The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Tuesday 6 October 2026
'Resign already', students tell Mathieson, Alan Cumming calls for ECA courses to be saved, first look at plans to bulldoze Summerhall + Princes Street Gardens has new Friends
👋 Good morning Edinburgh. Usually I'm linking to everyone else's breaking news. But for the first time in a long time, some of the mainstream news outlets spent yesterday following-up what had already been reported first in this newsletter. Some even DM'd me asking for more details and phone numbers. I'm always happy to help local journalists, which is a key aim of this newsletter, along with helping readers find the news that matters. So you're in the right place. And there's even more today, along with some brilliant things sent in by readers. Together we're quite the newsroom. People-powered local news! Here’s Tuesday's Edinburgh Minute.
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🌦️ Today's weather forecast: There was rain overnight but things should clear up around 11am with sunny intervals throughout the rest of today and a high of 14C around 4pm. - The full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh is here.
🌅 Sunrise: 7.26am. Sunset: 6.35pm.
🎓 In case you missed yesterday's breaking news: Professor Sir Peter Mathieson announced he plans to step down from running the University of Edinburgh in 'early 2028'. - More details here.
"It has been my immense privilege to lead two of the world’s great universities. Every decision that I have made, and those of the executive teams I have led, have always kept the University’s best interests uppermost. We have always acted in good faith, believing we were doing the right things, which are very rarely the easiest things." - Sir Peter Mathieson.
⮑ Students on the Scottish Society published an open letter to Mathieson, saying: "If you respected the importance of Edinburgh University to Scotland and the world, you would have resigned already. However, you can avoid besmirching its name any further by resigning immediately and ensuring an orderly transition to your successor. You are paid too highly and occupy too important an office to neglect your core duties. There is scepticism towards the true reasoning behind why these courses were selected. Some cannot help but draw an association between the high level of Scottish students enrolled in certain courses being cut."
👀 Here's a round-up of the other uni news on this morning's seventh day of the planned five-week strike:
⮑ Actor Alan Cumming is among 400 film and TV professionals urging the University of Edinburgh not to shut three Edinburgh College of Art undergrad programmes: Jewellery and Silversmithing, Textiles and Performance Costume. - BBC Reporting Scotland.
⮑ 14,000 people have now signed the petition titled: 'Save the Craft and Design Courses at Edinburgh College of Art'.
⮑ Regarding recent news of 90 courses being phased out, the uni's Head of School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures Alex Thomson said he preferred to describe the changes as a 'tidying up', offering 'greater flexibility of programmes.' - Olivia Laughton has an exclusive interview in The Student.
🏗️ The firm bidding to redevelop Summerhall has published new visuals outlining how it wants to 'partially demolish' parts of the B-listed arts centre in favour of student flats and a new hotel. After the Minute broke the news yesterday morning, developer AMA (New Town) Limited published more details yesterday of its plans, including four layout options that would see various buildings bulldozed. - See the proposals online here ahead of Wednesday's developer-led public consultation drop-in event at Summerhall between 3pm and 7.30pm. AMA's co-founder and managing director Ali Afshar is expected to attend, although this is not confirmed. A statement attributed to him said:
"Summerhall’s character comes from the many different chapters of its history. We want to respect that history while making the site more welcoming and accessible. This consultation is a chance for people to tell us what matters to them, and their feedback will help inform the proposals before we submit a planning application at the start of 2027."- AMA also published a timeline.
Developer AMA (New Town) Limited added:
"Summerhall Arts Quarter has the potential to become ‘a creative city in microcosm’: an exciting place to visit, an authentic place to live, and an innovative place to work."
⮑ A group of Summerhall resident artists described that statement as 'insulting', adding: "Summerhall is already exactly that." Another insider told the Minute: "Look at AMA's Cramond site. They promised houses and a sports centre. 20 years later the sports centre is not built." - AMA's Cramond saga was well reported on by The Edinburgh Reporter over the years.
