The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Tuesday 20 October 2026
Schools to open as normal after bomb hoax, 800 holiday flats breaking rules, under-fire uni boss hits 'reply all' + EHFM is looking for new presenters
👋 Good morning Edinburgh. Eleven people unsubscribed while I took a break last week! One left a grumpy parting message: "Not frequent enough". Oh well, their loss. But this newsletter simply won't exist if it wasn't for paying subscribers, so big thanks to all of you who have stuck around. Here’s Tuesday's Edinburgh Minute.
🌦️ Today's weather forecast: There was light rain overnight and it’s expected to continue on and off until Thursday morning when sunshine is due to return. A high of 12C around midday and a low of 7C tonight. - The full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh is here.
🌅 Sunrise: 7.54am. Sunset: 6pm.
🏫 All local schools are due to open as normal this morning, following UK-wide hoax bomb threats that saw some teachers evacuated yesterday during an in-service day. The council contacted parents offering reassurance, with city education leader James Dalgleish saying he was 'hugely frustrated' by the 'unnecessary disruption'. - Kevin Quinn has full details in the Evening News.
- Specialist cyber crime officers have begun an investigation into the source of hoax bomb threat emails, which were sent to primary and secondary schools, report Megan Bonar & Lucy Adams of BBC Scotland News.
🔐 Around 800 short-term let properties are operating in Edinburgh despite being refused planning permission, according to a report this morning by Andrew Picken & Richard Forbes of BBC Scotland News. The council says it's 'taken on an additional six full-time members of staff to make sure operators have a licence in place.'
Andrew Picken and Richard Forbes
🏢 The Westfield Court flats in Gorgie could be repaired, after councillors at yesterday's Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee voted to look at alternatives to demolition. They're also working on a potential compulsory purchase scheme if demolition is chosen, reports Ian Swanson in the Evening News.
📧 'What Edinburgh University chief really thinks about programme cuts': An email from University of Edinburgh principal Peter Mathieson has been leaked to The Herald's Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco. The uni boss defends programme closures, urging a student to: 'suggest alternative genuine evidence-based approaches rather than just object for the sake of objecting.'
Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco
🏗️ A replacement for the currently closed Powderhall Footbridge at St Mark's Park could cost £2.2m', reports Leith Walk councillor Jack Caldwell (Lib Dem). A council report says: "This is in excess of the annual Capital budget allocations for the Structures and Parks teams combined."
🎆 A five-week programme of free community-focussed and family-friendly events at the Ross Bandstand is announced by Edinburgh’s Winter Festival producers Unique Assembly today. A 'kick off concert' on 14 November will be headlined by bagpipe supergroup Red Hot Chilli Pipers. The community tickets initiative is also returning, with tickets for Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay being given to local community groups. It comes as UK software company Halo is announced as the events' new title sponsor. Applications are open now and close on Wednesday 4 November.
🔊 The city's community radio station EHFM is looking for new presenters to bring 'new unique shows', including non-music based ideas. Applications are especially encouraged from people who feel underrepresented in the Edinburgh creative scene. - More details are here.
🐾 Samantha the Afghan hound, a stylish dog from Edinburgh who has amassed millions of views online, has been featured in Vogue magazine. - STV News + you can find Samantha's feature in Vogue here and on Instagram here.
Mark Holgate and Ciarra Lorren Zatorski
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🤝 The Leith Imaginarium - help build the bid for Leith Town of Culture 2028 - 'Leith is one of 15 places shortlisted to become a Town of Culture in 2028. The bid is being built by Leithers and we want your ideas in it! Join us this Sunday at The Leith Imaginarium to share your stories, your priorities and your big ideas. (Deadline: 25 Oct)' - More details here, shared by Leith Culture Partnership.
🪣 Are you a domestic/home cleaner? Take part in a Uni of Edinburgh Interview Study (£20 voucher) - 'Uni of Edinburgh Research: Inviting housecleaners(18+) for an 1-hour in-person interview to talk about what home design makes your job easier/harder. On UoE central campus. Free parking available. £20 gift voucher. See link for details & to sign up!' - More details here, shared by University of Edinburgh.
🏙️ Are you a resident in the Old Town? Does tourism annoy you? - 'I am a 4th year Geography student at the University of Aberdeen gathering data for my dissertation, which aims to explore the impacts of screen tourism on residents in the Old Town. If you live in the Old Town please do the 2 minute survey below!' - More details here, shared by Emma.
