The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Tuesday 22 September 2026

Uni cuts: 'cultural vandalism' warning, new taxi rank plan below North Bridge, airport reveals £500m expansion plan + kindness prevails as thousands raised for 12-year-old bagpiper

👋 Good morning Edinburgh. It's a busy one this morning... Here’s today's Edinburgh Minute.

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🌦️ Today's weather forecast: The warm and sunny weather is due to continue today, peaking at 20C around 2pm. There's an increasing chance of showers this afternoon and into the evening. The rain is expected to get heavier on Wednesday morning, before clearing on Wednesday afternoon. Thursday morning looks clear and sunny. - The full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh is here.

✈️ Edinburgh Airport announced a £500million investment plan yesterday, at the same time as many flights were delayed or cancelled due to another air traffic control technical issue. Here's some of the coverage:

The first phase of the airport's five-year expansion 'is due to fully open in summer 2027', says the airport's press release.
Holidaymakers visiting from Europe and the USA were among those affected by yesterday's delays. They spoke to Skye Donald of the Evening News.
The national air traffic service (Nats) said yesterday's problems were 'not related to a software defect that led to the cancellation of 2,000 flights across the UK earlier this month', reports Megan Bonar of BBC Scotland News.
Ryanair reiterated its calls for the Nats chief executive to resign. - Gwyn Topham, The Guardian.
'Edinburgh Airport boss demands answers after ‘incredibly disappointing’ Nats failure' - Craig Meighan & Neil Pooran, Evening News.
First Minister John Swinney visited the airport's South East Pier expansion, saying: "This significant investment will enable Edinburgh Airport to compete with airports around the world" - BBC Scotland News.
The airport published a video of its expansion plans on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

🏗️| Today we unveiled the first phase of the largest capital investment programme in Edinburgh Airport's history.

Take a look at how the programme will transform the airport in the years ahead. 🎥

Find out more here: https://t.co/5iptr1LeTb pic.twitter.com/Ox0gWFxjaF
— Edinburgh Airport (@EDI_Airport) September 21, 2026

🚖 The council is looking in to whether it could create a new taxi rank on Market Street below North Bridge, at the request of cab drivers, with the existing rank becoming a 'feeder lane'. - Ian Swanson, Evening News.

🎨 Further concerns have been raised about the futures of dozens of courses at the University of Edinburgh, amid boss Peter Mathieson's sweeping cuts. The university said it was 'refreshing our programme to consolidate our offering'.

A collective of arts organisations united to issue a joint statement yesterday, criticising the proposed closure of craft courses at Edinburgh College of Art. Its jewellery, silversmithing and textiles alumni have had their work featured across stage and screen, while others 'have had their masterpieces acquired by some of the world's most important collections and private collectors', said the statement co-signed by leaders of Craft Scotland, Visual Arts Scotland, Applied Arts Scotland, Fife Contemporary, Design Nation and Scottish Textiles Showcase. They add:

"Craft Scotland and the other craft support organisations signing this statement are shocked to hear about the proposed closure of the undergraduate Jewellery and Silversmithing, Textiles and Performance Costume courses at Edinburgh College of Art. This will devastate educational opportunities for future generations of professional makers and designers. We call on University of Edinburgh Principal, Sir Peter Mathieson, Edinburgh College of Art Principal, Professor Juan Cruz, and Vice-Principal, Professor Sarah Prescott, to reverse these planned closures immediately. These courses are a unique and irreplaceable part of Edinburgh's cultural history. A decision to close these courses will have consequences for Scottish culture that are almost impossible to mitigate and would be an enormous loss for the UK's cultural landscape. In an increasingly digital world, the value of craft is being recognised even more widely for its educational benefits, cultural impact and employment opportunities. This shortsighted decision will have a disproportionate impact on the craft sector as well as significant impact on Scotland's future creative success."

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Meanwhile various undergraduate degrees in Scots literature, Scottish ethnology and Celtic studies also face the axe alongside a reduction of language courses including Russian, Persian, Portuguese, Italian and German, reports Hannah Emma Shedden in The National.

“Dismantling Scottish culture and language courses, among many others, while university funds are invested in multinational corporations, is cultural vandalism." - The Scottish Society is among those speaking out in Jorja Lindsay's report for The Edinburgh Tab.