⮑ Meanwhile Sam Gough, Chief Executive of Summerhall Arts, told the Minute: "We support any viable proposals that guarantee the future of Summerhall Arts at Summerhall. Our thriving arts development charity and community organisation is a vital hub for the culture sector and year round arts in and for the city. Our hope is that there is also a favourable outcome for all those who currently work and have businesses here at Summerhall."
On Instagram, Gough urged locals to have their say at Wednesday's event. Sharing a picture of Idlewild's triumphant 2021 gig at Summerhall, he laid out the options as he sees them: "More of this or more flats."
- The Summerhall Arts charity has a lease on the site until 2028, reports Jane Bradley in The Scotsman.
- It's also leased to the Scot-Art charity, which manages the day-to-day running of the arts campus, reports Brian Ferguson in The Herald.
⮑ The Summerhall situation has at least inspired some creativity. Local independent music label Algernon Drone is inviting artists to submit songs to a new compilation titled 'MORE FUCKING STUDENT HOUSING', with proceeds going to a housing/homelessness charity. The label said: "Edinburgh is becoming increasingly difficult to live in — unless, apparently, you're a developer. Artists at St Margaret's House have been given notice to leave, with the building set for redevelopment including student accommodation. Summerhall is also facing plans for partial demolition and redevelopment. Meanwhile, rents keep rising, affordable housing remains scarce, and creative spaces and communities are being pushed further and further out of the city. The aim isn't to make a miserable protest record. It should be a good compilation of interesting music, while making a bit of noise about what's happening to the city." - More details here.
- When Summerhall first went up for sale in 2024, more than 15,000 people signed a petition against plans to convert it into a hotel or student flats.
🔥 Visitors to the National Gallery of Scotland on the Mound were evacuated after a minor electrical fire in its gift shop. The gallery is now open again. - Jack Davies, Evening News.
🚗 The amount of money generated by bus lane fines in Edinburgh has more than quadrupled to £3m over the last decade, reports Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco in The Herald.
🚲 New details have emerged of the turnaround deal that saw Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative put into and bought out of administration by its own management team. - Terry Murden, Daily Business.
Terry Murden, Editor
📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard
⮑ Please get in touch using this form. It’s the only way to get something featured in the newsletter.
🍽️ Southside Community Centre Café - 'We are seeking an experienced café operator to take on and develop an established café at the heart of a busy and well-used community centre. Serving both centre users and local residents, the café provides an important social space for many.' - More details here, shared by Southside Community Centre Association SCIO.
🎉 Gringo Supperclub Turns 2! 25% off! - 'To celebrate Gringo turning 2 we are giving a discount of 25% for two nights only. Our seafood menu on Friday 16th and Thurs 22nd of October will be £60pp for 8 courses of delicious Scottish seafood mixed with the flavours of Mexico & Peru. Book now!' - More details here, shared by Kevin, Gringo Supperclub.
📝 Leith Chooses applicant support session
Tomorrow, Wed 07 October - 'Come along to receive support and guidance on making a Leith Chooses application for £5000 before the deadline on the 12th October!'
3pm to 5pm | McDonald Road Library · Canonmills & Broughton | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎨 Summerhall Public Consultation
Tomorrow, Wed 07 October - 'AMA Homes are holding a public consultation about the future of Summerhall. With the recently announced closure of St Margaret's House, it's more important than ever to support the future of the arts in Edinburgh! Please come along to have your say.'
3.30pm to 7pm | Summerhall · Southside | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
📚 The Secret Book Swap [Monthly]
Tomorrow, Wed 07 October - 'A book group with a difference and no set reading! Just wrap up a book you've enjoyed, bring it along, share why you loved it, pick one you like the sound of and unwrap! Plus, bookish games, banned book talks, and local guest authors!'
7pm to 9pm | Craws nest collective · Currie & Balerno | £14 - More details here, shared by Laura Barnet, The Secret Book Swap.
