The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Tuesday 3 February 2026

Bandstand could share £25m tourist tax cash, spending plan for Low Emission Zone income, chance of snow this evening + artists wanted for Pentlands Open Studios Art Trail

Michael MacLeod

03 Feb 2026 — 6 min read

The Ross Bandstand in recent snow (not today).

🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. A quieter newsletter today. Phew. Here’s Tuesday's Edinburgh Minute.

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🌨️ There's a chance of snow or sleet later today between 2pm and 8pm according to the Met Office forecast.

💰 The Ross Bandstand, Leith Theatre and the former Royal High School on Calton Hill could all benefit from the city’s new tourist tax. Around £25m of new funding could be ring-fenced for culture and events. Councillors will vote on the plan later this month. - Brian Ferguson, The Herald.

Brian also published this background piece on the plan, saying: "The level of new investment is likely to be a serious game-changer for the arts in the city."
'Edinburgh's tourist tax could help bring back Festival Cavalcade and Fireworks Concert' - Ian Swanson, The Scotsman / Evening News.
The new Visitor Levy begins in July and is expected to raise up to £50 million a year, according to the council.

💰 More bonus money news: Around £793,000 has been raised by the first year of Low Emission Zone (LEZ) enforcement. - The council has published details of how to plans to spend the 'surplus income' here.

Some of the projects which are set to get extra funding include:
- Supporting the delivery of the city’s 7-7-7 bus lane trial,
- Traffic sensors to improve 'network data intelligence and monitoring',
- Research to support businesses on air quality issues,
- Engagement activities with local schools on air pollution and climate change,
- Tackling engine idling.

🚔 A stolen Mazda car was found burnt out and abandoned on Silverknowes Road yesterday. Police are investigating. - John-Paul Clark, Daily Record.

~~📮 The Post Office on New Street in Dalry has reopened after being closed for nearly a year. -~~ ~~Rose Moncur, The Herald~~~~. - [UPDATE: Thanks to everyone who pointed out this is not our Dalry, but Dalry Ayrshire. I did wonder how I hadn't heard it was closed!]

💉 Test results on drugs purchased by Edinburgh Live reporters show they got what they expected: heroin cut with etonitazene. - Nicholas Malizia & Jacob Farr.

🍻 The Leith Social Club pub has been put up for sale. - Brian Donnelly, The Herald.

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📌 “With the recent news of regarding petrol stations publishing their prices, I've created a small free site to help people see these prices. It's not necessarily Edinburgh specific, but was crafted here (Spurtleshire) and thought it may be of interest to readers.” - Thanks to 'Dion - Spurtleshire Resident' for sharing this.

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📌 “It's the final week of the Alan Cameron Retrospective exhibition at The Torrance Gallery; last day is Saturday 7th February. A beautiful collection of original pastels, often featuring his beloved Borders landscapes, this will be one of the last chances to purchase this incredible artist's work.” - Thanks to Fiona at The Torrance Gallery for sharing this.

📌 “Wednesday 4 February - Lost Shore Quiz Night! Wednesdays, 6pm at Lost Shore Surf Resort. Free to enter, prizes and vouchers to be won. Top tier craic and a special menu from Lost Kitchen too. Your new weekly Wednesday quiz with a view of the waves.” - Thanks to Lost Shore Surf Resort for sharing this.

📌 “Thursday, 11am: Shared reading group at Portobello Library. Read aloud around the table, discuss the story and/or poem. Friendly social group, one hour session, free.” - Thanks to Amy and Sarah, Lead Readers with Open Book, for sharing this.

📌 “Friday 6 February, 10,30am onwards at The Open Door in Morningside: Join us for a free taster session in our day services for older adults. Enjoy refreshments, take part in a fun activity, and chat about what The Open Door does and how we can support you and your family.” - Thanks to Simon Warr , Operational Manager at The Open Door, for sharing this.

📌 “Saturday 7th February between 1 - 3pm. Stoma Support Group, POOS. Peer support for anyone with a Stoma (Ostomate) or supporting someone with a Stoma. ASDA Leith, 2 Sandpiper Dr, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6QJ, gather at the Service Desk.” - Thanks to the organisers for sharing this.

📌 “Pentland’s Open Studios (POSt) Art Trail is calling for a diverse range of professional artists and makers for 2026’s annual Art Trail. The Call for Artists closes on 14th February 2026. POSt is also always on the lookout for suitable local venues and studios to exhibit our artists’ beautiful work.” - Thanks to John Elliott, founder POSt, for sharing this.

📌 “Are you going to grow food from seed this year? Beginners and auld hands welcome to the Seed Share at Lauriston Agroecology Farm on Saturday 14 February 10am-11:30am. Drop in to the Welcome portacabin in the farmyard EH4 5EX to get free seeds from the Seed Kist plus seed chat, stories and tips.” - Thanks to Kate MacDougall from Edinburgh Agroecology Co-op for sharing this.

📌 “Monday 9 Feb — If you love singing from the heart, join The Authentic Voice Ensemble at the Pianodrome to explore contemporary styles and improvisation. We’re looking for open-minded adult singers to join our unique bi-monthly workshops and annual performances. More info and how to apply.” - Thanks to Mari Aino Elina, your CCM vocal coach, for sharing this.

📌 “Wednesday 11th Feb, 7-9pm - Collage with Love with artist Nicky Sanderson at Rising Tide Cafe, Portobello. Create cards with love, perfect for Valentine's, or just for the fun of it! Come along and enjoy a relaxed creative evening. £20 + booking fee, ticket includes a welcome drink.” - Thanks to Rising Tide Cafe for sharing this.

📌 “Wednesday 11 February. Working for social and environmental change? Wondering 'What next?' as temperatures rise, biodiversity collapses and the far right dominates the news? Join us for a walk on the Meadows to talk about things that really matter.” - Thanks to Osbert Lancaster, Thrivable Scotland, for sharing this.

📌 “Join Tess on Saturday 14th Feb at Birchwood Art Studio, and dedicate a few hours creating a portrait of your significant other. With Tess, you'll learn drawing and watercolour techniques. The perfect valentine's or valentine's date - the gift of experiencing something new together ❤️” - Thanks to the organisers for sharing this.

📌 “Edinburgh Open Workshop is offering something different this Valentine's Day. Couples can create a bespoke chopping board in a specially designed workshop - making memories and something meaningful to take away. Spend time together, celebrate the everyday rituals and take away a personalised gift.” - Thanks to Edinburgh Open Workshop for sharing this.

📮 Anything missing? Please share your local news and events here.