The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Wednesday 10 June 2026
Public rejects both new tram line options, phones banned in all schools, fire in Leith flats + 14 new foodie spots around the city
🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. The weekly Culture Minute lands in paying subscribers' inboxes later today. It's Edinburgh's essential going-out guide. Also, now you can gift subscriptions for the Minute. Some of you have been asking for that feature to return, so now you can show how generous you are. The link to do that is here. Now, on with the news. Here’s Wednesday's Edinburgh Minute.
🔥 Firefighters tackled a fire in the roof of a block of flats on Restalrig Road South (map link) around 7pm last night. - There's some video footage in this Evening News report by David McLean & Heather Carrick.
BBC News
📵 A 'bell to bell' ban of mobile phones in every Edinburgh primary and high school in the city was approved yesterday and is due to begin in August. - The council published this press release, with education leader James Dalgleish calling it 'a monumental step for Edinburgh’s children and young people', adding: "We wanted to be bold in our ambition to make our schools phone free environments that enable our teachers to teach and pupils to learn without the distraction of devices in the classroom."
⮑ The new policy also covers smart-watches. Details of exemptions for pupils with certain needs are still to be confirmed. - Local Democracy Reporter Joe Sullivan, BBC Scotland News.
🚉 Thousands of Edinburgh residents have rejected both of the council's options for a new north-south tram line. Consultation responses published yesterday at this link [PDF] show a majority were against both the Roseburn Path and Dean Bridge proposals. Neither route has any funding secured. Elsewhere on the proposed new line, more than half supported a route linking the city centre to the Royal Infirmary. The council said public feedback 'will help us develop the next stage of the project which is the Strategic Business Case for a new tram line'. Council transport leader Stephen Jenkinson claimed the consultation was 'inconclusive', adding: "It's a consultation, not a referendum."
⮑ A total of 11,425 responses were submitted on the council’s consultation hub between 25 August–17 November 2025. Here is how the city voted on each proposed route section:
- North / South Tram (overall)
❌ 53% Oppose | 🟢 40% Support | 🟡 6% Neither support / oppose - Roseburn Path (This route had the most objections)
❌ 68% Oppose | 🟢 23% Support | 🟡 6% Neither support / oppose - Orchard Brae (Dean Bridge)
❌ 44% Oppose | 🟢 32% Support | 🟡 19% Neither support / oppose - Granton – City Centre Direct
❌ 40% Oppose | 🟢 38% Support | 🟡 18% Neither support / oppose - Granton – Newhaven (Line 1C)
❌ 29% Oppose | 🟢 39% Support | 🟡 28% Neither support / oppose - City Centre – BioQuarter & Royal Infirmary Edinburgh hospital (This route got the most support)
❌ 27% Oppose | 🟢 51% Support | 🟡 18% Neither support / oppose - Midlothian / Shawfair
❌ 23% Oppose | 🟢 43% Support | 🟡 29% Neither support / oppose - East Lothian / Queen Margaret University
❌ 23% Oppose | 🟢 43% Support | 🟡 30% Neither support / oppose
(The consultation percentages don't always add up to 100% as the ‘not answered’ data wasn't provided).
📰 'Only a minority support new Edinburgh tram line in huge consultation response' - Alastair Dalton, The Scotsman.
- Next steps: The council report says: "The outputs from the consultation and market research will inform an Strategic Business Case that is being developed and will be presented to Transport and Environment Committee on 10 September 2026 when Councillors will be asked for a decision on next steps for the Trams from Granton to BioQuarter and Beyond project. This could include proceeding with all or any element of the proposal to OBC stage, subject to funding (see para 6.2 under Financial Impact below); proceeding with workstreams to amend the current proposal, subject to funding; ceasing and/or pausing temporarily work on the project."
- Councillors will discuss these results at the next Transport and Environment Committee on 18 June before a decision on 10 September.
- The tram network expansion cost is estimated between £2 billion and £2.9 billion, with nobody currently lined up to fund it.
- What about trams on South Bridge? - Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco reports in The Herald.
👀 NOTE: This exact outcome (both route options being rejected) was forecast back in 10 November's newsletter (Minute edition 765) when a council source told the Minute: "Currently it's clear there is overwhelming rejection of both options". You read it here first.
⛔️ The Telfer Subway is due to be closed to pedestrians from Monday 15 June for five days of construction works. - More details in this week's edi.bike newsletter.