🎬 Sir Sean Connery’s family is planning to open a permanent new filmmaking centre offering 'world-class training' in his home city within 18 months. His son Jason says they are 'actively looking' at various buildings for the studio. - Exclusive by Brian Ferguson in The Herald.

🏥 More than £10m of taxpayer money has been paid to a private operator of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh to keep parking at the hospital free, reports Andrew Picken of BBC Scotland News.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 'Leith could get its own council under Scottish Government plans to shake up local authorities' - Ian Swanson, Evening News.

💰 Hundreds of people donated thousands of pounds yesterday for the 12-year-old boy who was targeted by 'a mob of boys' while he was playing the bagpipes in Princes Street Gardens at the weekend. Elliot Wilson said: "My pipe case has been ruined and my kilt now needs to be dry cleaned. I was intimidated and very upset by what happened. I’m therefore raising money to cover the cost of replacing my ruined pipe case and having my kilt professionally dry cleaned." Within hours of a Crowdfunder page going live with a £2,000 target, more than £3,000 had been donated. At 7am today it stood at £9,000 with 40 days to go. Elliot added:"So many people have sent messages of support and kindness, and it has genuinely helped me after what happened." - The fundraiser is here.

⮑ How Elliot plans to spend the money: "To cover the cost of replacing my ruined pipe case and having my kilt professionally dry cleaned. If I raise more than is needed to replace my case and clean my kilt, I would like to donate the extra money to my pipe band. We have 96 members, and travelling to competitions can require several coaches and drivers, which is expensive. Our pipe band is a charity and is always in need of support."

⮑ Police are now investigating. Elliot's mum said people's 'support and kindness has genuinely helped.' - Jack Davies, Evening News.

⚖️ The Sheriff Court on Chambers Street an unlikely place to voluntarily spend your retirement, but members of the local Listening Service say they want to help people rebuild their lives. - Karyn McCluskey of Community Justice Scotland writes in The Scotsman.

🏃‍♀️ Thousands of runners raised more than £390,000 for charities at the weekend's Men's and Women's 10K runs. - Kevin Quinn, Evening News.

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🛍️ Free Guides to Ethical Buying in Edinburgh - 'Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network have made it easier than ever to buy locally and ethically in Edinburgh with a series of free guides covering Catering, Venues, Cafe's, Coworking Spaces, Recycling, Exercise and more.' - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network.

🧑‍🍳 Weekly cooking class for local foodies🥘 - 'Starting in October, Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy have a weekly Thursday night cookery class for those who love spending time in the kitchen and want to learn some new skills and delicious recipes while meeting new people as the days grow shorter.' - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy.

✨ Up the Youth Club: Emma Warren Illuminates a Hidden History + Social
Tomorrow, Wed 23 September - 'A searching look and impassioned love letter to the youth club by renowned documentarian Emma Warren, highlighting the seismic impact they have had on UK culture and why we need to ensure their existence for future generations. Followed by a social!'
7pm to 8.30pm | Lighthouse - Edinburgh's Radical Bookshop · Old Town | £4/free - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

🎖️ Polisbox museum - the WW2 bombings of Leith & Edinburgh
Thu 24 September - 'Edinburgh & Lothians Police Historical Society bring their exhibition Bombings of Edinburgh & Leith in WW2 to the box. Drop in, free and suitable for all ages. Special activities for children. School groups contact sec.elbphs@gmail.com in advance'
10am to 2pm | Leith Walk Police Box pop ups · Canonmills & Broughton | FREE - More details here, shared by Monty, Leith walk polisbox pop ups.

🎈 Hearts Museum Birthday Trail! 🎉 [Until 01 Nov]
Thu 24 September - '[Extended Dates!] Our Museum is turning 10! 🎉 Come celebrate with us and become a Junior Curator when you complete our trail. Discover what's behind the displays, get a badge, and the chance to feature in our J Cs' Corner. For kids aged 6-14! 🎂'
10am to 4pm | Heart of Midlothian Museum · Gorgie | FREE - More details here, shared by Isabela, Heart of Midlothian FC.

🥃 University of Edinburgh Water of Life Society [Every Thursday]
Thu 24 September - 'EUWoLS is one of the oldest whisky appreciation societies in the United Kingdom. We are an inclusive society, open to both students and the wider public. We get together every Thursday to try (at least) five whiskies, make friends and learn a bit!'
7pm to 10pm | Teviot Row House Student Union · Old Town | £14/£18 - More details here, shared by Frank Dominguez, Edinburgh University Water of Life Society.