🌿 Volunteers Wanted for Community Gardens - 'Calling all Trinity and Corstorphine locals! Help us build a community garden in your local park. Join us at Victoria Park on Wednesday and Friday mornings, and at St Margaret's Park on Saturday mornings. No experience required!' - More details here, shared by Earth in Common.
🎲 The RPG One-Shot Club
Tomorrow, Wed 21 October - 'Come play one-shot tabletop role-play games. Find us by buzzing #4 on the Sandstone Building intercom (beside Kiki's Café). Ramp and/or elevator access available. Arrive from 18:00, games start 18:30. Beginners warmly welcomed!'
6pm to 10pm | Ancient Robot Workshop · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Tanya Floaker.
🇺🇸 Democrats Abroad Scotland October Social
Tomorrow, Wed 21 October - 'Join Democrats Abroad Scotland for our final social before the midterm elections - Americans and non-Americans welcome.'
7pm to 10pm | The Outhouse · Canonmills & Broughton | FREE - More details here, shared by Jack Nevin, Democrats Abroad Scotland.
⛰️ Bolivia's Climbing Cholitas - mountain guiding in skirts on the highest peaks in the Andes
Tomorrow, Wed 21 October - 'A talk by author and climber Anna Fleming about the amazing Cholita Climbers of Bolivia, covering her 2024 expedition to Bolivia to climb with the Indigenous Aymara women climbers! Anna is fundraising to bring these amazing women to Scotland in 2026'
7pm to 10pm | Pleasance Sports Complex & Gym · Southside - More details here, shared by Anna Fleming.
🇨🇴 Colombian Ceilidh Day 1
Fri 23 October - 'Free festival: Colombian artists living in Europe take the stage in Edinburgh with music, dance & culture. Closing: Álvaro Llerena (son of Petrona Martínez). 23 Oct Pleasance Cabaret Bar, 24 Oct The Three Sisters. Register: colombianceilidh.com'
1.30pm to 4.30pm | Pleasance Courtyard · Southside | FREE - More details here, shared by Javier Acosta, Tumbaga Estudio.
🌳 Blended, a Community Walk and Art Exhibition [Until Sun]
Fri 23 October - 'Granton Community Walk on 23rd October at 5pm with local history. Mixed media walking-art exhibition opening with refreshments 6pm. Exhibition open 10-5 Sat and Sun 24/25 October. Textiles, installation, film, pop-up shop. All at Granton:Hub'
5pm to 8pm | Madelvic House · Granton & Pilton | FREE - More details here, shared by Tamsin Grainger.
🧘♀️ Gong Bath With Daniel Killeen In Edinburgh Therapy Centre, Leith
Fri 23 October - 'Immerse yourself in deep relaxation with a soothing Gong Bath lead by Daniel Killeen. Let reverberating sound vibrations wash away stress quiet the mind, and feel restored. No effort required just lie back and reset. Soft mats & blankets provided'
6.30pm to 8pm | Edinburgh Therapy Centre · Leith | 25 - More details here, shared by Daniel Killeen.
🏡 First-Time Buyers Drop-In
Sat 24 October - 'Buying your first home? Book a free appointment or pop into our drop-in session for practical, personalised guidance from property experts. Ask questions, build confidence and enjoy tea, coffee and biscuits while you plan your next steps.'
11am to 2pm | ESPC · New Town | FREE - More details here, shared by ESPC.
💄 Style Meets Makeup
Sun 25 October - 'Join stylist Elena from Yellow Souls and professional makeup artist Ciara Mackenzie Makeup, for an interactive and unique workshop all about discovering your colors in fashion and beauty.'
10am to 2pm | Yellow Souls Studio · Leith - More details here, shared by YELLOW SOULS STUDIO.
🍽️ Free Community Meal and Discussion on Palestine Solidarity in Edinburgh
Sun 25 October - 'Join us for a free community meal and discussion on Oct 25, 5.30-7.30 PM at St James Church (EH6 7EL) where we'll critically reflect on three years of Palestine solidarity organising in Edinburgh. Free event, no booking required (main meal vegan).'
5.30pm to 7.30pm | St James Scottish Episcopal Church · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by IWW Leith Neighbourhood Committee.
🧵 6wk Garment Making - Make Your Own Clothes
Mon 26 October - 'Making clothes from scratch opens up huge possibilities in creating clothes that reflect your personality, making things you can't find anywhere else. We will teach you the skills to bring new life to your wardrobe with a focus on sustainable sewing.'
