The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Tuesday 5 May 2026
Fringe venue defends controversial show, animals return to Gorgie Community Farm, Port O’Leith changing hands + swim in the ponds at Jupiter Artland
🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. It's a bumper Community Noticeboard today as it's the last edition of the week until after the election. So everything sent-in for this week so far is in there, including a new Tenement Town story by Diarmid Mogg and the latest Wildlife on the Water of Leith video update from Tom Kelly! You can see more local events on the new community calendar. Here’s Tuesday's Edinburgh Minute.
⏰ The newsletter is going on pause for the rest of the week. I'm off to the 89th annual International News Media Association Global Media Awards in Berlin, where this newsletter is shortlisted for the 'Best Newsletter Regional/Local' award.
- I'll send you a 'breaking news' edition with the local results from the Holyrood election as soon as they're available on Friday/Saturday.
- For live coverage from the count, The Herald's Edinburgh Correspondent Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco will be sharing updates on Twitter and the Herald's live blog.
🎤 The Gilded Balloon venue has defended plans for its Teviot venue to stage a stand-up comedy Fringe show by Amanda Knox, who was acquitted of the murder of Meredith Kercher. - Jane Bradley, The Scotsman / Evening News.
🚖 Taxi prices could be going up if councillors give plans the green light on Monday. The changes include increasing airport drop-off and pick-up charges from £6 to £7. - Joe Sullivan, Local Democracy Reporter, STV News.
🔥 There were no serious injuries reported after a house fire in Whitson Road (map link) yesterday. - Isla Storie, Edinburgh Live + Matthew Fulton, STV News.
🍻 The Port O’Leith pub on Constitution Street is changing hands. - Rachel Fergusson, Evening News. (Thanks to the many readers who shared this news last month. I wasn't able to get it confirmed on the record.)
🐔 Animals are starting to return to Gorgie Community Farm. In a spring update, the leaseholders said they've been donated five hens, four of which are rescued battery hens. "All are laying well and enjoying plenty TLC in their new home from our volunteers." - @gorgiecommunityfarm on Instagram.
🏊♀️ Jupiter Artland is opening up its large ponds to swimmers this weekend. Swimmers will be able to get in the water of Charles Jencks’ Cells of Life installation every weekend from 9 May throughout spring and summer from 11am to 12pm. - Booking is required.
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🎨 A community mural, chosen by Leith - 'On 6 May at 12pm, a new community mural will be unveiled outside Edinburgh Remakery in Leith. Funded by Leith Chooses and shaped by local residents, it brings community artwork to life. Everyone’s welcome.' - Shared by The Edinburgh Remakery Ltd.
🏢 A new Tenement Town story - '200 years in the life of 10 Picardy Place, featuring murder, slavery and ballroom dancing.' - More details here, shared by Diarmid Mogg.
Tenement Town
🗺️ Help Mike from TownSpot refine Edinburgh's hyperlocal maps - 'TownSpot is people-powered, just like Wikipedia is. So I need your help to refine and rationalise the maps on the app/website please. Email me on mike@townspot.co if you have strong citywide knowledge and would like to volunteer this week :-)' - More details here, shared by Mike Gyi, TownSpot.
🦉 Wildlife on the Water of Leith - April 2026 - 'April's 2 minute wildlife round up includes a bit of owl action & also a new otter cub! Lots of small creatures being born on the Water of Leith in April. Some already out on the river, some still in nests/setts, but Spring has definitely arrived!' - More details here, shared by Tom Kelly, GoWildInEdinburgh.co.uk.
💬 West End Community Council Survey - 'We would like to know what would make the West End better. What should we have more of what would you like to get rid of and what preserve. Whether you live, work or just pass through the West End we would like your views. Just click on the link.' - More details here, shared by West End Community Council.
🎭 Amadeus by Peter Schaffer in the Pianodrome [Daily]
Tomorrow, Wed 06 May - 'Back after their sell out run in 2025, Strawmoddie Theatre re-stage Peter Shaffer's greatest play in an amphitheatre made of pianos! With live music and opulent 18th century costumes, revisit one of the greatest plays of the 20th century.'
7pm to 10pm | Pianodrome Bruntsfield Community Hub, EH10 4NB | £15/12 + bf - More details here, shared by Pianodrome.
🍹 Edinburgh Democracy Drinks
Thu 07 May - 'Join us for Democracy Drinks Scottish election special. An informal monthly gathering for people interested in democratic life in Scotland to make connections and find inspiration over a drink. And still time to vote after (polling ends at 22:00)!'
5.30pm to 8pm | MacKays On The Mile, EH8 8BJ | FREE - More details here, shared by Gillian.
🏙️ West End Community Council
Thu 07 May - 'We will be discussing planning, licensing, roads, & other things from the West End. To join, just turn up or email secretary@edinburghwestendcc.org.uk for a zoom invite'
7.30pm to 9pm | Ashfield, EH3 7HL | FREE - More details here, shared by West End Community Council.
