The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Tuesday 23 June 2026
Fire station saved for now, First Minister meets attack victims, protest against AI data centres at Parliament tomorrow, North Bridge to fully reopen 'by end of July' + new Rebus being filmed in New Town
🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. Another busy one. Here’s Tuesday's Edinburgh Minute.
🚔 A 36-year-old man appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday accused of a series of 'anti-Muslim' attacks across the city on Friday. Lewis Hawkes made no plea having been charged with five counts of attempted murder linked to terrorism, assault and robbery, breach of the peace and culpable and reckless conduct. - BBC Scotland News + Danni Scott, Metro.
- Police Scotland Superintendent Neil Wilson published a lengthy update yesterday, which you can read online here.
"While there is no wider threat, it continues to be a live ongoing investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing Scotland, supported by local policing officers in Edinburgh and other specialist national capabilities in Scotland. The Major Incident Public Portal has been set up to encourage members of the public to submit information directly to officers. We would appeal to anyone with information that could assist with enquiries to upload it using the online form, including those with doorbell or dashcam footage. I would urge everyone to continue to work together and ensure no person or group in Scotland feels marginalised or isolated." - Superintendent Neil Wilson.
⮑ More coverage from the past 24-hours on the attacks:
- First Minister John Swinney heard directly from victims of the attack at Broomhouse Mosque yesterday and published this statement, saying: "Acts of hatred and division will not define Scotland, our shared values of respect, inclusion and compassion will. Together, we must continue working together to strengthen trust and understanding in all of our communities."
- 'Right wing dog whistles are stoking attacks', writes local SNP leader and Liberton & Gilmerton councillor Lesley Macinnes in the Evening News.
- The Stand Up To Racism Edinburgh group is organising a demonstration in Leith Saturday, with full details to be confirmed this week. - Heather Carrick, Evening News.
Other news:
🚒 Lochend's Marionville fire station has been saved from immediate closure, following a community campaign. Senior fire officers on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service board confirmed the decision yesterday. - There's a lot more to this story, reported by Ian Swanson in the Evening News.
- Union leaders welcomed the news with caution, calling it 'a promising step in the right direction', while MSP Ben Macpherson welcomed the news: "Recent fires on Arthur's Seat and at Sleigh Drive have again underlined the importance of where Marionville station is located, how brave and effective the fire officers based there are, and why this local asset must be retained."
🎆 Dance music act Underworld have been announced as the headliners of the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay event. - Brian Ferguson, The Herald.
🚎 North Bridge is expected to fully open to traffic 'by the end of July' following an eight year refurbishment. - Kevin Quinn, Evening News.
🪫 Members of anti-data centre campaigns from villages, towns and cities across Scotland are planning to unite for a demonstration outside the Scottish Parliament at midday tomorrow. - More details via Action to Protect Rural Scotland.
- ⮑ Last week Edinburgh councillors decided not to pursue a ban on new data centre developments, instead escalating the issue to ask the Scottish Government to introduce a nationwide ban. - Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco, The Herald.
🍨 Bruntsfield gelato shop Ciccetta's had cash stolen during a break-in over the weekend. They said: "It is truly devastating for us as a small, family-owned and operated business to have our shop broken into and cash stolen. The good news: no one was hurt, and that’s what matters most. As for our uninvited guest - you did leave a little something behind, pal." Police are investigating. - Ciccetta's on Instagram.
🎬 Parts of the New Town will become a film set today and tomorrow for the second season of Rebus, BBC's dramatisation of the acclaimed crime novels by Ian Rankin. Thanks to Minute subscriber Rachel Cohen for sharing the letter below.
- ⮑ The cast was confirmed earlier this month, with new faces including John Michie, Emily Barber and Douglas Russell. - Full details are in Abby Robinson's report for Radio Times.
🏫 South Morningside Primary School has been named 'Primary School of the Year' at the UK-wide TES Schools Awards. Headteacher Grant Gillies said the gong 'represents the collective drive and hard work of our children, staff, parents and the wider community'. - More details here.
🎭 Daily two-hour Fringe Radio shows are planned for the August festivals. - Roy Martin, Radio Today.
☀️ The temperature is forecast to hit 27C in Edinburgh today. - Met Office.
📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard
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📢 Edinburgh - Speak Up for Dads! - 'Every day, fathers across Scotland support their children and partners. But too often, their experiences and perspectives go unheard. Take 5-10 minutes to complete Fathers Network Scotland's Dad Survey and help ensure dads' voices are represented.' - More details here, shared by Cathy Sexton, Fathers Network Scotland.
🧑🏫 Secondary School Teachers needed for interview in PhD study - 'I'm a University of Edinburgh PhD student investigating the way AI is impacting teacher identity in Scotland. If you are a secondary school teacher (of any subject!) I would love to hear your thoughts on how AI is (or isn't) impacting your job.' - More details here, shared by Cam Starbuck.
