The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Tuesday 28 April 2026
Uni marking boycott on Friday, five arrested over Easter Road disorder, Marchmont church for sale + Cher Lloyd headlining Pride
🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. A busy one! Thanks to the many of you who have contributed to Tuesday's Edinburgh Minute.
🎓 University and College Union members at the University of Edinburgh will start their marking and assessment boycott on Friday. The union says the walk-out is part of a dispute about '£140 million cuts, up to 1,800 job cuts, hidden redundancies and the lack of meaningful consultation.' - The UCU published this statement.
"No-one wants to take part in a marking boycott but we've been forced into this by the inaction and unwillingness of management to resolve this dispute. Edinburgh university, a charity, is one of the richest universities in the UK. No charity should be sitting on savings of billions while cutting the staff who deliver their core purpose; in Edinburgh's case conducting world leading research and teaching students." - Edinburgh UCU branch president, Sophia Woodman.
- ⮑ In response, uni principal Sir Peter Mathieson said the marking boycott was 'completely unjustifiable'. - Kitty Messer, The Edinburgh Tab.
"UCUE representatives may say that they want constructive engagement, however this decision and timing suggests otherwise. Students will understandably have very real concerns about the disruption this boycott will cause, given that for some this may impact receiving awards or outcomes on progression. We will take all practical steps to keep exams and coursework submissions on track to support our students’ ability to progress and graduate." - UoE principal Sir Peter Mathieson.
- ⮑ There are fears that pay could be withheld from striking staff 'because they will be in breach of their terms of employment', reports Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco in The Herald.
- ⮑ Some students shared their opinions on the 'staff against students' debate in this BBC Scotland News report, which sadly did not have a journalist's byline. [The Minute always cites reporters' names when attributing their work as sources.]
⛪️ The Catholic Church's Edinburgh headquarters is to be put up for sale after more than three decades of use. Reporting on the future of 100 Strathearn Road in Marchmont, Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco in The Herald.
🎭 City councillors have approved later festival trading hours for some city venues. - Local Democracy Reporter Joseph Sullivan, Edinburgh Live.
- Meanwhile Southside Community Council has submitted a formal objection to the Pleasance Courtyard's planning application for an extended three-year licence. The group is holding a Neighbour Information Session about the venue's operations this year on 6 May at the Cabaret Bar at The Pleasance. - More details from the SCC here + background on the noise complaints in Jane Bradley's report for The Scotsman earlier this month.
⚽️ Police arrested five people during disorder on Easter Road following the derby between Hibs and Hearts on Sunday afternoon. - Cara Blackhall, Edinburgh Live.
- Local councillor Jack Caldwell he'll write to the SPFL 'demanding answers for some of the shocking scenes including flares in the middle of Easter Road and amount of broken glass left behind by a minority of folk,' adding: "No-one deserves that on their doorstep or have that book-ending an important derby." - Heather Carrick, Evening News.
- ⮑ 'Will doubters believe in Hearts' title chances now?' - Tom English, BBC Scotland Sport.
- ⮑ 'Hibs fans get chance to play football on the hallowed turf at Easter Road' - John Hislop, in The Edinburgh Reporter.
- ⮑ 'A cavalcade of the fretful. Many wore the expressions of pallbearers. What weighed on their shoulders were not coffins but something worse: the very real possibility of Hearts winning the league.' - Daniel Gray's Slow Match Report for Nutmeg magazine.
Daniel Gray
🚉 Last Thursday around 170 people attended the latest meeting about the possibility of reopening the ‘South Sub’ train line to tram-trains. - More details from Liam Eunson, Midlothian View.
🚲 Having been diagnosed with stage-four cancer in 2023, and told that he had four years to live, Edinburgh's Olympic gold medal cyclist Sir Chris Hoy says he is trying to 'hang in there' and has hope in new medicines. - Christopher Sharp, Mirror.
🏳️🌈 Former X Factor star Cher Lloyd has been announced at this year's headline act at Pride Edinburgh on 20 June. - More details on the free event's website.
🎙️ Screen stars turned podcasters Graham Norton and Maria McErlane will bring their Wanging On podcast to the Fringe as a live stage show at the newly refurbished King's Theatre on 7 August. - Tickets go on sale at 11am on Wednesday on the Gilded Balloon website.