📚 Poetry Launch - Hannah Lavery in conversation with Jackie Kay
Thu 07 May - 'Join us for the publication day launch of 'Everything Everyday: A Year of Empty Promises' when former Edinburgh Makar Hannah Lavery will be in the bookshop alongside former Scottish Makar Jackie Kay. It will be a beautiful celebration of poetry!'
7pm to 8pm | The Portobello Bookshop, EH15 1DA - More details here, shared by The Edinburgh Bookshop.
🪑 FREE Chair Yoga at Tidal Yoga [Weekly]
Thu 07 May - 'Join us every Thursday in May for a free, gentle chair yoga class - open to everyone, no experience or fitness level required. Chair yoga is a wonderful way to move your body and start your Thursday. Free or pay what you can. See you there!'
8.45am to 9.30am | Tidal Yoga Ltd, EH6 8NP | FREE - More details here, shared by Nick Tang, Tidal Yoga.
🌱 Community Engagement Day - Fettes College
Fri 08 May - 'Fettes' Community Engagement Day involves environmental & community projects throughout Edinburgh, incl. planting at a Stockbridge roundabout, Water of Leith clean-up & helping Granton Community Gardeners. Fettes is also opening its doors to visitors.'
8am to 6pm | Fettes College, EH4 1QX | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🏛️ History Walking Tour - Edinburgh Medical School: Worlds of Change
Fri 08 May - 'Join us on this new walking tour specially created for the Edinburgh Medical School's 300th Anniversary. Follow staff and students as they navigated wars, profound social changes, and the rise and fall of empire - changing their worlds over time.'
2.30pm to 4.30pm | Old College, EH8 9YL | FREE - More details here, shared by Karissa Patton.
🏋️♂️ FREE Steel Mace Taster Sessions!
Sat 09 May - 'Bored at the gym? Swing into something new! Join us for FREE Steel Mace tasters this weekend from 10am. Fun, functional, and small-group focused with Coach Jon. Contact Bamboo Bodies Gym to secure your free spot!'
10am to 1pm | Bamboo Bodies, EH6 5NG | FREE - More details here, shared by Jon Waterlow, Bamboo Bodies Gym.
🤣 Love musicals? Learn to improvise them with Showstopper! The Improvised Musical | May 9th &10th
Sat 09 May - 'Come to our joyous two day workshop and learn how to spontaneously burst out in song, make up a chorus with strangers and explore the intricacies of instantly writing a musical. Is it possible? Only if you say Yes.'
10am to 5pm | Pleasance Courtyard, EH8 9TJ - More details here, shared by Pippa Evans, Showstopper! The Improvised Musical.
🌍 Free Connecting Europe Fair in Edinburgh - Opening Doors for Young People
Sat 09 May - 'On Europe Day, a free drop-in fair for 16-35-year-olds. Stall holders on hand to share practical opportunities to study, work, travel, & volunteer in Europe. Exciting free activities too, like a prize draw to win Interrail passes, photo booth & quiz.'
10am to 4.30pm | French Institute of Scotland, EH1 1RN | FREE - More details here, shared by Festival of Europe Scotland.
🎨 Craft Open Day @ St Oswald's Centre
Sat 09 May - 'A community celebration of making. Makers from a range of disciplines will be joining us: browse and buy original crafts, watch live demonstrations, and have a go yourself in one of our hands-on workshops.'
10.30am to 3.30pm | St. Oswald's Centre, EH10 4NB | FREE - More details here, shared by Anna Giulia Cescon, St Oswald's Centre.
🌳 Jane's Walks in Leith, Willowbrae and the West End, Saturday 9 May at 11am
Sat 09 May - 'Jane's Walks are back in Edinburgh this weekend! There are free hosted walks to explore, discover and discuss our urban environment in Leith, Willowbrae and West End - all starting at 11am on Saturday 9 May. Click the link for details & registration.'
11am to 12.30pm | Dalmeny Street Park, EH6 8RQ | FREE - More details here, shared by Mark at Sunday Assembly Edinburgh.
💃 Reggaeton Workshop: Confidence Through Rhythm, Edinburgh, Scotland - Online Live
Sat 09 May - 'Confidence Through Rhythm: Reggaeton Workshop. Join us to build confidence, musicality and your own style-no pressure, just joy. Beginners welcome. Come for 1hr or 2hrs. Bring comfy clothes + water. Book via the link. Questions: info@piritatuisku.com.'
11am to 1pm | Heriot's Centre for Sport & Exercise Ltd, EH1 2HJ | £28/ £13 - More details here, shared by Pirita Tuisku, Groove Back!.
🍷 Edinburgh Uncorked Wine Festival 2026
Sat 09 May - '🍷Taste 100+ Wines in One Day - Edinburgh's Ultimate Wine Experience! Join hundreds of wine lovers, meet expert producers & discover your next favourite bottle at Edinburgh Uncorked with special guest Joe Wadsack.'
12pm to 7pm | Assembly Rooms, EH2 2LR | £35 - More details here, shared by Diana Thompson, Wine Events Scotland.
🎉 Edinburgh Tartan Parade
Sat 09 May - 'Edinburgh Tartan Parade brings together over 2,500 participants from across Edinburgh & around the world. Come and spectate along the route: City Chambers (Royal Mile), down Cockburn Street, across Waverley Bridge, finishing at the Mound Precinct.'
