The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Tuesday 29 September 2026
Uni boss claims students are being 'weaponised', North Bridge overnight closures, decision on hotel plan for former Scottish Widows HQ + new saunas for South Queensferry
👋 Good morning Edinburgh. Lots to cover this morning! Here’s Tuesday's Edinburgh Minute.
🌦️ Today's weather forecast: A chillier start at 8C just now, rising to 17C by 3pm. Dry and sunny this morning with cloud later but staying dry. Rain tomorrow morning. - The full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh is here.
🌅 Sunrise: 7.12am. Sunset: 6.53pm.
🎓 Lecturers and other University of Edinburgh staff were joined by students on the picket line yesterday as they began five weeks of strike action. - Some were interviewed in this report by Jack Davies & Lucy McCulloch in the Evening News. There are more interviews with staff and students in Cameron Buttle's report for BBC Scotland News.
⮑ "The very last thing staff want to be doing at the start of term is standing on a picket line," said Cecile Menard, University College Union Edinburgh branch co-president. "Senior management can stop this strike today by acting on what our members are asking for: prioritise cuts to non-staff budgets and stop the redundancies that are decimating our university, while leaving those who remain with an unmanageable workload and exhaustion".
⮑ University principal Peter Mathieson appeared on BBC Radio Scotland's breakfast show yesterday morning. He accused the union of 'weaponising' students and insisted: "We are reducing the number of courses but we are not stopping subjects or closing things down. We're taking steps that we believe are in the best interests of the university right now but also into the future."
⮑ Asked about students' education being disrupted by strikes, Mathieson said: "I have enormous sympathy with our students and it really irritates me that these students have been weaponised by UCU. And UCU know they are targeting students. Of course they say they think that students are on their side because, you know, I was student once, we were all anti-establishment, of course you're going to blame the establishment. But the fact is that the situation in the university is not sustainable. We have to do something about it, otherwise future generations of students, whether Scottish or English or international, won't benefit if the university's not in a financially resilient and sustainable state. The students mustn't be punished being caught in the crossfire of a battle that is not of their making. That applies to their education, their expenditure and their visas. We are doing everything we can to protect them from the impact of UCU's actions."
⮑ Asked whether the university was 'getting richer and richer', he responded: "No, we're not. We're surviving but we're not able to invest in the future in the way that we need. We're getting-by because we're cost cutting. The government is not going to come to our rescue, therefore the future is in our own hands."
⮑ Asked if 2,000 members of staff could lose their jobs, he said: "We've never published a figure for the number of jobs. We've already reduced our staff base using voluntary severance by 500 posts. We need to reduce further. Our commitment is to try to avoid compulsory redundancies and to always give anybody who's at risk of a redundancy a voluntary option. UCU know that. They say we need to return to the negotiating table but I met with them last Monday. They know our position but they don't seem to understand the simple question of affordability."
⮑ On whether the uni is in financial deficit, Mathieson said: "It's correct that the university is not in deficit, because it's been responsibly led for the past three years where we've actually made reductions in our expenditure. But we're living beyond our means, our income is not keeping up with our expenditure."
⮑ The first segment about the UoE cuts begins 50 mins into the show at this link, featuring union members, while the Mathieson segment is from 1hr 51mins at the same link.
🏨 New plans for a 385-bedroom hotel in the A-listed empty former Scottish Widows office next to the Commonwealth Pool look are recommended for approval at tomorrow's council planning meeting. - The council report on developer Vita Group's plan is here.
🏗️ North Bridge will be closed to northbound vehicles for crane work between 10pm and 6am every night until Thursday morning. - Lothian Buses shared diversion details here.
🚔 After more than seven months of investigations, a 79-year-old man has been charged by police in connection with a fatal crash in Corstorphine Tesco Extra car park on 18 February. - Police Scotland.
🏉 Tributes are being paid for former Edinburgh Rugby player Ally Donaldson, who has died aged 60. He was described as 'a giant of the game in the capital' by his former club. - Lee Dalgetty, Edinburgh Live.
🎭 The Scottish Government is to host a summit on the future of Edinburgh’s festivals, after Leith MSP Ben Macpherson warned it was 'not a given' that performers would keep coming to the city. - Brian Ferguson, The Herald.
Brian Ferguson
🏰 'Exclusive: Historic Environment Scotland director at centre of Edinburgh Castle 'bottomless brunch' resigns' - Catriona Stewart, The Scotsman.
🗳️ Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is to run a new leadership masterclass for women in business and politics in Edinburgh next year. - Rose Moncur, The Herald.