🛍️ The St James Quarter shopping centre, formerly the St James Centre, appears to be pushing ahead with its next rebrand ('Westfield St James Quarter') after last year's takeover. - Harry Williams, City-Scope.
Harry Willliams
📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard
⮑ Please get in touch using this form. < It’s the only way to get something featured in the newsletter.
🔍️ Got a Word-Loving Toddler? We Want to Meet Them! - 'Does your child love new words? 🌟 We're studying how children aged 17–19 months learn language. Join our short, fun lab study at Edinburgh Uni (Bristo Square) — and receive a £10 voucher for taking part! Please fill our our form to express interest.' - More details here, shared by Annie Holtz, University of Edinburgh.
🚗 Taking action on big cars in our city - last chance to support - 'SUVs are taking over our streets, reducing space, increasing risk and changing how our cities feel. We’re working to tackle this - and every donation is doubled. Every little helps. Please support our match-funded campaign by 12pm today!' - More details here, shared by Transform Scotland.
🏢 Co Working Club with SWURF
Today, Tue 28 April - 'Tired of the home office grind but not ready for the daily commute? Say goodbye to crowded coffee shops and the endless search for a quiet Zoom spot. We've got the solution: Welcome to Co-Work Club @ YOTEL Hotel, Edinburgh.'
11am to 4pm | YOTEL Edinburgh, EH2 4NA | 10 - More details here, shared by SWURF.
📚 Spyglass Books Pop-Up [Daily]
Today, Tue 28 April - 'A bookshop for children's and illustrated books will be popping up at Shop With No Name, on 28 Apr - 2 May, 11am-5pm, also featuring Ditto stationery. Spyglass Books will open at a permanent location on Leith Walk later this year.'
11am to 5pm | Shop With No Name, EH1 3RX | FREE - More details here, shared by Anna, Spyglass Books.
🚣♂️ Lifeboats, small boats, and the power of community
Today, Tue 28 April - 'For this special double-feature event, we are thrilled to welcome both Dominic Gregory and David Gange for a discussion of their respective books 'Lifeboat at the End of the World' and 'Afloat' with fellow author Rebecca Smith.'
7pm to 8pm | The Portobello Bookshop, EH15 1DA - More details here, shared by The Portobello Bookshop.
🧠 A Fun Language Game for Children Aged 4-12 (University of Edinburgh) [Daily]
Today, Tue 28 April - 'We're looking for 4-12-year-old children to play a short laptop game learning new alien words - the whole session takes about 15 minutes, at a time that suits you, and children receive a small gift!'
10am to 5pm | Dugald Stewart Building, EH8 9AD | FREE - More details here, shared by The University of Edinburgh.
📚 Translator Event: Bryan Karetnyk in conversation with Sarah Gear about "Happiness" by Yuri Felsen
Thu 30 April - 'Translator Bryan Karetnyk in conversation at Golden Hare Books: join us for this in-person event for what promises to be a fascinating discussion about language, translation, and the work of Yuri Felsen, one of the leading writers of his generation.'
6.30pm to 7.30pm | Golden Hare Books, EH3 5AQ | £6 - More details here, shared by Golden Hare Books.
🎶 Edinburgh Telephone Choir Musical Variety Show - 'Peace and Harmony'
Thu 30 April - 'The Edinburgh Telephone Choir, joined by KS Dance Academy and the Broxburn and Livingston Band, is excited to perform their annual variety show at the Church Hill Theatre 30 April & 1 May 7.30pm; 2 May 2.30pm. An event sure to entertain!'
7.30pm to 9.30pm | Church Hill Theatre, EH10 4DR - More details here, shared by Edin Telephone Choir.
🌊 Selkie: Past, Present and Future at Porty Festival 2026
Sat 02 May - 'SeaVoice Magazine brings Niall Moorjani and Ailsa Dixon's lyrical blend of live music, Orcadian folk song, and stories of queered selkies to explore belonging, memory, and the trans experience in Scotland's past, present, and future.'
12.30pm to 1.30pm | Portobello Town Hall, EH15 1AF | £12 - More details here, shared by Annie, SeaVoice.
