The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Wednesday 12 November 2025

🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. Here’s today’s Edinburgh Minute.

🏗️ There is shock among the city's tech community as plans to demolish Argyle House emerged last night. The Castle Terrace building is home to CodeBase, Scotland’s largest tech sector workspace; home to 80 firms and a workforce of around 900 people.

• The plan, which would need to go through public consultation and get council approval, is for: 'Demolition of existing building and redevelopment of the site for mixed use development comprising residential, hotel and office use with ancillary commercial spaces, associated open space, car parking landscaping and ancillary works.' - There isn't much more detail but you can see the outline plans here.
• More details may surface at two consultation events, which are planned at The Lookout at the Edinburgh Futures Institute on 2 December and 28 January, both between 2pm and 7pm.
• The architect is Allford Hall Monaghan Morris.
• ⮑ Last month, CodeBase signed a one-year extension to its lease on the building. Its chief executive and co-founder Stephen Coleman OBE told FutureScot (last month): "The ideal for us is that we stay in Argyle House for a few more years".
• ⮑ I will seek comment from CodeBase today and report any updates in the online version of this post and in tomorrow morning's newsletter. UPDATE: a CodeBase spokesperson said:

"We have reassured tenants that this is the very start of what is typically a long process, and there is no immediate impact on CodeBase or our community. We remain secure in Argyle House for at least the next year, and we’re continuing to work towards a longer-term commitment that ensures the future of CodeBase Edinburgh, whether that be at Argyle House or elsewhere."

• ⮑ 'Might perceptions of Brutalist buildings change over time?' - While Argyle House is often referred to as one of the city's 'ugliest' buildings, some have argued for its preservation. The debate continues on Reddit.

🏠 Residents of Gorgie's Westfield Court claim the council is responsible for years of 'neglect' that led to safety problems in their flats. The tenant union Living Rent says the council suppressed a safety report outlining alleged fire risks in the building, which the council denies. Residents are demanding the council takes financial responsibility for repairs estimated at £19 million. The council said it has engaged with residents for 18 months and disputes claims that people are being 'forced to pay over £3,500 in energy bill costs due to the broken heating system'. Dimitrious Kampouris, a Westfield Court resident, said: "I fear for the safety of my children, myself and my neighbours every single day. I worry about the live electrical wires sitting in a pool of water on the roof, I worry about the loose cladding on the building falling on the heads of my children and I or passersby every time I enter and exit my home."

The council's Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Tim Pogson said: "Over the last 18 months the Council has been engaging with owners and residents in Westfield Court over the condition of this building. This is ongoing and specialist officers continue to be onsite at Westfield Court to provide support and advice. Council officers will bring a further report to the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee in December, informed by the feedback from this ongoing engagement. It is disappointing that Living Rent is not accurately reflecting the communication and actions the Council has undertaken. If owners and residents would like to discuss any aspect of the work at Westfield Court they should contact the officers onsite or contact the Council directly."

Living Rent's Community Organiser Barry Will said: "The council's handling of Westfield Court is truly appalling. This is a case of extreme neglect and failure of the council to do their duties both as landlord and factor. Nobody should live in fear, waiting for the day that their home finally succumbs to fire, flood or collapse. For our members in Westfield Court, it isn’t a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when.’ These people are fighting to stay in their homes, many of whom are pensioners, and we will not back down no matter how many times the council ignores them, silences them, or attempts to union bust through isolated meetings. The council’s behaviour is absolutely abhorrent and should prompt everyone who lives in this city to question if they truly care about the safety and wellbeing of the people they serve."

• The situation will be discussed by councillors next month.

🚉 The Edinburgh World Heritage independent conservation charity says it has 'serious and significant concerns' about the impacts of the council's proposed tram expansion project. It warned: 'South Bridge is not capable of accommodating a modern tram', with 'potentially serious implications and damage to this Category A-listed Georgian megastructure'. Instead, it said 'other route options, such as Morrison Street or Lothian Road should be kept open'. - The full EWH statement is here.

• The tram extension consultation closes on Monday 17 November. Have your say at this link.
• It's day three of The Herald's series on The Future of Edinburgh Trams. Here are the latest updates:
  • 'Record passengers, continued losses explained' - Donald Turvill.
  • 'Tram build was like childbirth. Years on, I forget the pain' - Vicky Allan.
  • 'Why Edinburgh trams means South Sub reopening 'can be done'' - Donald Turvill.
  • ''It's the option we've got': Edinburgh tram debate 'turning point'' - Donald Turvill talks to former city transport leader Lesley Hinds.

🚔 A 25-year-old man was arrested after a 30-year-old woman was stabbed near the Tesco shop on Duke Street in Leith around 10.15am yesterday. - Beth Franklin, STV News.

🚔 Detectives have released a CCTV image of a man linked to a sexual assault on a train between Edinburgh and Wolverhampton. - British Transport Police.

⛴️ A direct ferry link between Rosyth and Europe could be reopened if legal hurdles are removed. The Scottish Government says it's doing "all we can to ensure this direct freight and passenger ferry service to Europe is delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible.” - Alastair Dalton, The Scotsman.

🏠 Six Edinburgh homes are in October's top-10 most-viewed Lothians and Fife properties on the ESPC property portal. - See the full list here.

🧣 Marchmont's Breakfast Bothy Boutique is looking for donations of winter clothes for people in need. - More details in this post.