⚽️ Hundreds of tables and benches have been delivered to the Gyle shopping centre carpark before it becomes 'Edinburgh's biggest Fanzone' where men's football World Cup games will be screened. - See a video update from Edinburgh Fanzone here + find ticket details here.
🍜 A new ramen spot in Inverleith, a cafe on the canal, a tattie shop in Morningside and a wine bar on Leith Walk are among 14 new foodie spots around the city on Ailidh Forlan's @plateexpectations Instagram round-up.
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⚽ Head to Union Social Garden to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 - 'From the opening match tomorrow through to the final on 19 July, football fans are invited to Union Social Garden to enjoy food and drink offers with a student-friendly price tag – including pints from £3.60 and free pies for every Scotland match.' - More details here, shared by Edinburgh University Students' Association.
🤝 Carers Week 2026: Local charity VOCAL highlights the growing cost of unpaid caring across Edinburgh - 'This Carers Week, local charity VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian) is calling for greater recognition of, and practical support for unpaid carers, as new evidence shows caring is pushing too many people into poverty.' - More details here, shared by Caitlain, VOCAL.
🍜 Traditional 1915 Hand-Pulled Lanzhou Noodles Launched in Edinburgh - '1915 Lanz Noodle is now open at 12 Seafield Rd E! We serve authentic, traditional Chinese hand-pulled beef noodle soup crafted fresh to order. We’d love to share our heritage story tastings.' - More details here, shared by Nielthon Taupan.
🖤 Bereavement in university students - 'Looking for research participants to help shape bereavement supports for students in the UK (Deadline: 31 Jul)' - More details here, shared by Leonor Rodriguez.
🏡 Inside a Writer’s Victorian Flat in Edinburgh Built Around the Seasons - 'Edinburgh author Rosie Steer stripped a neglected Victorian tenement back to its bones and spent almost four years slowly filling it with pre-loved furniture, foraged finds, and seasonal touches inspired by the Celtic Wheel of the Year.' - More details here, shared by Ilya, NOSTALGIA.
🏃♂️ parkrun is coming to Dalkeith Country Park | Volunteers Wanted - 'parkrun is coming to Dalkeith Country Park. Before the free weekly 5k can launch, local volunteers are needed. No experience required. Interested in helping? Contact Andy at andy.murray@parkrun.com for more information.' - More details here, shared by Amy Redmond, Dalkeith Country Park.
👩🌾 Wild Fungarium - Gardening for Wildlife with Susie White - 'Join professional gardener and author Susie White as she shares top tips and garden tricks on how to improve wildlife and biodiversity in your garden whilst dipping into some of her gardening for wildlife books. Saturday 13th June, 7pm.' - More details here, shared by Wild Fungarium.
Wild Fungarium
💬 Do you use the Edinburgh Minute Community Notice Board or TownSpot to find or share local events? - 'We're looking for Edinburgh locals to take part in a 1 hour online interview to find out what matters most when finding and sharing local events. If you’re interested in helping shape the direction of the TownSpot app, sign up through the survey. (Deadline: 12 Jun)' - More details here, shared by TownSpot.
🛍️ Fill a Bag Sale
Today, Wed 10 June - 'Gorgeous second-hand treasures at Summerhall! Event running until stocks last! Small bag - £15 Medium bag - £25 Large bag - £35'
10am to 5pm | Bethany Christian Trust, EH9 1QE | FREE - More details here, shared by Bethany Christian Trust.
🎨 Lands: New works by Carolyn Barrett [Daily]
Today, Wed 10 June - ''Lands' presents new work from Musselburgh-based, Glasgow School of Art-trained artist Carolyn Barrett. A series of compact oil paintings, the pieces present a lively challenge to the traditional constraints of the landscape genre.'
11am to 3pm | Dr Neil's Garden, EH15 3PX | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🖋️ The87Press - Poetry Book Launch
Today, Wed 10 June - 'The launch of two books born out of two disasters; the genocide and destruction of Gaza and the 1984 Bhopal gas explosion in India. Our two poets are Fargo Nissim Tbakhi and Mantra Mukim, hosted by poet and activist-scholar, Nat Raha.'
7pm to 10pm | Palestine Museum Scotland, EH3 6QG | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🏑 Social Hockey [Weekly]
Tomorrow, Thu 11 June - 'Ready to try something new? The Watsonian Hockey Club is running Social Hockey sessions at Oxgangs Primary School, Thursdays 6:45-7:45, for any and all, no fitness or skills needed. Try the first session for free, contact edi@watsonianshockeyclub.com.'
