided to keep it as affordable as possible in the hope that you barely notice the cost. But together, your contributions can allow the Minute to continue and one day even grow, investing in more journalism and building a truly local platform – free from algorithms and commercial pressure. The more people who join, the better the newsletter gets.
📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard
⮑ Please get in touch using this form. < It’s the only way to get something featured in the newsletter.
💰 Community Grants Fund - Open Now! - 'Grants of up to £5,000 are available for constituted local voluntary organisations and community groups running projects that make a real difference to people in Edinburgh. Find out more and apply via the link. (Deadline: 29 Jun)' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🏊♂️ Portobello Amateur Swimming Club - Porty Swim Centre Consultation - 'Portobello Swimming Club has shared yesterday's Evening News story about the Council consultation, noting that one of the two options will impact their capacity to host galas and water polo tournaments, and fails to minimise 'safeguarding risks'' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🚧 Braid Estate residents' view on Greenbank to Meadows Quiet Route - 'An article in the Edinburgh Evening News on Saturday set out the concerns of Braid Estate residents on the negative impact which modal filters have on other roads, in particular concerns about safety for cyclists, walkers and vehicle drivers.' - More details here, shared by Midmar Residents Group.
🎨 Calling all creative mothers! - 'Want to join a community of mothers in Scotland who love their kids fiercely but need a creative outlet to feel themselves? This is Muther, founded by Edinburgh based trend forecaster and all round creative Eve Gardiner Black. Sound good? Come Join!' - More details here, shared by Eve Gardiner Black, Muther.
👶 New parents: Take part in exciting research with the University of Edinburgh - 'We are looking for parents with babies under 6 months old. Try a new app with relaxation exercises and tell us what you think. Complete our 14-day study and receive a gift voucher! Find more information and register your interest in the link.' - More details here, shared by Lisa Golds, University of Edinburgh.
📲 Digital Media Trainee wanted at top Edinburgh media agency, Republic of Media! - 'Are you an ambitious individual looking to kick-start your career in the media industry? This is a full-time role, with comprehensive training provided. You'll learn how to plan and activate digital media campaigns across a wide-range of clients. (Deadline: 25 May)' - More details here, shared by Francesca Coia, Republic of Media Ltd.
🧠 Reduced-fee First Sessions for ADHD & Anxiety - EH5 & Online [Daily]
Tomorrow, Wed 20 May - 'Struggle with focus, procrastination or constant worry? For Mental Health Awareness Month, I'm offering a limited number of 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 5.30pm | Trinity Road, EH5 3RU - More details here, shared by Emily Yao Therapy.
🧬 Pint of Science - Cure from Code
Tomorrow, Wed 20 May - 'Cure from Code brings together cutting-edge research tackling some of the most challenging and often overlooked diseases, from chronic liver disease to devastating childhood dementias. Come grab a pint and hear from the experts!'
7pm to 9.30pm | Monkey Barrel Comedy, EH1 1QR | £5 - More details here, shared by Lauren Hockenhull, University of Edinburgh.
🌿 Op Wallacea fundraiser at Leith walk polisbox popups
Thu 21 May - 'Selling handmade crafts (prints, bracelets, lavender bags), plants and baked goods for conservation research & education. Op Wallecia is a volunteer funded organisation conducting biodiversity research expeditions in remote, high threat locations.'
9am to 7pm | Leith Walk Police Box pop ups, EH7 4LT - More details here, shared by Monty, Leith walk polisbox pop ups.
📚 Zine Club [Monthly]
Thu 21 May - 'Zine Club is a space for us to explore all things zine together! Whether you are a seasoned zinester or curious to learn more, we welcome you to join us for a relaxing evening of fun monthly themes or techniques!'
5.30pm to 7.30pm | Calton View Cafe (Royal Mile), EH1 1DR | Pay what you can - More details here, shared by Coin-Operated Press CIC.
🎶 Archivo Radical: A Curated Collection of Afro Latin Music & Stories of Resistance
Thu 21 May - 'A night to celebrate Afro-Latin heritage through music, dance, film and hands-on workshops! Join us for any of our two sessions: Cajón workshop with José Rojas at 6pm + music, screenings & live show at 8pm, 21 May, Leith.'