🧘‍♀️ The Big Yin: yoga for a new start
Fri 25 September - '90 minutes of floor-based, relaxing yoga. Expect long, luxurious holds and grounding meditation.'
6.30pm to 8pm | The Salisbury Centre · Southside | 15 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

🤝 Volunteering Day + Collacostellera show
Sat 26 September - 'Join us to decorate the North Hall, and then stay for Colla Castellera (from 3pm). Watch their incredible human tower-building and meet the group. Don't miss this opportunity to volunteer and enjoy some art!'
9.30am | St. Oswald's Centre · Bruntsfield | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

🏫 Loretto Senior School Open Morning
Sat 26 September - 'Loretto is inviting families to the school this September to experience Loretto life for themselves and get a genuine sense of what we can offer their child. Enjoy a personalised tour of the school, hear from current pupils and speak to school staff.'
10am to 12pm | Loretto School · Musselburgh | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

🔬 Doors Open Day at Edinburgh BioQuarter
Sat 26 September - 'Join us at BioQuarter for Doors Open Day as we mark 300 years of medical education in Edinburgh! Enjoy family-friendly, hands-on activities, discover what our scientists study, and tour the Usher Building and Institute for Regeneration and Repair.'
10am to 4pm | Usher Building · Little France | FREE - More details here, shared by Maria Fanourgiaki, University of Edinburgh.

🥞 Breakfast with Mr Reid - costumed tour
Sat 26 September - 'This event will present a fascinating glimpse into the social history of life in Edinburgh during World War 1, using newspaper extracts from just a single day in September 1916 .'
10am to 11.30am | Lauriston Castle · Silverknowes & Blackhall - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

🎶 Come and Sing with the Choral
Sat 26 September - 'Join us for a musical day singing Elgar's "Music Makers" and Mozart choruses, led by Michael Bawtree, ERCU Chorus Director. Scores provided in the ticket price. Refreshments provided but bring your own lunch. Informal concert at 3:45pm, open to all.'
10am to 4.30pm | The Parish Church of St Cuthbert · Tollcross | £25 plus booking fee - More details here, shared by ERCU Edinburgh Royal Choral Union.

⛴️ SS Explorer - Doors Open Day at Custom House
Sat 26 September - 'Come along to learn about SS Explorer - one of Scotland's National Historic Ships which has been moored in Leith for 30 years'
10am to 4pm | Custom House Leith · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by SS Explorer Preservation Society.

🏫 Victorian Schoolroom Doors Open Day
Sat 26 September - 'The Victorian Schoolroom will be open for free visits and lessons for Heritage Doors Open on Saturday 26th September. Costumed volunteers will lead Victorian-style lessons and guide visitors through the Victorian home-life and education exhibition.'
11am to 3pm | The Heart of Newhaven Community · Trinity & Newhaven | FREE - More details here, shared by Christine, History of Education Centre.

🏠 Buy-to-Let Drop-In
Sat 26 September - 'Join our Buy-to-Let Drop-in for practical advice on becoming a landlord. Book ahead or drop in on the day. Chat one-to-one with ESPC Lettings Head, Nicky Lloyd or a solicitor and get answers to your buy-to-let questions.'
11am to 2pm | ESPC · New Town | FREE - More details here, shared by ESPC.

🚶‍♀️‍➡️ Knots, a Community Walk
Sat 26 September - 'A free community walk for all the family as part of Doors Open Day in Granton. Local history, art, nature.'
1.45pm to 3pm | Madelvic House · Granton & Pilton | FREE - More details here, shared by Tamsin Grainger, Granton:hub.

🧵 Beginner Sewing Workshop - Make a patchwork headscarf
Sat 26 September - 'Spend an afternoon in the studio, learning some sewing basics then making your own patchwork headscarf. All materials are provided and we will be using studio offcuts to upcycle into your own custom designs.'
2pm to 6pm | Paradigm Shift Open Studio Ltd · Leith | £35 - More details here, shared by Paradigm Shift Open Studio.

🔻 SOCIALIST SOCIAL - let's resolve some contradictions! 🚩🍻☕
Sat 26 September - 'Join fellow commies, anarchists and other (lefty) miscreants for a pint and chat to launch ELSA, a vehicle for non-sectarian conspiring towards shared sinister plots like community organising, political education and working class power.'
4pm to 7pm | 3 Old Monks · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by João Reis, Edinburgh & Lothians Socialist Association.