1pm to 5pm | Edinburgh City Chambers, EH1 1YJ | FREE - More details here, shared by Emily Redman, Tartan Parade Scotland.
🕯️ Opening Event of Each Child a Light in partnership with Mothers Against Genocide
Sat 09 May - 'Opening of Quilting Exhibition remembering the children of Gaza. Join us to hear Fiona Bailey, MAGS, Shona McIntosh, Cora Bisset, Salsabil, Palestinian children living in Edinburgh and community singing. 3.40pm-5pm Leila Boukarim poetry workshop.'
2pm to 5pm | St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, EH12 5AW | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🌍 Introduction to Participatory Budgeting for 18-35 year olds
Sat 09 May - 'What becomes possible for people and planet when young people help decide local budgets? Explore the potential of participatory budgeting, learn from examples like Leith Chooses, imagine how it could grow across Scotland, and try it out yourself!'
2.30pm to 4pm | McDonald Road Library, EH7 4LU | FREE - More details here, shared by 2050 Climate Group.
🧵 Living Heritage Discovery Day
Sun 10 May - 'Join TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) for a jam-packed all-day celebration of Living Heritage. Meet some of the experts and cultural organisations, whilst having a go yourself in our craft, dance, music and storytelling taster workshops.'
10am to 6pm | Scottish Storytelling Centre, EH1 1SR | FREE - More details here, shared by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland).
💃 Youth Workshop: Introduction to Classical Indian Dance
Sun 10 May - 'Join South Asian dance specialists, Theiya Arts, for an introduction to Classical Indian Dance for young people aged 12-18! You will learn different ways to move and communicate creatively, grounded in strong technique, rhythm, and storytelling.'
11.30am to 1pm | Dance Base, EH1 2JU | £10 - More details here, shared by Dance Base.
🕯️ Sacred Remembrance
Sun 10 May - 'Join Jo Myles and Loretta Dunn for a candlelit ceremony of remembrance and healing. Honour loved ones, gently process grief, and reconnect with love and peace through guided ritual, breathwork, and community in a warm, supportive space.'
3pm to 5pm | Bellfield, EH15 2BP | £20+booking fee - More details here, shared by Danni Gordon.
💪 Classical Weights [Weekly]
Sun 10 May - 'Experience a revolutionary approach to strength led by ex-professional male ballet dancer Campbell. This class combines the precision of ballet with mindful weight training. NOTE - STARTING TIME 6.45 pm not 7pm.'
7pm to 8pm | Gathering Essence, EH1 3LY | £18 - More details here, shared by campbell, mylifeandbody.
🧬 Legacies & Responsibilities - 300 years of Anatomical Collections in Edinburgh
Mon 11 May - 'Join curators Nicole Anderson and Malcolm MacCallum as they explore the care and stewardship of Edinburgh's anatomical collections - in this 300th anniversary year of Edinburgh Medical School - held in the Anatomy Lecture Theatre, Teviot Place.'
6.30pm to 7.30pm | Medical School (Old Medical School), EH8 9AG | FREE - More details here, shared by Gavin Francis.
🎨 Making the invisible visible - art for Type 1 Diabetes with Inna Lipovets [Weekly]
Tue 12 May - 'Do you live with type 1 diabetes? Then this is for you - make art about your experience: sketches, poetry, movement. Explore and express your daily ups and downs! Funded by the T1D Grand Challenge.'
6pm to 8pm | The University of Edinburgh, EH8 8FF | FREE - More details here, shared by Mirjam Eiswirth, University of Edinburgh.
♻️ Edinburgh - People, Planet, Pint Presents: Library of Things
Thu 14 May - 'People,Planet, Pint+ Presents a knowledge sharing event, featuring the Edinburgh Library of Things, covering topics around starting a business in sustainability from scratch and the benefits of a sharing economy vs consumerism!'
6pm to 9pm | The Outhouse, EH1 3LY - More details here, shared by Eirini Chatzidaki, Small99/People,Planet,Pint.
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 🚪 The 'Private Shop' at 60 Elm Row has closed down.
- 🔥 Tom Duffin's photos of Beltane Fire Festival.
- 🚨 Hunt for Stockbridge hit & run van driver.
- 🚲 Greenbank to Meadows Quiet Route update in this week's edi.bike newsletter.
- 🧖🏻♀️ Summerhall to host Fringe Sauna Theatre.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 905.
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📲 Visits generated for local news sources: 2,500,000+.
👍 The Edinburgh Minute only exists thanks to voluntary subscribers. Please consider chipping in for a fiver a month to ensure it continues. The community spirit behind this newsletter is real. Your support makes Edinburgh a better place.
⏰ The newsletter is going on pause for the rest of the week. I'm off to the 89th annual International News Media Association Global Media Awards in Berlin, where this newsletter is shortlisted for the 'Best Newsletter Regional/Local' award. I'll send you a 'breaking news' edition with the local results from the Holyrood election as soon as they're available on Friday/Saturday.