6pm to 10pm | Leith Dockers Club, EH6 7EF | 6-12 - More details here, shared by CinemaAttic.
🎶 Port of Leith Pipe Band [Weekly]
Thu 21 May - 'Port of Leith Pipe Band is a community group for pipers of any ability who want to play and learn some good tunes together. Contact Colin MacNeill for more info: colin@themacneills.com'
6.45pm to 8.45pm | Leith Community Centre, EH6 6AD | FREE - More details here, shared by Dan Taylor, Inspiring Leith.
🍽️ Indonesian Supper Club
Fri 22 May - 'Grab a seat at the table for Ruzita's Indonesian Supper Club, drawing on traditional street food influences. Proceeds support our work providing social eating and cooking opportunities across Edinburgh, fighting food insecurity with community.'
7pm to 9pm | Coffee Saints, EH1 3AR | £38 - More details here, shared by Cyrenians.
🧀 Mozzarella, burrata and stracciatella workshop
Sat 23 May - 'Join artisan cheesemaker Kristen Allan for a fun, hands-on workshop making mozzarella, burrata and stracciatella. Learn the art of fresh cheese making, enjoy a relaxed seasonal lunch, and head home with the cheeses you make in class.'
10am to 3pm | Elliott's, EH9 1NX - More details here, shared by Kristen.
🚌 Edinburgh to Gretna (Caledonia Park) Coach Shopping Trip With Quine Magazine
Sat 23 May - 'For one day only, join Quine for an exclusive coach trip from St Andrew Square, Edinburgh to Caledonia Park Designer Outlet Village in Gretna during their VIP Weekend. £9.99 includes return travel, 2 drinks, live music, exclusive discounts and more.'
10am to 5.30pm | St Andrews Square Edinburgh, EH2 2AD | £9.99 - More details here, shared by Quine Magazine.
🏡 Interior Design Workshop
Sat 23 May - 'Creative, practical interior design workshops designed to help you transform your home with confidence. Learn colour, layout, lighting and styling tips in an inspiring, relaxed and hands-on environment.'
10.30am to 3.30pm | The Scotsman Hotel, EH1 1TR | £167 - More details here, shared by Aleksandra, Skela Studio.
🎹 Do Not Play This Piano (family show of whirlwind piano playing & storytelling theatre) [Daily]
Sat 23 May - 'Acclaimed family show (6+ years), featuring Mozart with a twist of blues, tango, rock'n'roll (and a roll of gaffer tape). Written and performed by Will Pickvance in the Pianodrome, a theatre built entirely from old pianos.'
11am to 12pm | Pianodrome Bruntsfield Community Hub, EH10 4NB - More details here, shared by Will Pickvance.
🐧 Linux Install Party
Sat 23 May - 'With the end of official Windows 10 support, many will be forced to buy a new computer. Edinburgh Linux Café can help by showing you Linux Mint, a free and easy alternative that can add years to the life of your machine.'
11am to 1pm | Sighthill Library, EH11 4PB | FREE - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Linux Cafe.
⚾ Baseball Session with A Nice Day Out
Sat 23 May - 'Beginner baseball workshop with A Nice Day Out and The Edinburgh Rays Baseball Team! Learn the basics of how the game works and have a fun relaxed session outdoors. No experience needed! More info on Instagram, message us if you have any questions :).'
11am to 1pm | Edinburgh Rays Baseball Club, EH16 5JW | £10 - More details here, shared by A Nice Day Out.
🌿 3D Scanning and Photogrammetry: Exploring Entangled Ecologies
Sat 23 May - 'Nucleation Lab is a community for creative experimentation intersecting art, science, and technology. This workshop experiments with 3D scanning and photogrammetry to explore the entanglement between humans, their traces, and the environment.'