🎵 The Red Hot Chilli Pipers (not Peppers) say they are 'extremely disappointed' their concert planned for Sunday at the Royal Highland Centre has been cancelled by the promoter. Refunds are also being sent to people with tickets for this Friday's Ministry of Sound: Classical event. The venue said promoters were 'unable to meet the contractual conditions required.' - Rachel Fergusson, Evening News.
🧖🏻♀️ Two new waterfront saunas are planned at South Queensferry's Port Edgar Marina. - Urban Realm has the details.
Urban Realm
📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard
⮑ Please get in touch using this form. It’s the only way to get something featured in the newsletter.
🏠 Help Edinburgh Community Sponsorship Homes create community solutions to Edinburgh's Housing Crisis - 'ECSH is working to address two big challenges in Edinburgh at once: the housing emergency and the need for safe, settled homes for refugee families. We are nearly there and every donation towards the final £3,000 will be matched! Find out more:' - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Community Sponsorship Homes.
⚓ Chair - 'Lead Leith Sea Cadets as Volunteer Chair! Help young people aged 10–18, gain vital life skills. Lead monthly meetings, support operations & champion us.No nautical background needed(~4–6 hrs/mo).Interested?Email info@seacadetsleith.org.PVG required.' - More details here, shared by Sea Cadets Leith.
🍴 Nutrition for Children with Neurodivergent Minds🧠 - 'This weekend Lucinda Miller, leading neuropath and child nutrition expert, is joining us at EFDA to discuss the key links between diet and the neurodivergent mind. She will demonstrate some brain-boosting recipes and give valuable expert advice.' - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy.
📊 Fill out this 2-4 minute survey about screen tourism if you live in the Old Town! - 'I'm 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. I have a short and anonymous survey, please share or fill it out!' - More details here, shared by Emma.
👩💻 Co-Work Club by SWURF
Today, Tue 29 September - 'Just a good excuse to get out of the house - work alongside others in the super stylish Hoxton Hotel Edinburgh. No pressure networking, good vibes only. Also doggy friendly.'
11am to 4pm | The Hoxton · Haymarket & Dalry | £10 - More details here, shared by Nikki Gibson, SWURF.
🤣 MC Hammersmith Does Improv With His Friends
Today, Tue 29 September - 'MC Hammersmith is bringing a brand new improv show to Monkey Barrel in Edinburgh! He has invited the cream of the crop of the UK improv scene to join him for an evening of completely spontaneous comedy. Improv based entirely on your suggestions!'
8pm to 10pm | Monkey Barrel Comedy · Old Town | £12/£10 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🚂 'All Aboard' 80s Train Horror Movie Double Bill
Tomorrow, Wed 30 September - 'Wed 30th Sept - Edinburgh Zombie Club presents 'All Aboard Night' a double bill of train-based horror films, 'Terror Train' (USA 1980) + 'Amok Train' (Italy 1988), New Year's Eve terror vs Pagan rituals in the woods, Dare you get on board? Free Entry'
7pm to 10.30pm | The Banshee Labyrinth · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Pat McGarvey, Edinburgh Zombie Club.
🌌 Astronomy on Tap [Monthly]
Tomorrow, Wed 30 September - 'Join your friendly local astronomers for a FREE evening of space-themed talks 🚀, conversation 🛰️, and games (with prizes!) 🪐, all over a pint of Campervan's finest 🍻! Everyone welcome and no booking required'
7pm to 10pm | Campervan Brewery Tap Room · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Lucy Arditi.
🎥 Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival [Until 05 Nov]
Thu 01 October - 'Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival is back in Scotland for its 13th edition! 🎬🍿Join us for our opening weekend starting this Thursday. 🎟️Don't miss Lust for Life (2026) and Band Together (2025), joined by Scottish-Spanish actor Judith Fernández.'
10am to 5pm | Filmhouse · Tollcross - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival.
Richard Cross
🤝 Edinburgh Democracy Drinks [Monthly]
Thu 01 October - 'A regular gathering to make connections over your drink of choice in a relaxed friendly setting. A mix of regulars and new folks with a shared interest in democratic innovation and participation, or who simply care about community life in Scotland.'
5.30pm to 8pm | Jeremiah's Taproom · Canonmills & Broughton | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🌸 Bloom Monthly Mixer
Thu 01 October - 'Come and join like minded women in the communications sector for an evening of conversation sponsored by Bauer Audio.'
6pm to 7.30pm | Tigerlily · New Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Bloom Scotland.