🎸 Buffalo Tom
Tomorrow, Wed 07 October - 'Buffalo Tom is an enduring American alternative rock band formed in 1986 at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Celebrated for their signature blend of bracing guitar crunch, melodic hooks, and introspective, anthemic songwriting.'
7pm to 10pm | La Belle Angele · Old Town - More details here, shared by Aino Merilainen, Bruce Taverns.
💼 FUSE - Retail & Hospitality Job Fair 08th October
Thu 08 October - 'Looking to take the next step in your career? Join us at the Westfields St James Quarter Job Fair a dynamic recruitment event bringing together some of the UK's leading retailers, restaurants, and hospitality brands, all under one roof.'
10am to 2pm | Lane7 Edinburgh · New Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Lindsay Gardiner, Edinburgh FUSE.
🛋️ Funk Fair Lates
Thu 08 October - 'Curated mix of quality antiques, mid-century furniture, vintage fashion, homeware, art, records and beautifully made pieces with real character. Come for a browse, stay for a drink, take your time.'
4pm to 8pm | The Out of the Blue Drill Hall · Leith | £2, £1 Concessions - More details here, shared by Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust.
🎤 Say Yes Club Storytelling Masterclass with Stewart Bewley
Thu 08 October - 'Davina McCall's Begin Again podcast and digital bank Monzo bring the Say Yes Club to Edinburgh with a free Storytelling Masterclass led by Stewart Bewley. Learn how to find, shape and share stories with confidence in a relaxed, supportive session.'
6pm to 9pm | Dovecot Studios · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🥘 Egypt Cookbook Launch and Mezze Spread at The Cookbook Shop
Thu 08 October - 'Suzanne Zeidy and Rawah Badrawi discuss their new book, Egypt: Recipes and Stories from an Ancient Land, with local cookbook author Caroline Eden. The talk will be followed by a Q&A, signing, and abundant mezze spread prepared by the authors.'
7.30pm to 9pm | The Cookbook Shop · Canonmills & Broughton | 12.85+ - More details here, shared by Liz Bryson, The Cookbook Shop.
🍏 Jock Tamson's Gairden Fruity pop-up market stall
Fri 09 October - 'Roll up for Greens to Go fruity pop-up market stall. One day only to get our lovely apples and pears (tatties, garlic and flowers also available). Looking forward to seeing you there.'
11am to 1.30pm | Jock Tamson’s Gairden · Holyrood Park | FREE - More details here, shared by Lizz Spence, JOCK TAMSON'S GAIRDEN.
🍂 Autumn Cooking Set Pottery Workshop
Sat 10 October - 'Create and decorate a spoon rest and a garlic/ginger grater in this 2-hour pottery workshop on October 10th (10 AM or 1 PM) at Bottega Ceramica and come back to pick them up once they've been glazed and fired. (All materials and firings included)'
10am to 12pm | Bottega Ceramica · Leith | 50 £ - More details here, shared by Bottega Ceramica.
ClassBento
🌳 Granton Nature Map Nature Walk - sketching and photography
Sat 10 October - 'A community walk around Granton Crescent Park to learn about, sketch and photograph nature. Also, to find out about the Granton Nature Map.'
2pm to 3pm | Granton Crescent Park · Granton & Pilton | FREE - More details here, shared by Tamsin Grainger.
Introduction – grantonnaturemap
🎨 Paint & Wine: Saint- Remy by Van Gogh
Sat 10 October - 'Spend an evening learning how to paint! Relax in our twinkly, airy studio with complimentary fizz (or red or white) and be taken through the various steps to create your own painting inspired by a landscape from Saint-Rémy by Vincent van Gogh.'
6.30pm to 9pm | Birchwood Art Studio · Slateford - More details here, shared by Raphie.
🎉 25 Years on the Grassmarket: Celebration Weekend [Until Sun]
Fri 16 October - 'To mark 25 years in our home on the Grassmarket, Dance Base is inviting you over for a celebration weekend! Try a class from the past, explore our history, see a newly commissioned dance piece, or find your groove at Hip2TheHop: Own The Circle...'