👍 A list of 18 jobs with Edinburgh-based social enterprises available right now, plus a range of volunteering opportunities, is currently on the Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network website.

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📌 “Wednesday 12th November. I’m a student running a clothes sale to fundraise for Palestine. The sale will be at Whitespace Gallery from 10am til 5pm, I’ll be selling lots of second hand clothes for affordable prices and all are welcome! Proceeds will go to families in Palestine via a gofundme.” - Thanks to Leyla KB for sharing this.

📌 “Thursday 13 Nov, 5-8pm. Join us for Lifestory's Festive Collection Launch Party, all welcome! Enjoy fizz, home-made gingerbread and offers... PLUS we have 25 delightful goodie bags for the first through the door.” - Thanks to Susan from Lifestory (53 London Street) for sharing this.

📌 “Thursday 13th November (7pm) - Christina Riley is coming to The Portobello Bookshop to discuss her new essay collection, Looking Down at the Stars, with writer Roxani Krystalli. We love Riley's work on The Nature Library and we're excited to help her celebrate the publication of this stunning book!” - Thanks to The Portobello Bookshop for sharing this.

📌 “Thursday 13 November, 10:30am. The Southside Heritage Group is hosting a talk from Bob McCulloch entitled "Edinburgh Characters". All welcome at Nelson Hall, 5 Spittalfield Cres, EH8 9QZ. Doors open from 10:00am.” - Thanks to Elaine for sharing this.

📌 “Saturday 15 November - Edinburgh Climate Coalition invite you to travel with us to the family-friendly, Brazil-inspired Scotland's Climate March. Meet by 9:15am at Waverley station, for the 9:30 train to Glasgow - look for our flag. Email edinburghclimatecoalition@gmail.com for help with fares.” - Thanks to Edinburgh Climate Coalition for sharing this.

📌 “Got something that's broken, want to try fixing it but not sure how? Join us at the next Repair Cafe Edinburgh pop-up event this Saturday in Dalkeith and our volunteers will provide guidance to diagnose and repair your items!” - Thanks to Paul Bullen for sharing this.

📌 “Saturday 15th November to Sunday 16th November - Join us for a special event celebrating one year of House of MinaLima Edinburgh. Get your copy of the latest MinaLima Edition ‘Frankenstein’, and have your books, art prints, and Christmas gifts hand-dedicated by Miraphora.” - Thanks to the organisers for sharing this. - Details of a meet and greet with Miraphora Mina are here.

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A post shared by MinaLima: Graphic Designers of the Harry Potter Films (@minalimadesign)

📌 “Saturday 15 November - join Woodlands Breathing for the final forest bathing experience of the year in person at Binning Wood in East Lothian. Bring your curiosity, breathe with the trees and leave feeling relaxed for the week ahead. Information and bookings via website.” - Thanks to Jeannie, Wellbeing Guide of Woodlands Breathing, for sharing this.

📌 “Tuesday 18 November - That Conversations Movement: You attend with someone you care about — a friend, partner, or family member. Together, you’ll take part in guided activities that spark stories, gratitude, and laughter. Phones stay away; it’s simply about less screen time and more quality time.” - Thanks to That Conversations Movement for sharing this.

📌 "Friday 21 November & Saturday 22 November. Come along to the Scottish Christmas Book Fair at the New Town Church in George Street. It's the perfect occasion for Christmas gift shopping and there's a chance to chat with Scotland's indie publishers & meet their authors for book signings." - Thanks to Vikki Reilly at Publishing Scotland for sharing this.

📌 “Experience a century of music as Kevin Grunill brings the mighty cinema organ to life at the Corstorphine Astoria Centre. Acclaimed across the UK, Europe and the USA, he’s known for expressive, captivating performances. As the organ’s restorer, he plays with rare insight and authenticity.” - Thanks to the Corstorphine Trust for sharing this.

📌 “Do you suffer from joint pain? We run a free Joint Pain Programme at Nuffield Health at the Omni Centre, Fountain Park and our Edinburgh Club. You can self refer or get a referral through your GP. Please go to Nuffield Health/joints or call Omni 0131 550 1650.” - Thanks to Kirsteen Innes for sharing this.

📌 “Thursday 13 Nov 2025 - Join us for the film showing of "Three Words for Forest" exploring the challenges, complexities, hopes and fears of working with trees and forests in a time of climate crisis. The film is followed by a Q&A session by the film creators and everyone is most welcome!” - Thanks to Scottish Wildlife Trust Lothians group for sharing this.

📌 “Tuesday 25 Nov- Activists Willie Black, Anna Hutchison & Dave Pickering (North Edinburgh News & Information Worker at Granton Information Centre), discuss North Edinburgh community activism, campaigns, actions, and their solidarity with local, national and international protests and change.” - Thanks to the organisers for sharing this. - Book a free ticket here.

📌 “Think the Cowgate should be safer? Frustrated at the council's inaction? Join Edinburgh Critical Mass' protest outside City Chambers at 08:30am on Thursday 13th November. Everyone welcome.” - Thanks to the organisers for sharing this.

📮 Anything missing? Please share your local news and events here.

👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:

1. 🚎 Calder Road crash passengers taking legal action against Lothian Buses.
2. 🍕 Historic warehouse becoming new food, drink & arts space: Brown's of Leith.
3. 🏠 'Edinburgh hit by 250% rise in homeless refugee applications'.
4. 🚔 'No further action' one year after man killed by bus in Cowgate.
5. ⛰️ Radical Road reopening update.

⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 767.
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