6.45pm to 7.45pm | Oxgangs Primary School, EH13 9DS - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🧘♀️ TRE Classes at Leith Pilates [Weekly]
Tomorrow, Thu 11 June - 'Calm your mind and release deep physical stress, tight hips, and anxiety.This course teaches you TRE® (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises).You will learn to safely activate your body's natural neurogenic shaking reflex to reset your nervous system.'
7pm to 8.30pm | Leith Pilates, EH6 6AY | £25 per class - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🖼️ WANDERLUST Exhibition: Analogue Photography & Art from NYC and Edinburgh - by Mira Knoche [Daily]
Fri 12 June - 'OPENING Fri 12 Jun, 5-8pm | Dates 12-21 Jun: Showing analogue photography, paintings & etchings from New York and Edinburgh. Reflecting on the artist's year in NY, the show invites a slow way of looking and cross-cultural celebration. All welcome!'
10am to 6pm | St Margaret's House, EH7 6AE | FREE - More details here, shared by Mira Knoche.
🍴 LifeCare Summer BBQ
Fri 12 June - 'Come along to the LifeCare Summer BBQ this Friday! The BBQ is free, and there'll be local stalls, activities, a bouncy castle and bakes! Everyone is welcome 🩷'
12pm to 4pm | LifeCare Edinburgh, EH4 1JB | FREE - More details here, shared by Amy Liston, alistondesigns.
🏳️🌈 Queer Folks Tales
Fri 12 June - 'Queer Folks' Tales continues its fifth year in the Scottish home of storytelling, with rave reviews and even an award under its belt! Celebrate the start of summer 2026 with LGBTQ+ storytellers galore from around Edinburgh and Scotland.'
7.30pm to 9.30pm | Scottish Storytelling Centre, EH1 1SR | £14 - More details here, shared by Steve Mole.
🌸 Physic Garden: Flower Arranging
Sat 13 June - 'Step into the Physic Garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and discover the art of floral design. Guided by florist Lottie Longman, create your own seasonal vase arrangement with fresh blooms cut straight from the garden. Please bring your own vase.'
9.30am to 12pm | Palace of Holyroodhouse, EH8 8DX | £75 - More details here, shared by Royal Collection Trust.
🌿 Rotaract park clean!
Sat 13 June - 'Want to give back to the community? The Edinburgh Rotaract is getting together for a litterpick, a park clean and some light pruning. Feel free to join us :).'
10am to 12pm | Gilmerton Dykes Street, EH16 6RT | FREE - More details here, shared by Tommy Boonham, Rotaract Edinburgh.
I received details of three similar events organised by different groups here, so I've grouped them together to help those interested find the event/location that suits them best:
🌳 Spring/Summer Forest Bathing Taster session (mindful walk) in Leith - '🌱🌻Saturday 13th of June 10-11am Wild Rose Forest Therapy will be guiding a Forest Bathing Taster Session in Leith to welcome spring. Soothe, restore and connect deeply to nature. Learn creative nature connection invitations & share with others 🌻🌱 (Deadline: 12 Jun)' - More details here, shared by Rosie McLoughlin, Wild Rose Forest Therapy.
🌲 Forest Bathing at Lauriston: Stillness at the Solstice
Sat 13 June - 'Step away from the rush of everyday life and join us for a relaxing guided forest bathing experience in the woodlands of Lauriston Castle. We'll slow down, reconnect with nature, and find space to breathe as we approach the longest day of the year.'
10am to 12.30pm | Lauriston Castle, EH4 6AD | £24-£29 - More details here, shared by Dr Eve Hepburn, LongLeaf.
🌳 Summer Forest Bathing Walk: Into the Canopy
Sun 14 June - 'Join me for a gentle guided Summer Forest Bathing Walk at Hermitage of Braid, Edinburgh. A morning for you to slow down, reduce stress, feel calmer & reconnect with nature. Sun 14th June 10:30 am to 13:00 pm- Book via Eventbrite- All Welcome.'
10.30am to 1pm | Midmar Drive & Hermitage Drive, EH10 6BX | £22.38 - More details here, shared by Creative Roots in Nature, creative roots in nature.
✨ Design and make hallmark quality silver jewellery
Sat 13 June - 'Step into the world of jewellery making with this beginner-friendly class and create 3 unique pieces of silver jewellery from scratch! Discover the magic of metal clay guided step-by-step by Anna Campbell, one of the UK's leading metal clay teachers.'
