The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Tuesday 25 August 2026
'Outrage' over bid to scrap trams to Granton, Boroughmuir pupils could be sent to Tynecastle High, MSP to give Leith 'more time' + Princes Street 'on schedule' to reopen on Monday
🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. What an honour it was to meet some of you at the Book Festival event yesterday morning. Honestly such a joy. It's spurred me on to find a way to invite more Minute readers to get together somehow. You're a brilliant bunch and meeting in real life always lifts the spirits, so we must do it again some time soon. That's for another day. Here’s Tuesday's Edinburgh Minute.
🌦️ This morning's rain should clear by 11am. Cloudy and 18C today, warmer and sunnier tomorrow, up to 22C. - The full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh is here.
🚧 Princes Street is due to reopen to traffic by next Monday, council leader Jane Meagher says. “It will depend on the wind, but we've looked at the weather forecast and there's none," she added. - Exclusive by Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco in The Herald.
🚉 Lots of reaction to yesterday's news that the tramline extension to Granton could be scrapped. Former council leader Cammy Day has said it would be 'outrageous' if trams didn't make it to his Forth ward, while the Capital Rail Action Group said it would be a 'real pity'. - Ian Swanson, Evening News.
- The 'Save Roseburn Path' campaign said it wouldn't comment on speculation until a decision is made. Councillors are due to discuss it at next month's Transport and Environment Committee.
🏫 Pupils at Boroughmuir High School could be sent to Tynecastle High School for some classes to reduce overcrowding. Councillors will discuss the proposal at next Tuesday's Education, Children and Families Committee. The council report is here (PDF) and there's coverage from Rachel Fergusson in the Evening News here.
🎭 The Fringe is to get £8,625 from the city’s new tourist tax, despite generating an estimated £6 million towards the fund. - Brian Ferguson, The Herald.
Brian Ferguson
🗳️ Leith MSP Ben Macpherson has vowed to give his local constituency of Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith 'more time and scope' after announcing his resignation from his additional Ministerial role on the Scottish Government yesterday. - He posted a statement here, and First Minister John Swinney's response is here. There's more coverage in the Spurtle.
🎭 'Transphobia and racism have become a theme of this year's Fringe', writes The Scotsman's Arts and culture correspondent Jane Bradley.
🚲 The operators of Edinburgh's Voi hire bikes have warned only one person should use each bike at a time, after videos emerged online of some riders doubling up together on single bikes. - Chloe Goodall, Edinburgh Live.
🌊 A candidate in the Portobello/Craigmillar by-election says she is 'terrified to go in the water' due to water contamination concerns. - Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco, The Herald.
🎵 Organisers of this year's first Heather on the Hill family festival at Ingliston are planning for its return next year after 'absolutely phenomenal' feedback. - Lee Dalgetty, Edinburgh Live.
- "If Heather on the Hill was a footballer it would be John McGinn, the Scottish schoolkid’s favourite joker but also delivering on the field." - David Pollock reviews in The Scotsman.
✈️ Another Military Tattoo aircraft flypast is scheduled for 9.30pm tonight, and on Friday at 9.30pm. - More details from Jessica Martin in the Evening News.
🌳 People living within a 10-minute walk of an upgraded woodland can be 10% less likely to be prescribed antidepressants, a new University of Edinburgh study has found. - Ryan Nixon, Deadline News.
🌍 Not strictly local but of interest to many: a free online screening of the 45-minute National Emergency Briefing film begins today at 1.30pm, followed by a conversation on how organisations can host their own internal workplace screenings. The film aims to help people engage constructively with the climate and nature crisis. - More details here.
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🎶 Cantate Domino
Today, Tue 25 August - 'This concert provides a glimpse of the sumptuous music of Scotland's churches in the 1550s. At the heart of the programme is the fragmentary Missa Cantate domino which has been newly reconstructed by Dr Paul Newton-Jackson.'
7.30pm to 9pm | Old Saint Paul's Scottish Episcopal Church · Old Town | £12, concessions £8 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🏢 Co-Work Club by SWURF @ The Hoxton.