🥋 Summer Sessions Start at Edinburgh City Jiu Jitsu Club - 'Edinburgh City Jiu Jitsu, a volunteer led non-profit community club, are running training sessions at Morningside and St Leonard’s over the summer. People from all backgrounds and experience are encouraged to give it a try. FREE TRIAL SESSION' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🌿 Wild Lines | Nature open mic night - 'Call for poets and storytellers! Come and share your nature writing and storytelling at Tribe Porty on the 26th of June at 18:30. No experience needed. Please fill in the Google Form in the Eventbrite description and we will get back to you! (Deadline: 25 Jun)' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
💬 Online Zoom Forum: John Macmurray: The Spiritual, Ethical, Social Vision on His Life and Work - 'There will be five talks, each of 12 minutes, followed by discussion among the speakers and the chair, followed by Q & A. Date: Wednesday 24 June 2026. Time: 7pm-9pm (UK time).' - More details here, shared by Neill Walker, Edinburgh International Centre for Spirituality and Peace.
🏳️🌈 Pride Month screening: "Being Maria" + Q&A
Tomorrow, Wed 24 June - 'Experience "Being Maria", Jessica Palud's sensitive portrait of Maria Schneider, star of the 1972 cult classic "Last Tango in Paris". After the screening, stay for a discussion with intimacy director Rebecca Mahar and theatre-maker and artist Debi!'
6pm to 8pm | French Institute of Scotland, EH1 1RN - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎬 George Eastman Tribute Night
Tomorrow, Wed 24 June - 'EZC are screening two cult classic VHS era Italian action movies in honour of George Eastman, 2019: After The Fall Of New York (1983) + Absurd (1981), great films...especially for those interested in seeing a killer cyborg that resembles Father Ted'
7pm to 10.30pm | The Banshee Labyrinth, EH1 1LG | FREE - More details here, shared by Pat McGarvey, Edinburgh Zombie Club.
🎭 Democracy Experiments - free street theatre - drop in
Thu 25 June - 'Our crack team of scientists will be descending on LW to discover what Local Democracy means to you. They have spent years (ehem) devising VERY scientific experiments! This is NOT a consultation - it's much more meaningful than that - we really care!'
11.30am to 12.30pm | Leith Walk Police Box pop ups, EH7 4LT | FREE - More details here, shared by Monty, Leith walk polisbox pop ups.
🎬 Cinetopia Film Networking Night - June
Thu 25 June - 'Join us for our June film networking night, in the Blackbird Bar beer garden! 🙌 Connect with fellow film industry folks over informal drinks and chats, whether you're a seasoned pro, or just starting out in the industry and keen to learn more!'
7pm to 10pm | The Blackbird, EH3 9LH | FREE - More details here, shared by Cinetopia.
💪 Everyday Strong at Edinburgh Strength Collective - Fitness Classes for All! [Every Friday]
Fri 26 June - 'A weekly strength class for everyone, regardless of age,gender or ability. No previous training experience required. Each session comprises a 30 min lifting tutorial followed by a 30 min strength circuit to raise your general fitness. All welcome!'
5.30pm to 6.30pm | Edinburgh Strength Collective, EH7 6AE | £7 - More details here, shared by David, Edinburgh Strength Collective.
🧘♀️ The Big Yin: yoga for exhaustion
Fri 26 June - 'Is your summer too go-go-go? Take 90 minutes for yourself on Friday 26 June to relax and unwind with this restorative yin yoga class from 6:30-8pm.'
6.30pm to 8pm | The Salisbury Centre, EH16 5AB | £13 code ‘Ediminute’ - More details here, shared by Hannah Simpson.
😀 BEDRÜM: FREE Techno & Acid House Summer Party
Fri 26 June - 'BEDRÜM - Leith's occasional techno and acid house party is back for its summer party. Live sets from Josef Baum and State.Of.It, Euan McKenzie on the wheels of steel. Free entry, all welcome. Come and join us for a night of banging home-grown tunes!'
7.30pm to 1am | Leith Depot, EH6 5DT | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🌼 Wild Fungarium - The Apothecary by the Sea with Victoria Bennett - 'Join us as we welcome the wonderful Victoria Bennett to discuss her stunning new book 'The Apothecary by the Sea' which combines nature writing, folklore, memoir, botanical wisdom and practical gardening insight. 7pm, Saturday 27th June.' - More details here, shared by Wild Fungarium.
🤝 The Future of Co-ops in Scotland Gathering
Sat 27 June - 'A full day of workshops and talks on co-ops of all shapes and sizes. An opportunity to learn more about the movement and the democratic economy. Free to attend and all welcome. Plus a free finance training and community meal on the Friday.'
10am to 11pm | Edinburgh Student Housing Co-operative, EH10 4HR | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🗣️ Rise Up Edinburgh! Fundraiser walking tour for Freedom from Torture
Sat 27 June - 'Unique guided walk telling of the city's history of social change. All proceeds to Freedom from Torture.'
11am to 1pm | Edinburgh Futures Institute, EH3 9EF | £20 - More details here, shared by Caroline Mathison.
🎨 Creative Walks (for tenderhearted humans)
Sat 27 June - '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 | Pay what you can - More details here, shared by Sophie.
☀️ Bridgend Farmhouse Summer Party
Sat 27 June - 'Fun in the (hopefullly! ) sun at our annual summer party. Free entry, face painting, games, stalls, food, crafts and more!'