6pm to 7pm | Dance Base · Tollcross | £4-£15 - More details here, shared by Dance Base.
🍂 Magical Autumn Wreaths in Lauriston Castle
Sat 17 October - 'As the evenings become darker, please join us to make a lit-up autumnal wreath in Lauriston Castle, to adorn your front door. Please note - there will be two separate sessions : 10.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. - 4.00 p.m.'
10am to 4pm | Lauriston Castle · Silverknowes & Blackhall | £40.00 - More details here, shared by Linda McDonald.
✨ Cymera Romantasy Book Festival [Until Sun]
Sat 17 October - 'Join us for Edinburgh's very first festival dedicated to all things romantasy, dark and paranormal romance. Featuring author panels, writing workshops, reader meet-ups and a magical Fantasy Ball held in the gothic spires of Teviot Row House'
11am to 11.55pm | Pleasance Courtyard · Southside - More details here, shared by Cymera Festival.
🧘♀️ Restorative Sound Bathing and Yoga Nidra
Sat 17 October - 'Jyoti and Alex are excited to bring the opportunity of Restorative Sound Bathing back as the year draws in. They will guide you through a relaxation, a sound bath that will restore your energy and give you an opportunity to switch off.'
3pm to 4.30pm | Tidal Yoga Ltd · Leith | £25 - More details here, shared by Tidal Yoga Ltd.
🧘♀️ Saturday Night Sober Social
Sat 17 October - 'An alternative way to spend your Saturday night, sober yet social. These sound bath sessions are popular with people new to the city and those who want to allow friendship to evolve slowly. Come and enjoy a sound bath and a chat. 7pm and 8.30pm.'
7pm to 8pm | Edinburgh Salt Rooms · Abbeyhill & Meadowbank | 25 - More details here, shared by Emma O Rorke, Sound Bath Edinburgh.
🎹 Letter-Writing Concert
Sun 18 October - 'Letter Writing + Live Music at Pianodrome's Make It Yourself Festival. Local writer Elizabeth Gaglio will provide the tips and supplies, and local pianist and composer Nick Lauener will play piano while you write. Come solo or bring a friend.'
3pm to 4pm | Pianodrome Bruntsfield Community Hub · Bruntsfield | free, but ticketed - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🌳 Launch of the Friends of Princes Street Gardens
Tue 20 October - 'The Friends of Princes Street Gardens launch is on Tuesday 20 October 2026 at 19.00 in the Edinburgh Council Chamber, High Street EH1 1YJ. Keynote speakers: Profs Richard Rodger (on 'Campaigning for the city centre') and Cliff Hague (on 'Why does Princes Street Gardens need friends?'). Tickets on Eventbrite.'
7pm to 8.30pm | Edinburgh City Chambers · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Friends of Princes Street Gardens.
⭐ Rebel Country: A Squadron of Rogues - A Star Wars: Andor inspired Megagame
Sat 07 November - 'Join the Rebellion in-person! Mixing board games/RPG/LARP & adventure! No previous experience needed, costumes encouraged not required. Expect chaos, intrigue & helping decide a planet's fate! https://morefunwith.games/a-squadron-of-rogues-megagame/'
10am to 5pm | Queen Charlotte Rooms · Leith - More details here, shared by ABS, More Fun WIth Games + (on Bluesky here).
Remember you can always see all 240+ upcoming local events on TownSpot calendars and maps. Thanks to everyone who shares their things.
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 💰 Attacked 12-year-old bagpiper raises £17,000 for school pipe band.
- 🎨 Exclusive: Summerhall demolition threat. (Updated developer-led 'consultation' link here).
- 🚦 Five month revamp for narrow Morningside Road pavements.
- 🔔 New £12 tourist fee at St Giles' Cathedral.
- 🚲 'Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op boss vows to fight on after entering administration'.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 1,013.
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