The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Wednesday 1 April 2026
Leith 'Town of Culture' bid, another senior resignation from uni, Princes Street police chase, Tom Kelly's monthly wildlife round-up + magnificent magnolias & blossom blooming
🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. Keep your wits about you this morning. There will be some attempts at April Fool’s jokes (not here), as if the news world wasn’t already full enough of fake news and time-wasting clickbait. There's a Better News section today instead. Here’s Wednesday's Edinburgh Minute.
⚓️ A group of locals in Leith are bidding for the area to be named as the UK’s first Town of Culture. - Exclusive by Brian Ferguson in The Herald.
🎓 Another top boss is quitting the University of Edinburgh, amid this week's ongoing staff strikes over potential plans for compulsory redundancies. Professor Iain Gordon, Head of the College of Science and Engineering, emailed staff yesterday to announce he was resigning to take up a post as Senior Vice-Principal at the University of Glasgow (which confirmed the appointment on LinkedIn). Gordon is the third unexpected professorial departure from the influential Senior Leadership Team in the last seven months. Professor Christina Boswell (Vice Principal Research & Enterprise) stepped down last autumn, as did Professor Colm Harmon (Vice Principal (Students)), who featured in viral videos of repeated student protests last year. All three were part of the SLT under Principal Peter Mathieson, which was subject to a vote of 'no confidence' from the University Senate last May (Minute edition 644).
⚽️ Members of Edinburgh South Community Football Club are celebrating a victory after a seven-year battle for a proper home ground at Inch Park. - John Greechan, Evening News.
🚨 A 15-year-old boy has been arrested following a police chase involving a stolen car which left Princes Street shut for a couple of hours yesterday morning. - BBC Scotland News.
🚔 Four more people have been charged in relation to an Asda car park knife fight at The Jewel. - Keiran Fleming, STV News / BBC Scotland News.
🚑 A collision between two cars on Granton Road resulted in a car on its roof and one person taken to hospital yesterday afternoon. - Chloe Goodall, Edinburgh Live.
🚦 A proposed trial of low-cost zebra crossings without beacons is to be paused due to legal questions. - Ian Swanson, The Scotsman.
🗳️ A group of local candidates upcoming Holyrood election faced questions from school children at a hustings hosted by the University of Edinburgh’s Future’s Institute. - Tom H. Wilson, Deadline News.
- ⮑ Reform UK's Edinburgh Central candidate, Gary Neill, faced questions from teenagers after he claimed the planet 'doesn’t have a climate crisis'.
🏗️ Foundations have been laid at the Powderhall regeneration project, where 200 new homes and a new nursery will be built. - Project Scotland.
🎥 Filming for the second series of Edinburgh-based Netflix crime drama Department Q is planned for five months, starting on 13 July. - Rose Moncur, STV News.
🍽️ The Bluerapa Thai restaurant in Haymarket is up for sale. - Nicholas Malizia, Edinburgh Live.
🍽️ Plans have been lodged to replace the former Poundsavers on Nicolson Street with a restaurant. There are no details yet about the restaurant. - Nicholas Malizia, Edinburgh Live.
🗞️ With updates on a campaign against plans for an apart-hotel in Forth Street, the April issue of the Spurtle is out now and online here.
✌️ Better news
This section aims to include better news from all over Edinburgh. It’s a wide range of things, and as always you’re welcome to submit yours here. My hope is that it inspires more civic pride and community spirit, new plans in your calendar and a few smiles or laughs along the way.
🎙️ A group of six friends who started a podcast last year are now reaching 37 countries with their weekly broadcast. The Edinburgh Society of Unapologetically Imperfect Mothers are on Spotify here, Instagram here, and are featured in Edinburgh Live, interviewed by Lee Dalgetty.
Lee Dalgetty
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🌸 The city's blossom trees are budding and some are already in bloom. They're very close to it in the Meadows. Currently in bloom at the Botanics: the Yoshino cherry tree and the Campbell's magnolia, which doesn't bloom for as long so get along soon if you want to see it. - Dr Max Coleman shows it in this live video recording.
- ⮑ Local artist Vicky Paul will exhibit her own cherry blossom paintings at the Cockburn Collective, 161 Constitution Street, opening from 22 April. - More details here from the artist studios.
- ⮑ This year's annual Cherry Blossom Picnic at Starbank Park is planned for Sunday 26 April.
🚎 An interesting read for local history fans: the story behind Edinburgh's guided busway scheme of the 1990s, by Andy Arthur of Threadinburgh.
