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# The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Tuesday 3 February 2026
- URL: https://www.edinburghminute.com/the-edinburgh-minute-tuesday-3-february-2026/
- Published: 2026-02-03T07:06:05.000Z
- Updated: 2026-02-03T11:05:32.000Z
- Description: 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
- Author: Michael MacLeod

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

[Subscribe for free or upgrade here](https://www.edinburghminute.com/#/portal/signup/)

🌨️ There's a chance of **snow or sleet** later today between 2pm and 8pm [according to the Met Office forecast](https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/forecast/gcvwr3zrw?ref=edinburghminute.com#?date=2026-02-03). 

💰 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](https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25818352.edinburgh-reveals-25m-tourist-tax-spending-plans-culture/?ref=edinburghminute.com). 

- Brian also published [this background piece on the plan](https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25818988.edinburgh-visitor-plans-will-likely-arts-game-changer/?ref=edinburghminute.com), 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](https://www.scotsman.com/news/edinburghs-tourist-tax-could-help-bring-back-festival-cavalcade-and-fireworks-concert-5500191?ref=edinburghminute.com) / [Evening News](https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinburghs-tourist-tax-could-help-bring-back-festival-cavalcade-and-fireworks-concert-5500191?ref=edinburghminute.com).
- The new Visitor Levy begins in July and is expected to raise **up to £50 million a year**, [according to the council](https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/14132/edinburgh-poised-to-declare-scotland-s-first-visitor-levy?ref=edinburghminute.com).

💰 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](https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/14350/new-funding-for-sustainable-projects-after-a-year-of-lez-enforcement?ref=edinburghminute.com). 

- 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](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/stolen-mazda-found-burnt-out-36656886?ref=edinburghminute.com). 

~~📮 The Post Office on New Street in **Dalry** has reopened after being closed for nearly a year. -~~ [~~Rose Moncur, The Herald~~](https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25817686.dalry-post-office-reopens-11-month-long-closure/?ref=edinburghminute.com)\~\~. - \[UPDATE: Thanks to everyone who pointed out this is not our Dalry, but Dalry Ayrshire. I did wonder how I hadn't heard it was closed!\] 

💉 Test results on **drugs** purchased by *Edinburgh Live* reporters show they got what they expected: heroin cut with etonitazene. - [Nicholas Malizia & Jacob Farr](https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/alarming-ingredients-edinburgh-street-drugs-33346733?ref=edinburghminute.com). 

🍻 The **Leith Social Club** pub has been put up for sale. - [Brian Donnelly, The Herald](https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25816848.well-known-scottish-city-pub-live-music-venue-sale/?ref=edinburghminute.com). 

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### 📌 **Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard**

⮑ [Please get in touch using this form](https://forms.gle/nn8TZzDCRcWitTvX9?ref=edinburghminute.com). < It’s the only way to get something featured in the newsletter.

📌 “*With the recent news of regarding petrol stations publishing their prices,* [***I've created a small free site to help people see these prices***](https://fuelbeat.co.uk/?ref=edinburghminute.com)*. 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. 

[Fuel Beat | Live UK Fuel Prices![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/5b/925b4169-eb49-48f3-a960-edcd9282acd9/content/images/icon/favicon.svg)Live UK Fuel Prices](https://fuelbeat.co.uk/?ref=edinburghminute.com)

📌 “[***It's the final week of the Alan Cameron Retrospective exhibition at The Torrance Gallery***](https://www.torrancegallery.co.uk/?ref=edinburghminute.com)*; 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***](https://www.lostshore.com/whats-on/quiz-night-2/?ref=edinburghminute.com)*! 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. 

[Quiz Night | Lost Shore Surf ResortOur weekly quiz night at Lost Shore - free entry, £50 voucher prize. No booking necessary.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/5b/925b4169-eb49-48f3-a960-edcd9282acd9/content/images/icon/LS-Marque-black-280x280.png)Lost Shore Surf Resort![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/5b/925b4169-eb49-48f3-a960-edcd9282acd9/content/images/thumbnail/Beths-news-graphics-60-1024x576.png)](https://www.lostshore.com/whats-on/quiz-night-2/?ref=edinburghminute.com)