11am to 3pm | Bridgend Farmhouse Cafe, EH16 4TE | FREE - More details here, shared by Bridgend Farmhouse.
🧵 Edinburgh Street Stitchers at Climate Festival
Sat 27 June - 'Bring a garment that you want to learn how to mend. We will have volunteers available to provide advice to help you to create a long lasting repair. There will be needles, threads, pins, scissors, fabric scraps for patching or learning stitches.'
12pm to 7pm | The Meadows, EH9 1ND | FREE - More details here, shared by Sarah Gledhill, Edinburgh Street Stitchers.
🏳️🌈 Charity Game Jam: Pride Edition
Sat 27 June - 'Come make a game this Saturday and support LBGT+ charities! We're hosting a game jam to raise funds this Pride month for a couple queer centered charities. All are welcome, whether you're an experience game designer or you've never made one before!'
12pm to 5pm | Ancient Robot Workshop, EH6 5DT - More details here, shared by Ancient Robot Workshop.
🥾 Walk Granton Harbour, Gateway to the World
Sat 27 June - 'Walking together around Granton Square and Granton Harbour - history, nature and art. All adults welcome (+ dogs & kids). Accessible and inclusive.'
2pm to 4pm | Claverhouse Training Centre, EH5 1HA | Free/donation - More details here, shared by Tamsin Grainger.
🍵 Afternoon Tea Party at the Heart
Sat 27 June - 'Join us for a lovely afternoon filled with delightful conversations, music, tea, fizz, and a delicious selection of sweet & savoury treats!'
2pm to 4pm | The Heart of Newhaven Community, EH6 4HY | 15 + fees - More details here, shared by Roger, Heart of Newhaven Community.
🎶 High Teas on the High Seas: The Loveboat Big Band with Soundhouse Choir
Sat 27 June - 'The Loveboat Big Band delivers the classiest musical cocktail of pop and jazz classics with a swinging makeover, coming together with Soundhouse Choir and DJ Dolphin Boy to raise funds for MAP (Medical Aid for Palestinians). STARTS 5PM WITH CAKE!'
5pm to 9pm | Summerhall, EH9 1PL | £30/£20/£10 U16 - More details here, shared by Soundhouse Choir.
☀️ Summer Reset Open Day
Sun 28 June - 'Pilates Project's Summer Reset Open Day! Explore our new reformer Pilates studio, meet the team, enjoy refreshments, goodie bags and a Matcha Sando pop-up. Free entry with exclusive offers. Sunday 28 June, 12-3pm.'
12pm to 3pm | Perform Health Co, EH10 4ER | FREE - More details here, shared by Lisa Ogilvie, Pilates Project.
🎶 TFEH presents: NOISY WOMEN : MAGGIE NICOLS, FARADENA AFIFI, YASUKO KANEKO, MAUREEN WOLLOSHIN & MORE!
Sun 28 June - 'Tfeh hosts a cavalcade of women & non-binary artists playing experimental music & non-idiomatic improv as we hand over the keys to The Giant Tank Institute For Low-Brow Avant Thought, for one night only, to NOISY WOMEN!!!'
8pm to 11pm | Fruitmarket, EH1 1DF | £10 adv / £12 otd - More details here, shared by Ali Robertson, Giant Tank / Tfeh.
🌲 The Full Still, Forest Bathing at The Hermitage of The Braids, Edinburgh [Monthly]
Tue 30 June - 'Two hours walking slowly in trees, the Japanese call it Shinrin Yoku. It's proven to reduce stress,increase creativity, improve immunity, aid recovery from illness & reduce blood pressure. No tech, no phones, just you and the trees. Free tea & scone.'
10am to 12pm | The Lodge Coffee House., EH10 6JF | £40 - More details here, shared by Rebecca Bonnington, Still Forest Bathing Scotland.
🗣️ Wester Hailes Community Council Info Session
Tue 30 June - 'The City of Edinburgh Council and Wester Hailes Community Trust are hosting an information session so you can find out how to make a difference in your local area by joining a community council. To sign up email communityengagement@edinburgh.gov.uk'
6.30pm to 7.30pm | Wester Hailes Library, EH14 2ST | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎶 Afternoon Delight: Summer Shenanigans
Sun 05 July - 'Join us for another gorgeous afternoon of independent alternative Scottish live music from: SHEBEAT (solo) FRANKIE MORROW (solo) SHEARS THE NEW ROUTINES Don't be late and enjoy live music in Leith Doors 3.30pm Music starts 3.45pm All done by 6.30pm'
3.30pm to 6.30pm | Leith Depot, EH6 5DT | £15 - More details here, shared by Jodie SheBeat, SheBeat.
📮 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:
- 🐋 Orcas spotted in the Forth.
- 🚨 Car hits railings outside Mansfield Traquair.
- 🪧 Small gathering of 'white lives matter' racists.
- 🚨 CCTV shows moments before 'anti-Muslim' attacks.
- 🏳️🌈 Thousands march at Edinburgh Pride.
- 📣 'Reclaim our streets' demo planned in Leith on Saturday.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 934.
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