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April Fool's Day, the City of Edinburgh Council's 30th birthday 🎂 This thread will celebrate the moment a story of a calamitous public transport project in which everything that could go wrong, did go wrong and that wasn't the Trams! No, this is the long and convoluted history of the CERT busway 🚏
— Andy Arthur💃🏰⚓🦌 Threadinburgh 🧵 (@threadinburgh.scot) 2026-04-01T05:01:26Z
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📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard
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📚 The Little Free Library in Leith Walk is missing it's door! - 'I noticed last week that the door of the little free library in Leith Walk has gone missing. Does anyone know what happened or if it's going to be repaired? That free library brings so much joy and it makes me sad to see it like that.' - Shared by a Minute reader. [You can comment at the foot of the online version of this newsletter if you know.]
🦊 Wildlife on the Water of Leith - March 2026 - 'March was a lively month on the Water of Leith. Badgers & foxes were busy tending to newborn cubs, while kingfishers were fiercely competing for mates & territory. Many others were building nests & preparing for the arrival of new life on the river' - The video is here, shared by Tom Kelly, GoWildinEdinburgh.co.uk.
👨🍳 Professional Chef Training Open Evening - 'Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy is holding an Open Evening for anyone interested in their Professional Courses on Thursday April 2nd, from 5:30pm. You'll get a chance to meet the teachers, ask questions, explore career paths and learn new skills.' - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy.
✈️ Edinburgh Airport Retail and Business Partner Recruitment Fair
Today, Wed 01 April - 'Edinburgh Airport is delighted to be hosting a recruitment fair on behalf of a selection of our Business Partners, explore career opportunities at Edinburgh Airport. Come along to find out more information. DoubleTree Hilton 10am-2pm 1st April.'
10am to 2pm | DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh Airport, EH28 8LL - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🔬 Edinburgh Science Festival - Opening Gala: First Women of Science
Tomorrow, Thu 02 April - 'In this special opening gala event, former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon hosts a panel bringing together women in Scottish science and public life, to reflect on what it means to be a heard voice in a history of hidden voices.'
7pm to 8.30pm | Central Hall, EH3 9BP - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Science Festival.
🙏 Broughton St. Mary's Holy Week Celebrations
Tomorrow, Thu 02 April - 'Everyone is invited to our Holy Week Celebrations. Thursday 2 April: Maundy Thursday Service at 7.00pm at BSM. Friday 3 April: Tenebrae at 7.00pm at BSM. Easter Sunday: Sunrise service on Calton Hll at 7.00AM, and Easter Service at BSM at 10:30.'
7pm to 8pm | Broughton St Marys Parish Church, EH3 6NE | FREE - More details here, shared by Broughton St. Mary's Parish Church.
🎺 Phil O'Malley & Chris Greive Quintet at the Juniper Green Note
Tomorrow, Thu 02 April - 'Two outstanding Scottish jazz trombonists come together for a night of swinging, brass-led jazz at the Juniper Green Note. Lyrical moments alongside swingers including It's All Right With Me-an evening of joyful improvisation and irresistible swing.'
7.30pm to 9.30pm | Baberton Golf Club, EH14 5DU | £13 - More details here, shared by The Juniper Green Note grassroots jazz club.
🎨 Gesture Drawing Workshop
Sat 04 April - 'This class is all about capturing the figure in action. Warm up will be lots of quick gesture drawings, from 2 to 10 min, where we try and catch the action of the model. This is set to be an exciting and fast moving class!'
10am to 3pm | Birchwood Art Studio, EH11 1RF | £90 - More details here, shared by Birchwood Art Studio.
🍝 Kids eat for just £1 at Vittoria on the Walk
Sun 05 April - 'Family-run Italian favourite Vittoria on the Walk is offering a standout, budget-friendly dining deal in Edinburgh, with kids eating for just £1 every Sunday - a 90% saving.'
12pm to 12am | Vittoria on the Walk, EH7 5HW | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎉 Easter Synth-Day at Paradise Palms
Sun 05 April - 'Put down the eggs and join us for an electronic Easter party. Live sets from Charlotte Devlin, Nick Dow, Shears and Lugas Europ, DJs from Supper Club throughout - and it's free! 🐣.'
7pm to 1am | Paradise Palms, EH1 1HB | FREE - More details here, shared by Supper Club.
🤝 Cost of Living Support Day
Wed 08 April - 'Come along to access support and advice on energy bills, housing, welfare and benefits. A range of organisations and local councillors will be available to speak in a relaxed environment about issues you may have. Free refreshments and lunch!'
11am to 3pm | The Crannie Community Hub, EH8 8BE | FREE - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Old Town Development Trust.
🎻 Baroque Music Festival 2026 [Daily]
Wed 08 April - 'The Baroque Music Festival is coming back! Across five exceptional concerts at Institut français d'Ecosse and Reid Concert Hall, the festival invites you on a musical voyage through the great Baroque traditions of France, England, Scotland and Italy.'