🎨 Painting & Wine Evening: The Glasgow Boys
Sat 26 September - 'Looking for a creative night out this Saturday? Join local artist Suzanne Kemplay for a fun painting and wine evening learning how to paint in the style of The Glasgow Boys. Wine and a sharing cheese platter included - and a bring a friend offer!'
6pm to 9pm | The Arienas Collective - Creative Workshop Hub · New Town | £36-45 - More details here, shared by Lynn Powell, The Arienas Collective.

🎶 Ritual of Gnawa: a therapeutic music workshop
Sat 26 September - 'A collaboration between Gnawa musician Omar Afif and creative coach Shze-Hui Tjoa, this workshop combines traditional Moroccan rhythms, voice, and movement to explore wellbeing, connection, self-expression and the healing power of music.'
7.30pm to 9.30pm | The Salisbury Centre · Southside | £18 - More details here, shared by Shze-Hui Tjoa.

🔐 IT and Biscuits - Internet Privacy, How to Use Proton free VPN and a Demonstration of Linux TAILS
Sun 27 September - 'An open IT session where technology questions are answered around how to improve privacy on the internet, how to use a reputable free VPN and a demonstration of Linux TAILS along with a general discussion of technology news'
1pm to 4pm | St Margaret's House · Abbeyhill & Meadowbank | FREE - More details here, shared by Alex Dunedin, Ragged University.

🌲 Forest Bathing & Aromatherapy Palm House Special Edinburgh Botanics - '🌱🌻Sunday 27th of September 10:30-4pm Wild Rose Forest Therapy will be guiding an exclusive Forest Bathing Walk at Edinburgh Botanics with tea ceremony and Aromatherapy Workshop in the Palm Houses. Soothe, restore and connect deeply to nature 🌻🌱' - More details here, shared by Wild Rose Forest Therapy.

🎶 Gira - Songs for the Orishas
Sun 27 September - 'A musical journey of songs dedicated to the Orishas - Yoruba deities - performed in a ritualistic fashion by Brazilian musicians Giulia Drummond (vocals, drums, percussion, shruti box) and Mario Caribé (double bass, guitar, foot percussion)'
7pm to 9pm | Pianodrome Bruntsfield Community Hub · Bruntsfield - More details here, shared by Giulia Drummond.

🎥 Power Station community film screening
Mon 28 September - 'Community spirit and resilience are at the heart of this documentary as activists in London get creative to highlight change is possible. Refreshments offered before / chat after'
6.30pm to 9pm | Bruntsfield Evangelical Church · Bruntsfield | FREE - More details here, shared by Banzai Edinburgh.

🚣‍♂️ Three Brothers in a Boat: Book Launch
Mon 28 September - 'In 2025 the Maclean Brothers rowed across the Pacific Ocean non-stop and unsupported raising £1M for clean water projects. Join Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan Maclean at Ps and Gs Church in Edinburgh as they launch their new book Three Brothers in a Boat.'
7pm to 8.30pm | Ps & Gs (St Paul's & St George's) Church · New Town | £13 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

🌟 Leith Community Advice Hub [Monthly]
Tue 29 September - 'New Community Advice hubs for Disabled People, those with long term health conditions and their support networks. Welfare advice, home energy support, income maximisation, community info and resources, all in a friendly space to connect with others'
12pm to 3pm | Leith Community Centre · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Daisy, Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living (LCiL).

❤️ The Compassion Salon: Lisa boden, Kathryn Lovewell and Charlie Herriot-Maitland
Tue 29 September - 'The Compassion Salon will host Professor Lisa Boden, Kathryn Lovewell, and Charlie Heriot- Maitland in a warm and reflective evening of meaningful conversation and shared insight into the importance of self compassion in our lives.'
7pm to 10pm | Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh · New Town | FREE - More details here, shared by The Compassion Salon.

🚀 Celebrate World Space Week with Space Scotland
Sun 04 October - 'Space Scotland invites you to celebrate World Space Week with a stellar line-up of space professionals. Join us for The Provocateurs, where Scotland's thriving space sector poses thought-provoking questions to tickle your brain and your funny bone.'
2pm to 3pm | The Stand Comedy Club · New Town | £12 - More details here, shared by Becky Ball, Space Scotland.

Remember you can always see all 310+ upcoming local events on TownSpot calendars and maps. Thanks to everyone who shares their things!

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