🎉 Escape To Asia - ESEA x SI-FAN Networking Event
Sat 02 May - 'SI-FAN & ESEA Creatives Scotland are proud to come together to celebrate Asian filmmaking talent with some pre-drink gathering at Filmhouse. Come meet filmmakers and creatives before the back to back screenings of Asian Panorama and A Useful Ghost.'
4.30pm to 6pm | Filmhouse, EH3 9BZ | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
❤️🩹 What do you think about the use of Artificial Intelligence in health care?
Tue 05 May - 'Your thoughts about use of artificial intelligence (particularly machine learning) will help shape how we develop new technology in health care. £25 voucher as a thank you for attending. No experience of computers necessary.'
10am to 12pm | Bridgend Farmhouse Cafe, EH16 4TE | FREE - More details here, shared by Amy Ferry, University of Edinburgh.
🌟 Show Up & Stand Out The story behind the scroll - and what it really takes to show up with Marti Je
Thu 07 May - 'Every scroll hides a story. At this networking event, Marti shares her journey, navigating visibility, doubt, & growth while showing up authentically. Gain real insight, practical tips, & connection. Come for networking, stay for the story.'
7pm to 9pm | Leith Makers, EH6 8NP | 16 - More details here, shared by Support The Makers.
🎶 EHFM Record Fair
Sat 09 May - 'EHFM community radio is putting on a record fair! 8 record collectors and radio show hosts from the station will be selling records across all genres, from sought after rarities to bargain bangers! Live Djs on the day playing records you can buy.'
12pm to 5pm | Leith Depot, EH6 5DT | FREE - More details here, shared by Paddy Dixon, EHFM.
🌐 The High North, Scotland and Europe's Arctic Frontier
Sat 09 May - 'What happens in the Arctic region has now become a focus of major international interest, the region is now the subject of security and geopolitical interest for a wide range of states.'
2pm to 4pm | French Institute of Scotland, EH1 1RN | £6 - More details here, shared by Scottish Council on Global Affairs.
🌿 Ladderfest
Sat 09 May - 'BYOL (bring your own ladder) to the Meadows! It's a time to celebrate climbing ladders of all heights and shapes with all your friends. Just rock up to experience all the good vibes and meet the wonderful ladder community.'
3pm to 6pm | The Meadows, EH9 1ND | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎨 Polymer Clay Jewellery Workshop
Sun 10 May - 'Beginner polymer clay jewellery workshop: come along for a fun and cosy afternoon where you'll get to take home three finished pieces of jewellery and the skills to start making your own jewellery right away! Just off the Canongate.'
1.30pm to 4.30pm | The Crannie Community Hub, EH8 8BE | £50 - More details here, shared by Ruth Appleby, Mud & Marsh Jewellery Design.
🌱 Would You Like to Know How to Grow Your Own Food?
Mon 11 May - 'Join the beginners' course starting 11 May at Lauriston Farm: 6 lessons over 6 weeks to cover everything you need to get you growing. Spaces on morning course (evening nearly full). Book on Ticket Tailor, choose your price from the sliding scale.'
10am to 12pm | Lauriston Agroecology Farm, EH4 5EX - More details here, shared by Kate MacDougall, Edinburgh Agroecology Co-op.
🎻 Historical Dance Classes [Weekly]
Tue 12 May - '5 Regency Dance Classes 12 and 26 May. 9, 23 and 30 June. Leading up to a Costumed Ball on July 4 th in the grandeur of beautiful Dalkeith Palace.'
7pm to 9pm | French Institute of Scotland, EH1 1RN | £60/55 for 5 classes - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Quadrille Society.
🎤 Open Mic Fundraiser for Lebanon
Thu 21 May - 'Join us on May 21st at Paradise Palms for an Open-Mic and Raffle to raise funds in support of relief efforts in Beirut. We are looking forward to an evening of music, art, and solidarity for Lebanon!'
8pm to 12am | Paradise Palms, EH1 1HB | £5-20 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
📮 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:
- ⚽️ 'Easter Road left in sorry state after Hibs derby defeat'.
- 🗳️ 'Angus Robertson moved out of Edinburgh constituency ahead of tough fight to keep seat'.
- 👋 Heriot Watt University robotics boss quits on LinkedIn.
- 🚄 Flying Scotsman's early London departure to return.
- ⚠️ Falling masonry on Morningside Road.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 899.
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📲 Visits generated for local news sources: 2,500,000+.
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