📚 An Evening with Elizabeth Sulis Kim & Dr Elizabeth Dearnley
Thu 01 October - 'We're so excited to welcome authors Elizabeth Sulis Kim & Dr Elizabeth Dearnley to store this October to celebrate the publications of their new books - The Book of Beasts & The Fairy Spotter's Guide.'
7pm to 8.30pm | Rare Birds Book Shop · Stockbridge | £5 - More details here, shared by Rare Birds.
🎉 Junior School Opening Morning
Fri 02 October - 'Open Days usually take place twice a year, falling in autumn and early spring. They are a fantastic way to see the school in action. To register for an Open Event, please visit the link.'
10.30am to 12pm | Loretto Junior School · Musselburgh | FREE - More details here, shared by Kathryn Mutch Barrett, Loretto School.
🤔 Friday Night Lecture: IS LIFE FAIR? - With Gen Kelsang Tubchen
Fri 02 October - 'Why do bad things happen to good people - and good things happen to people who don't seem to deserve them? Is life fair, or does it just look that way if you're lucky? What do you think? Expect a lively open discussion about the law of karma.'
7pm to 8.30pm | Kadampa Meditation Centre Edinburgh · Leith | £12 | members £3 - More details here, shared by Jen Derwingson-Peacock, KMC Edinburgh.
🦜 The Scottish Ornithologists' Club Annual Conference
Sat 03 October - 'This year we are celebrating 90 years of Scottish birdwatchers' contributions to ornithology. Join us for great talks including one by our honorary president Roy Dennis alongside screen printing & bird ringing demos! Registration deadline 06/09/26'
9.15am to 9.45pm | The Venue · Musselburgh | £60 (£30 supported) - More details here, shared by Scottish Ornithologists' Club.
🐸 MNB Autumn Craft Market - Out Of The Blue and Drill Hall Arts Cafe
Sat 03 October - 'Free entry Sensory hour between 10-11AM Pet friendly 25 curated stalls, all things handmade, no AI slop, no drop-shippers Food & drinks from Drill Hall Cafe Great vibes, emotional support frogs, and much more! Will be a fab day so come along!'
10am to 4pm | The Out of the Blue Drill Hall · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Amy Liston, alistondesigns.
📸 Seasonal Mindful Photography with Seeing The Now
Sat 03 October - '𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐧 • 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 • 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 • 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 • Four seasons. One woodland. A year of looking. Join me for a seasonal journey in Mindful Photography, exploring the changing landscape and seeing the familiar with fresh eyes.'
10am to 12.30pm | Bridgend Inspiring Growth · Cameron Toll | £ 15 - More details here, shared by Seeing The Now.
🍂 Forest Bathing at Lauriston: Transformation and the Art of Letting Go
Sat 03 October - 'What can autumn teach us about transformation and letting go? Slow down and embrace the changing season at LongLeaf's final forest bathing session of the year at beautiful Lauriston Castle Gardens, for a restorative morning of nature immersion.'
10am to 12.30pm | Lauriston Castle · Silverknowes & Blackhall | £24-29 - More details here, shared by Dr Eve Hepburn, LongLeaf.
🍽️ Creative Dining Ceramics Pop-up at The Cookbook Shop
Sat 03 October - 'Pop into The Cookbook Shop any time we're open for cheerful printed ceramics from Creative Dining Ceramics'
11am to 6.30pm | The Cookbook Shop · Canonmills & Broughton | FREE - More details here, shared by Liz Bryson, The Cookbook Shop.
🏒 Elite Women's Ice Hockey
Sat 03 October - 'The Caledonia Steel Queens will face Guildford Lightning on Saturday 3 October in the first ever WNIHL Elite game to take place in Scotland. Come and support the first Scottish team to compete in top-tier women's ice hockey in 32 years 🏒👑'
12.15pm to 2.15pm | Murrayfield Ice Arena · Murrayfield | FREE - More details here, shared by Caledonia Steel Queens.
🥔 Tattie Fest
Sat 03 October - 'Join us for a brilliant FREE community event celebrating all things tattie! 🥔 🍴 Food - especially tatties! 🤝 Meet the community 🎨 Creative activities 🏆 Fun contests 👨👩👧👦 All ages welcome!'
1pm to 4pm | The Heart of Newhaven Community · Trinity & Newhaven | FREE - More details here, shared by Roger, Heart of Newhaven Community.
🎨 Paint and Sip fundraising event
Sat 03 October - 'Join us for a relaxed paint session, in partnership with the brilliant team at Birchwood Art Studio. All profits support our community hub!'
3pm to 5.30pm | St. Oswald's Centre · Bruntsfield | 15-25 - More details here, shared by St Oswald's Centre.