7pm to 10pm | French Institute of Scotland, EH1 1RN - More details here, shared by Institut français d'Écosse.
🗳️ Election Hustings for the Edinburgh Central Constituency
Thu 09 April - 'Come and meet the candidates for the Edinburgh Central Constituency and put your questions to them at St Columba's by the Castle, Scottish Episcopal Church, 14 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2PW on Thursday 9th April at 7pm'
7pm to 10pm | St Columba's by the Castle Scottish Episcopal Church, EH1 2PW | FREE - More details here, shared by Iain Black, Grassmarket Residents’ Association.
🎶 Edinburgh International Harp Festival [Daily]
Fri 10 April - 'Experience the magic of harp at the Edinburgh International Harp Festival, where world-class musicians meet Scotland's finest talent. Enjoy concerts, workshops and a ceilidh, plus free sessions, come-and-try harp, and a harp exhibition.'
10am to 5pm | George Watson's College, EH10 5EG - More details here, shared by Edinburgh International Harp Festival.
🎥 Crazywise Film Screening
Fri 10 April - 'Join us for a special film night and discussion hosted by the Centre for Mad Culture UK! We will be screening Phil Borges' acclaimed documentary with a following discussion and open Mad chat. Snacks provided but please bring your own drinks.'
7pm to 10pm | Mote 102, EH6 4PG | £4-£7 - More details here, shared by Centre for Mad Culture UK.
🎨 MAA Scotland - Creative Workshops
Sat 11 April - 'Three years after the Scottish Government's apology for historic adoption practices, MAA Scotland is hosting two four-hour book-making workshops for self-expression. If you've been impacted, we'd love to hear from you. Reservation required.'
10.30am to 2.30pm | My Edinburgh - The Bakery, EH7 5JG | FREE - More details here, shared by MAA Scotland.
🎨 Creative Walks (for tenderhearted humans)
Sat 11 April - 'Nurture the creative part of you with this series of spring-time walks around Holyrood Park (March/April/May). Making art of any kind can often be a vulnerable experience, this is a low-pressure chance to breathe new life into your ideas and connect.'
11am to 1pm | Meet at the black kiosk in Holyrood Park car park (what3words: corner.face.garage) | FREE - More details here, shared by Sophie.
🤝 Community voices- Shaping the future of Edinburgh Southside
Sat 11 April - 'Ten years from now, Southside will look different. The question is: who decides how? Join our community workshop and make sure that person is you. Information collected in this workshop will inform Edinburgh city council's 'City Plan 2040'.'
3pm to 5pm | Greyfriars Charteris Centre, EH8 9RR | FREE - More details here, shared by Southside Community Council.
🎲 Auld Reekie Board Gaming Club
Tue 14 April - 'Join the Second Auld Reekie Board Gaming Club on the 14th April! Friendly players, great games, relaxed vibes. We also have beginner & experienced Blood on the Clocktower Sessions. Don't miss out-book early to secure your seat at the table!'
6pm to 11pm | Assembly Roxy, EH8 9SU | £8 - More details here, shared by Graham Colvan.
👑 Ugly Bonnets Craft Extravaganza!
Tue 14 April - 'Have you ever wanted to make your own ugly bonnet?? Come and craft your dream ridiculous hat on Tue 14th April, 7pm at Duncan Place Community Hub. All materials provided - just bring along a willingness to be silly! Self led session, for adults 16+.'
7pm to 8.45pm | Duncan Place Community Hub, EH6 8HW | £5 - More details here, shared by Ot, Duncan Place Community Hub.
🎨 Wheel Throwing Introduction Course [Weekly]
Wed 22 April - 'Enjoy a four week introduction course to wheel throwing at Bottega Ceramica, a new pottery studio in Leith. Different days and times available, promotional price valid only for the courses starting in April.'
10am to 12.30pm | Edinburgh Open Workshop, EH6 7BQ | 180£ (4 classes) - More details here, shared by Bottega Ceramica.
🌍 Scottish Youth Climate and Nature Husting
Wed 22 April - 'A chance for young people to put their questions about the climate and nature crises to those hoping to sit in the next Scottish Parliament!'
7pm to 9pm | Augustine United Church, EH1 1EL | FREE - More details here, shared by Kyle Downie, Young Friends of the Earth Scotland.
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 🔐 Council removes four landlords from register.
- 💻 More AI misconduct cases recorded at university.
- 🛑 Community ideas for Merchiston junction.
- 🏢 'Argyle House qualifies for listed status - but won't get it'.
- 🎙️ Next up on Forth 1: you? Radio station's search for new local talent.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 877.
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