Today, Tue 25 August - 'In person coworking day at The Hoxton Hotel, Edinburgh. No pressure networking. Fast wifi, reserved seating, barista coffee and pastries included.'
11am to 4pm | The Hoxton · Haymarket & Dalry | £10 - More details here, shared by Nikki Gibson, SWURF.
🧘♀️ Yoga classes in South Edinburgh- starting up! - ''Yoga with Veronica' is launching classes in South Edinburgh, after a summer break. Choose from Vinyasa Flow, Beginners, or Gentle Yoga! There's also the option of booking private sessions. Classes are welcoming and friendly. Easy online booking.' - More details here, shared by Veronica Lussier, Yoga with Veronica.
🎤 Online Zoom Forum: Jean Gebser: The Spiritual and Artistic Vision and Influence in His Life and Work - 'There will be five talks, each of 15 minutes, followed by discussion among the speakers and the chair, followed by Q & A. Date: Wednesday 2 September 2026. Time: 7pm-9pm (UK time).' - More details here, shared by Neill Walker, Edinburgh International Centre for Spirituality and Peace.
🎲 The RPG One-Shot Club
Tomorrow, Wed 26 August - '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.
🗣️ The Festival of Politics [Until Fri]
Thursday 27 August - 'Join us at Holyrood for engaging discussions, lively debate and thought-provoking panels with expert speakers and inspiring voices debating the issues shaping Scotland - from AI, climate change and the manosphere to poverty, housing and free speech.'
9.30am to 8pm | Scottish Parliament Building · Old Town | £5-£10 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎶 Old Town Rhythms - Music Day!
Thursday 27 August - 'If you've been avoiding the festival but still want to get involved, this is for you! A songwriting workshop where we will collaborate on a song, karaoke lunch, and try-out-an-instrument session! Come for one or stay all day - join the fun!'
10.30am to 4pm | The Crannie Community Hub · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Rowena, Edinburgh Old Town Development Trust.
🖼 Vincent Van Gogh Lookalike Contest
Thursday 27 August - '600,000 gingers in Scotland. One champion. Bring your red hair and artist heart to Wings and help find the doppelgänger for the greatest painter of all time. Contestants of all ages, genders, and Van Gogh eras welcome.'
3pm to 4.30pm | Wings · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Duces Wild.
🎭 CAVE R&D Showing
Fri 28 August - 'CAVE is an XR Network+ funded research project exploring immersive audio in live hybrid performance. As we close this project, we invite you to join us online, 28 August 3-4pm, for a showing of 'E+N', a new physical/visual glitch, by Sita Pieraccini.'
3pm to 4pm | Online · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Louis McHugh and Emma Dorfman, the University of Edinburgh.
🎶 Pilgrim: A concert of new works at Edinburgh College of Art
Fri 28 August - 'Join us at 5pm on Friday 28 August for PILGRIM - a concert of new works at Edinburgh College of Art - and a collaboration between doctoral researchers and Sequoia, the University of Edinburgh's Ensemble in Residence. Free and open to all.'
5pm to 6pm | Edinburgh College of Art · Tollcross | FREE - More details here, shared by University of Edinburgh.
🛍️ Edinburgh Flea Market [Monthly]
Sat 29 August - 'Calling all vintage shoppers! Browse 50 stalls packed with pre-loved clothes, jewellery, antiques, books, games and other collectibles. Plus enjoy tea, coffee and hot and cold snacks from the Drill Hall Cafe.'
10am to 3pm | The Out of the Blue Drill Hall · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust.
🧤 Nasty, dirty fun at Marine Esplanade - come join us (please)!
Sat 29 August - 'We're determined to clean up Marine Esplanade! We're hoping staff from Forth Ports, which owns the land, will join us. Kit provided, dogs welcome, a coffee at The Finch after! We need all hands on deck, so do pop along! (location: steer.shaky.pilots)'
11am to 1pm | The Marine Esplanade · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Trash Club (who are on Instagram here).
🚲 Come and try a Cargo Bike! with Banzai Bikes & ELREC Cycling Club - free!
Sat 29 August - 'Cargo bikes are great for family transport, shopping, moving things or just having a fun day out. Come see and try a range of bikes and trikes in our safe, off-road playground. We'll have a smoothie bike, Dr Bike, refreshments and more. All welcome!'