10am to 5pm | The Arienas Collective - Creative Workshop Hub, EH3 6NW | £135 - More details here, shared by Lynn Powell, The Arienas Collective.
🎶 Come fly with BCCB
Sat 13 June - 'A fun afternoon of music for all ages.'
3pm to 5pm | Craigsbank Church, EH12 8HD - More details here, shared by Bristo Community Concert Band.
🎬 Contagion and Discussion
Sat 13 June - 'A special screening of "Contagion" marking 300 years of Edinburgh's Medical School. Followed by an informal discussion with University of Edinburgh scientists exploring the film's striking parallels with real world pandemics.'
3.15pm to 5.45pm | Filmhouse, EH3 9BZ - More details here, shared by University of Edinburgh.
🎸 Loch Lonesome and Caro Bridges live at Leith Depot
Sat 13 June - 'Country-Folk singer/songwriter Loch Lonesome brings his songs of heartbreak, life & death to the Leith Depot. Support comes from folk songsmith Caro Bridges.'
7pm to 10pm | Leith Depot, EH6 5DT | £5 adv £6 otd - More details here, shared by Caro Bridges.
🏳️🌈 Loud & Proud Choir's Summer Concert
Sat 13 June - 'Scotland's longest-running LGBTQI+ choir is back on stage again to sing more classic pop, traditional Scottish tunes, and a song about trees. Come join us!'
7.30pm to 10pm | Stockbridge Parish Church, EH3 5BN | £15, £10 concessions - More details here, shared by a member of the choir.
🎶 The Edinburgh Singers: Magnificat
Sat 13 June - 'A showcase of two magnificent works: J.S. Bach's Magnificat dazzles with Baroque brilliance and drama, while John Rutter's Magnificat glows with rhythmic vitality and contemporary colour.'
7.30pm to 9.30pm | Greyfriars Kirk, EH1 2QQ | £18 (£14), U12 free - More details here, shared by The Edinburgh Singers.
💃 EPiKA: Iona Violet
Sat 13 June - 'Not chasing trends, just playing good techno, old and new, with her distinctive taste shaping that first night. Iona Violet is back, and you should get your dancing shoes ready.'
11pm to 3am | The Bongo Club, EH1 1JX - More details here, shared by EPiKA.
🎨 Mansfield Traquair Centre Open Day
Sun 14 June - 'Come and see Phoebe Anna Traquair’s breathtaking murals; get more out of your visit with free tours from friendly guides - just turn up (last tour 3.15pm), quiz sheets for younger visitors. Free entry, donations welcome.'
1pm to 4pm | Mansfield Traquair Centre | donations welcome - More details here, shared by Friend of Mansfield Traquair Centre.
🌿 Willow picnic platter for biscuits/bread and cheese- Willow Weaving Workshop, Sunday 14th June 1.3pm
Sun 14 June - 'Learn the beautiful craft of willow weaving, a hands-on workshop to make a platter for al fresco summer picnics. All materials, tools, tuition provided, suitable for beginners. To book awaywithwillow@hotmail.com further info: www.awaywithwillow.com.'
1.30pm to 4pm | Away with Willow Coffins, EH10 5LS | £45.00 - More details here, shared by Koren, Away with Willow.
♀️ International Women's Day - Organising Meeting
Sun 14 June - 'Join our monthly organising meeting to begin preparations for the International Women's Day 2027 march. Everyone welcome, no organising experience required!'
2pm to 4pm | Jeremiah's Taproom, EH7 4AA | FREE - More details here, shared by IWD-Edinburgh Organising Committee.
🎶 TFEH presents: DANNY KAMINS / KIT BULA / NIKKI MORAN & OFF BRAND.
Sun 14 June - 'Tfeh presents an international triple bill of experimental & improvised music with the ulterior motive of selling youse a brand new cassette by Arttu Partinen / Nikki Moran & Off Brand co-released by Artsy Records & Giant Tank!'
8pm to 11pm | Fruitmarket, EH1 1DF | £10 adv./ £12 OTD - More details here, shared by Ali Robertson, Giant Tank / Tfeh.
📮 What's missing from the Minute? Got an event to share? Please share your local news and events here.
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 📆 TownSpot: Edinburgh's people-powered events calendars & maps.
- 🚉 Heritage body against trams on Dean Bridge.
- 🎇 Fireworks banned in 15 neighbourhoods.
- 📜 History of Edinburgh podcast explores Powderhall's past.
- 🌳 Public-private gardens bid rejected.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 924.
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