🎶 Music At St Columba's with Bristo Community Concert Band
Sat 03 October - 'An evening of various music genres including classical, musical theatre, film theme tunes and more. Something for everyone. Free event with a suggested donation of £5.'
7pm to 9pm | Blackhall St. Columba's Church · Silverknowes & Blackhall | FREE - More details here, shared by Jane Adams, Bristo Community Concert Band.
🍂 Forest Bathing Walk & Nature Mandala Experience
Sun 04 October - 'Slow down and reconnect with nature on a guided Forest Bathing Walk. Enjoy mindful nature invitations, create a beautiful autumn nature mandala, then gather for tea, seasonal snacks, community and nature connection.'
10.30am to 1pm | Creative Roots in Nature- Forest Bathing Walks – Nature Art – Women in Nature Gatherings | Edinburgh · Currie & Balerno | £22.38 - More details here, shared by Creative Roots in Nature, creative roots in nature.
🛍️ Support The Makers Market - Portobello Town Hall
Sun 04 October - 'Discover a gorgeous curated collection of handmade art, jewellery, ceramics, textiles, homeware & more from local makers. A beginners linocut workshop, cinnamon bun fun run, gelato, coffee, knife sharpening & more! Workshop tickets on our website!'
11am to 4pm | Portobello Town Hall · Portobello | FREE - More details here, shared by Support The Makers.
🧵 Sleepy Rabbit - Get Patched!
Sun 04 October - 'Sleepy Rabbit and her sewing machine will be at the Makers Market at Portobello Town Hall, where she will be adding handmade patches to cover stains or rips and brighten up old clothing. Keep up to date on Instagram @sleepyrabbitdesigns'
11am to 4pm | Portobello Town Hall · Portobello | From £3 - More details here, shared by Beth Morelli-Mae, Sleepy Rabbit.
📚 Read and Mend [Fortnightly Sun]
Sun 04 October - 'Company, crafts and stories. We take turns to read aloud while crafting and sharing skills. Bring your own mending, knitting or stitching, and a book if you'd like to read. For information and to book your space email wildflowers@grantonhub.org'
7.30pm to 9pm | Madelvic House · Granton & Pilton | FREE - More details here, shared by Jenny.
🎶 Andy Irvine (Ireland) and Quilty (Sweden)
Sun 04 October - 'Andy Irvine is one of the great Irish singers, his voice one of a handful of truly great ones that gets to the very soul of Ireland.'
7.30pm to 10pm | The Queen's Hall · Southside | £19 - £42 - More details here, shared by DHM Concerts.
🚴♂️ Cargo Bike Carnival
Sun 11 October - 'Join us for a family fun day celebrating cargo bikes with games, stalls, best-dressed bike competition & more. Try a cargo bike or bring your own, enjoy the games, and see how cargo bikes are helping Edinburgh become a greener city right now!'
11am to 2pm | The Pavilion Café · Marchmont & Meadows | FREE - More details here, shared by Edinburgh & Lothians Cargo Bike Network.
🎈 KIN: Edinburgh's creative talk series - first birthday bash 🎉
Wed 21 October - 'KIN is Edinburgh's talk series celebrating creativity in all its forms. For our fourth edition and first birthday, the theme is community. Speakers share the highs and lows of their creative journeys. Open to anyone who deems themselves creative.'
6pm to 10pm | Assembly Roxy · Old Town | from £10 - More details here, shared by Alex Porter-Currie, High Tide.
🎨 Open Call. Mural Practice Lab.
Wed 28 October - 'Open call for emerging and underrepresented artists in Edinburgh Deadline: 28/10/26 Abandoned Artists invites artists who want to develop their practice in public art to apply. Twelve artists will join a free program supported by One City Trust.'
11.30pm to 12am | North Edinburgh Arts · Muirhouse & Drylaw | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
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:
- ⛔️ Car spotted being driven on Warriston Walkway. (1,500 clicks)
- 🚁 Uni fresher talks about getting airlifted off Arthur's Seat. (1,450 clicks)
- 🎵 New music series at Brown's of Leith. (1,200 clicks)
- 🚔 CCTV of six teenagers published by police after 'serious assault'. (500 clicks)
- 🏗️ Moredun residents feel 'forced into selling' their flats. (280 clicks)
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 1,008.
📬 Free subscribers: 33,500+.
📲 Visits generated for local news sources: 5,000,000+.
👍 The Edinburgh Minute only exists thanks to voluntary subscribers. Please consider chipping in for a fiver a month to help keep it ticking over. It's even cheaper when you buy an annual subscription. You'll get bonus content, the city's best events guides and exclusive investigative journalism. Thanks.