📌 “Thursday, 11am: [***Shared reading group at Portobello Library***](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/portobello-library-shared-reading-group-tickets-1980984421732?ref=edinburghminute.com)*. 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***](https://www.poosscotland.co.uk/peer-support-groups?ref=edinburghminute.com)*, 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***](https://postudios.org/open-call/?ref=edinburghminute.com)*. 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](https://www.instagram.com/p/DTWW9wXCvy3/?igsh=cXI5ejh4bDhkejVi&ref=edinburghminute.com), 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***](https://www.lauristonfarm.scot/event/seed-swap-and-share/?ref=edinburghminute.com) *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](https://www.facebook.com/events/2059202731533751/?acontext=%7B%22ref%22%3A%2252%22%2C%22action%5Fhistory%22%3A%22[%7B%5C%22surface%5C%22%3A%5C%22share%5Flink%5C%22%2C%5C%22mechanism%5C%22%3A%5C%22share%5Flink%5C%22%2C%5C%22extra%5Fdata%5C%22%3A%7B%5C%22invite%5Flink%5Fid%5C%22%3A2132223674267601%7D%7D]%22%7D) for sharing this. 

[Seed Swap and Share | Lauriston Farm<p>Free seeds to take from the Seed Kist to start your own food growing. Beginners welcome, auld hands also, plus stories and seeds if you\\’ve got them...</p>\\n![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/5b/925b4169-eb49-48f3-a960-edcd9282acd9/content/images/icon/cropped-fav-270x270.png)Lauriston Farm![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/5b/925b4169-eb49-48f3-a960-edcd9282acd9/content/images/thumbnail/Website-Events-Calendar-Images-800x400-Our-Seeds-Events.png)](https://www.lauristonfarm.scot/event/seed-swap-and-share/?ref=edinburghminute.com)

📌 “Monday 9 Feb — [***If you love singing from the heart, join The Authentic Voice Ensemble at the Pianodrome***](https://www.ccmvocalcoach.com/ensemble.html?ref=edinburghminute.com) *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*](https://www.ccmvocalcoach.com/ensemble.html?ref=edinburghminute.com).” - 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***](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/create-collage-cards-with-love-tickets-1980194996540?msockid=054133014b0c64011e8a25ea4a12653c&ref=edinburghminute.com)*. 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?'***](https://events.humanitix.com/thrivable-scotland-netwalking?ref=edinburghminute.com) *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. 

[Thrivable Scotland NetwalkingWorking for social and environmental change? Explore with your peers: what if we aimed for people and nature to thrive – despite the polycrisis?![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/5b/925b4169-eb49-48f3-a960-edcd9282acd9/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-13.png)Humanitix logo![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/92/5b/925b4169-eb49-48f3-a960-edcd9282acd9/content/images/thumbnail/3I74OoEMTJeKlXNoCnNH)](https://events.humanitix.com/thrivable-scotland-netwalking?ref=edinburghminute.com)

📌 “*Join Tess on Saturday 14th Feb at Birchwood Art Studio, and* [***dedicate a few hours creating a portrait of your significant other***](https://www.birchwoodart.co.uk/service-page/valentinesportraitworkshop?referral=service%5Flist%5Fwidget&ref=edinburghminute.com)*. 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***](https://www.edinburghopenworkshop.co.uk/product/ultimate-valenines-date-chopping-board-making-experience/?ref=edinburghminute.com)*. 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](https://www.instagram.com/p/DT2tlCcDN4C/?img%5Findex=1&ref=edinburghminute.com) for sharing this. 

**📮 Anything missing?** [*Please share your local news and events here*](https://forms.gle/nn8TZzDCRcWitTvX9?ref=edinburghminute.com)*.* 

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### **👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:**

1. 🤳 [Revealed: Liquidation and trail of debt of 'Keep Edinburgh Thriving' co-founder Robbie Allen: £125,000 owed to HMRC + further £100,000 owed to suppliers](https://www.edinburghminute.com/keep-edinburgh-thriving-liquidation-debt-robbie-allen-hmrc/).
2. 🚉 [Interactive map showing 'concept' of new tram network](https://www.city-scope.co.uk/edi-tram-plan?ref=edinburghminute.com).
3. 🎨 [Powderhall creative centre plan](https://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/news/progress-powderhall-stables?ref=edinburghminute.com).
4. 🔥 [Twocars catch fire in Great King Street](https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/electric-car-fire-great-king-st-edinburgh-5498241?ref=edinburghminute.com).
5. 🪦 [David Hume tomb vandalised with ‘satanic’ symbols](https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jan/30/edinburgh-tomb-of-philosopher-david-hume-vandalised-with-satanic-symbols?ref=edinburghminute.com).

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⏰   *Thanks for reading edition number 829*.**  
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