6pm to 8.30pm | Studio Nine Edinburgh · Abbeyhill & Meadowbank | 175 - More details here, shared by Jen Byrne.
🌱 Greentech Hackathon
Tue 27 October - 'Come along to our Greentech Hackathon - an event focused on building solutions to greentech challenges. All you need is curiosity, an open mind, and an interest in tackling some of the most immediate challenges facing Scotland's natural environment'
10am to 4pm | CodeBase · Tollcross | FREE - More details here, shared by Konstantinos Giannoulidis, CodeBase.
🌿 SCOREscotland & The Welcoming Celebrate Black History Month 2026
Thu 29 October - 'Join us in this celebration of Black History Month 2026 featuring a short film screening and community meal.'
6pm to 8.30pm | WHALE Arts Agency · Wester Hailes | FREE - More details here, shared by Asia Hart-Eason, The Welcoming Association.
🎷 Greg Abate from NYC helps Juniper Green Note celebrate first anniversary
Thu 29 October - 'Help us celebrate our first birthday with international touring star from NYC, bebop saxophonist, Greg Abate. Join our email list to hear first. https://greennote.club Just 15 tickets left. Bring a friend!'
7.30pm to 10pm | Baberton Golf Club · Juniper Green | £15 - More details here, shared by Juniper Green Note grassroots jazz club.
🍽️ Canapé Class
Sat 31 October - 'Learn to make five delicious, beautifully presented canapés from scratch in this fun, hands-on festive cookery class with chef Maria Harper. Discover flavour combinations, chef's tips and simple techniques to impress your guests this Christmas!'
10.30am to 2pm | Cyrenians Flavour and Haver Cook School · Leith - More details here, shared by Maria Harper, The Edinburgh Canapé Company.
👻 Halloween Party Gracemount Mansion & Gardens
Sat 31 October - '🎃 Free Halloween Party! Sat 31 Oct, 11am-2pm, Gracemount Mansion Gardens, EH16 6DF. Haunted house, spooky trails, parkour, face painting, circus, free hot food, music, a costume prize and more. No booking needed! 👻'
11am to 2pm | Gracemount Mansion Development Trust · Gracemount | FREE - More details here, shared by Jane Hartley, Gracemount Mansion Development Trust.
🐉 Fantasy Bookclub Scotland Presents: Threshing Day
Sat 07 November - 'It's time to head back to Basgiath for Threshing Day, Rebecca Yarros's brand new collection of thirteen stories about our favourite riders and the dragons who chose them (or very nearly roasted them).'
2pm to 4pm | Grassmarket Community Project & Coffee Saints Cafe · Old Town | 21.10 - More details here, shared by Fantasy Bookclub Scotland.
🛍️ Funk Fair Lates
Thu 12 November - 'Curated mix of quality antiques, mid-century furniture, vintage fashion, homeware, art, records and beautifully made pieces with real character. Come after work, have a drink, have a wander, find something your house didn't know it was missing.'
4pm to 8pm | The Out of the Blue Drill Hall · Leith | £2, £1 Concessions - More details here, shared by Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust.
🌍 People's Emergency Briefing
Thu 19 November - 'Longstone Community Council invites you to a screening of the People's Emergency Briefing, an eye-opening film bringing together 9 leading UK scientists and experts on the latest evidence about climate change. A short open discussion will follow.'
7pm to 9pm | Slateford Longstone Parish Church · Longstone | FREE - More details here, shared by Mary, Longstone Community Council.
🧀 Artisan Cheese & Wine
Thu 26 November - 'Let us introduce you to a fantastic selection of mixed wines. We have selected the perfect artisan cheeses to complement the wines. A great way to spend an evening with friends. Attendees receive 10% off product purchases on the evening.'
7pm to 9pm | Starter Culture Edinburgh - Cafe Bar · Marchmont & Meadows | £40 - More details here, shared by Rachna DHEER, STARTER CULTURE EDINBURGH LTD.
Remember you can always see all 280+ upcoming local events on TownSpot calendars and maps. Thanks to everyone who shares their things!
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 🦴 Mystery of hundreds of animal bones at Arthur’s Seat.
- 🔥 Council warned gift shops could stop Princes Street hotel construction.
- 🍿 Local history thread on Leith’s 'Luxury Supercinema'.
- 🏗️ Cracks in part of Powderhall Footbridge first noted in 2017.
- 🎓 Students and staff fight to save university's costume design course.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 1,019.
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