1pm to 4pm | Networking Key Services Ltd. (NKS) Nursery · Bruntsfield | FREE - More details here, shared by Banzai Bikes & ELREC Cycling Club.
🎲 Rule Roulette - Game Jam
Sat 29 August - 'Come design your own board game! Each team gets 2 random rules and 3 hours to create a game around them. After, we'll try each other's games. No experience required. Kitchen area with refreshments for breaks. Wheelchair access via a lift and ramp.'
2pm to 7pm | Ancient Robot Workshop · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🚴♂️ Summer picnic bike ride from Porty prom to Bridgend Farmhouse
Sun 30 August - 'Join us this Sunday for a bike ride from our Porty bike library to Bridgend Farmhouse with free lunch and a free tour provided. Hire an e-bike or a cargo bike for your family if you need. Safe off road route and good company!'
11am to 3pm | Porty Active Travel Hub · Portobello | FREE - More details here, shared by Porty Community Energy.
🍷 Hedonistic Brunch
Sun 30 August - 'Wine lovers, your Sunday plans are sorted with our monthly Hedonistic Brunch. On August 30th, enjoy unlimited trips to our French-inspired brunch station, two glasses of Minuty Provence Rosé and freshly made crêpes from our live station.'
11.30am to 2pm | The Hoxton · Haymarket & Dalry | £45 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎉 Collective Gala
Sat 05 September - 'Collective Gallery's Gala on the top of Calton Hill is back for a third year! Come along for free tours of the City Observatory's heritage telescope, stalls from local makers, a performance from Edinburgh-based artist Debjani Banerjee, and much more'
11am to 4.30pm | Collective · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
✒️ Japanese Calligraphy Workshop - Natsumatsuri (summer festival) with Sushiya
Sat 05 September - 'Celebrate the summer festival in Japan while learning to write calligraphy and draw the Japanese summer festival lanterns. Enjoy a special lunch course with two iconic festival food - stir-fried noodles and edamame along with a drink at Sushiya!'
12pm to 2pm | Sushiya 寿し也 · Haymarket & Dalry | £42 - More details here, shared by Wayfarer Shodo Edinburgh.
🎥 The Ballad of Suzanne Césaire screening at Argonaut Books
Sat 05 September - 'Join Leith Kino at Argonaut Books as we screen this captivating 'post-biopic', exploring the elusive life of revolutionary Martinican anti-colonial writer, Suzanne Césaire.'
7pm to 9pm | Argonaut Books · Leith | £6, limited free tix - More details here, shared by Leith Kino.
🌸 The Cycle to Success - Bloom Scotland Panel 2026
Thursday 10 September - 'The Cycle to Success, sponsored by JCDecaux and Republic of Media, will bring together voices from communications, women's health and fitness to explore how understanding the female hormone cycle can help women thrive.'
10am to 12pm | YOTEL Edinburgh · New Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Claire Mathieson, Bloom Scotland (on LinkedIn here).
🏡 Planning a Home Renovation in Edinburgh? Ask the Experts
Thursday 10 September - 'Planning a home renovation? Join Edinburgh experts for an evening of honest advice on budgets, design, timelines, choosing the right team and avoiding costly mistakes. Live Q&A, drinks & canapés. 10 Sept, The Caledonian. Tickets £16'
6pm to 8pm | The Caledonian Edinburgh · West End | £16 - More details here, shared by Sarah Maguire, Raison Home Edinburgh.
📮 What's missing from the Minute? Got an event to share? Nothing's too local! Please share your local news and events here. Remember you can always see all 240 upcoming local events on TownSpot calendars and maps. Thanks to everyone who shares their things.
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 🌊 Person spotted swimming in the Water of Leith at the Shore.
- 🚨 Arrest as two are hospitalised by Morningside lamppost 'substance'.
- 🎭 Fringe: All the five-star reviews so far (from reliable sources).
- 🏫 'Is VAT threatening the dominance of Edinburgh's private schools?'
- 💰 MSPs could avoid 300% tax hike on second homes.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 982.
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