11am to 1pm | The Out of the Blue Drill Hall, EH6 8RG | £8 / £4 concession - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎨 Creative Walks (for tenderhearted humans)
Sat 23 May - 'Nurture your creative spirit with a walk around Holyrood Park. Making art of any kind can often be a vulnerable experience, this is a low-pressure chance to breathe new life into your ideas & connect. 11am - 1pm, meet @ Holyrood Park Education Centre.'
11am to 1pm | Holyrood Park Education Centre, EH8 8HG | FREE - More details here, shared by Sophie.
🛍️ Mega Epic SALE of STUFF! Goodbye Gallery Special! [Daily]
Sat 23 May - 'Mega Epic SALE of STUFF! is back at Whitespace studio from Saturday 23rd to Thursday 28th May for a Goodbye Gallery Special! Open from 12 noon daily with quirky things to buy. We'll donate >33.3% of any profit to the charity Phone Credit for Refugees.'
12pm to 6pm | Whitespace studio, EH8 9HQ | FREE - More details here, shared by Kat.
🎡 Bruntsfield Primary School Summer Fair
Sat 23 May - 'Our Summer Fair is always a much anticipated event: this year we'll be hosting Luca's ice-cream, Police Scotland and Scottish Fire & Rescue, as well as all the fun games, face-painting, bake sale, refreshments and much more! See you there!'
12pm to 3pm | Bruntsfield Primary School, EH10 4NA | £2 adult/kids free - More details here, shared by Bruntsfield Primary School Parent Council.
⛳️ Workshop event for disabled golfers
Sat 23 May - 'Join VOCAL and Phoenix Disability Golf for a golfing workshop for disabled golfers! Learn some tips and tricks from PGA Teaching Professional Scott Dixon, and enjoy some practice time in the bays. Contact thephoenixcup6@gmail.com to book your place.'
12pm to 2pm | Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club, EH27 8EB | FREE - More details here, shared by VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian).
🌍 Climate Cafe
Sat 23 May - 'Climate cafe following up on People's Emergency Briefing - Nature, not just a nice to have. What can we do? All welcome .... Cuppa and cake St Ninian's Episcopal Church 40 Comely Bank , Edinburgh. EH4 1AG'
2pm to 3.30pm | St Ninian's Scottish Episcopal Church, EH4 1AG | Free - More details here, shared by Libby Morton, St Ninian's Episcopal Church.
🌳 Western Harbour Community Walk
Sat 23 May - 'Walking around Western Harbour - good chat, local history, info on the 'saving the ponds' campaign, wasteland, landscaped gardens & wildlife, the immense Wind Power structures, art & more. Optional cafe visit. Easy walking. Meet front of Asda.'
2pm to 4pm | Asda Leith Superstore, EH6 6QJ | Free/donation - More details here, shared by Tamsin Grainger.
🎶 Edinburgh Kevock Choir: 2026 Annual Concert
Sat 23 May - 'Varied and popular programme of mixed voice singing, including Phantom of the Opera choral suite; works by John Rutter, Andy Beck and others. Conductor: Graham Lovett. Accompanist: Karol Fitzpatrick. Special guests: Members of Brass Tracks (quintet).'
7.30pm to 9.30pm | Greyfriars Kirk, EH1 2QQ | £16, £14 concessions - More details here, shared by Peter Nicholson.
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 🎵 'First look inside old Royal High School transformation into National Centre for Music'.
- 🏰 Edinburgh Castle Hill paths reopen after years of closure.
- ⚽️ 'Hearts star reveals team-mates left bloodied after Celtic Park chaos'.
- 🎭 Fringe theatre is coming to Brown's of Leith.
- 💰 Locals to vote on how £2m of tourist tax cash is spent.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 914.
📬 Free subscribers: 30,000+.
📲 Visits generated for local news sources: 3,000,000+.
👍 The Edinburgh Minute only exists thanks to voluntary subscribers. Please consider chipping in for a fiver a month to ensure it continues. The community spirit behind this newsletter is real. Your support makes Edinburgh a better place.
Don’t want to subscribe but still keen to show your support? Please like this post or put a coin/note into the tip jar below. It all helps keep the Minute ticking over. Thanks again.
