The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Wednesday 18 February 2026
Police drone plan, new eye hospital update, Seafield 'Mess-planade' litter pick, Rankin plots Rebus return + a new edition of Tenement Town
🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. It's a quiet one so far. Here’s Wednesday's Edinburgh Minute.
🚔 Police are planning to set up a new permanent drone team in Edinburgh. - Joe Sullivan, Local Democracy Reporter, in Midlothian View.
🏥 NHS Lothian has appointed a contractor to build its new eye hospital at the Edinburgh BioQuarter. - Rose Moncur, The Herald.
🏗️ Plans for 60 new student flats on a gap site in Slateford have been lodged. - Lee Dalgetty, Edinburgh Live.
📘 Edinburgh-based crime writer Ian Rankin has revealed plans to revive his Inspector Rebus character for the 40th anniversary of his first appearance. And there's news of filming for the new Rebus TV series. - Exclusive by Brian Ferguson in The Herald.
Brian Ferguson
🍻 The new 'Parliament Arms' pub on the Canongate (opposite the Scottish Parliament building) is planning to use the Houses of Parliament (UK Parliament) logo on its signage. - See the plans on Harry Williams' City Scope site here + a report by Nicholas Malizia of Edinburgh Live.
🎓 The cost of vehicles used by University of Edinburgh staff are investigated by Maryse Bots and Lucy Frewin of Edinburgh Dot.
EdinburghDot
⛪️ The Covenanters Memorial in the Grassmarket had been restored as part of a conservation project. - Rose Moncur, The Herald.
🗑️ The recently formed Edinburgh Trash Club has been tackling litter along the coast at Seafield. "It’s also next to a notorious fly-tipping spot, a road grandly called Marine Esplanade, dubbed Mess-planade," writes Environment Correspondent Vicky Allen, who joined the litter-pickers for a report in The Herald.
Vicky Allan
🏢 There's a new edition of Tenement Town by Diarmid Mogg: Stories of the residents of a southside tenement over the past 250 years, including Mary Macadam, one of the few patients ever to leave the Edinburgh Hospital for Incurables alive. - Thanks to Diarmid for sharing this.
Tenement Town
21 East Crosscauseway, built around 1778 on what is now a side street but was then the only paved road in the south of Edinburgh, which linked the city’s two main roads south. (The name comes an unfortunate anglicisation of the Scots word "causey", meaning "paved".) Former residents include:
— Diarmid Mogg (@diarmidmogg.bsky.social) 2026-02-17T09:49:00.266Z
📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard
⮑ Please get in touch using this form. < It’s the only way to get something featured in the newsletter.
🪴 Local mini-documentary makers Lena and Ilya have shared their latest film: 'Inside Eliza’s Beautifully Cluttered Home in Edinburgh' - Eliza, a student from Shetland, lives in a tenement flat in Edinburgh with her boyfriend Lewis and shares how she made a rented space feel personal. The home is wonderfully eclectic: full of art, posters, stickers, books, and plants. - Thanks to NOSTALGIA for sharing this.
📌 “Wed 18 Feb - Sun 22 Feb - Doris Small: A Retrospective is a posthumous exhibition of the artist’s creative works and practice on what would have been her 94th birthday at Leith Makers, put on by her artist grand-daughter, and studio resident, Shelley Skail.” - Thanks to Shelley Skail for sharing this.
🍽️ Scran Academy is selected as Barratt Homes East Scotland’s Charity Partner for 2026&27 - 'This exciting partnership will help them reach more young people across Edinburgh and the Lothians, expand their programmes, and create even more opportunities for young people to reach their full potential.' - Thanks to Jane Strutt, Scran Academy, for sharing this.
📋 Scottish Football and Political Behaviour Survey - 'I’m running an anonymous academic survey for my dissertation examining football club support, political views, and broader attitudes. It takes around 8–10 minutes to complete and is open to supporters of any Scottish football club.' - Thanks to a Minute reader for sharing this.
♻️ Local maker crowdfunding a plastic recycling machine - 'I’m an Edinburgh-based designer and maker crowdfunding to finish building a large recycled-plastic sheet press. It will turn local plastic waste into durable materials for furniture, wall pieces, and community workshops.' - Thanks to Bart Urbanski from DOBA Studio for sharing this.
🤝 Volunteer Drivers needed - Provide safe, reliable transport for vulnerable older people, driving The Open Door’s 8-seat vehicle with wheelchair lift, assisting passengers as needed, and ensuring comfort, safety, and dignity throughout their journey. - Thanks to Simon Warr from The Open Door for sharing this.
🧶 Introduction to Machine Knitting - Make a Neckerchief
Tomorrow, Thursday 19 February - Machine Knitting taster day - learn about the basics of machine knitting, then go on to make a neckerchief. Wools in a range of colours are provided.
10.30am to 4.30pm | Paradigm Shift Open Studio, EH6 6DN | £40 - More details here.
📖 An Evening with George Saunders
Tomorrow, Thursday 19 February - We're excited to be welcoming Booker Prize-winning author George Saunders to Edinburgh for the Scottish launch of his latest novel, Vigil. We're equally delighted that Glasgow-based writer Heather Parry will be hosting it. Last places available!
7pm to 8.15pm | Gordon Aikman Lecture Theatre, EH8 9LH - More details here, shared by The Portobello Bookshop.
🧩 A Nice Day Out - Climbing
Sat 21 February - A relaxed bouldering session - beginner friendly but all levels welcome! No instruction, just space to climb and chat and friendly faces around to help. Coffee and walk afterwards by the beach. Email anicedayoutclub@gmail.com for a discount link.
11.30am to 1.30pm | The Climbing Hangar Edinburgh, EH7 6XD - More details here, shared by A Nice Day Out.
🍻 Pizza Party on Leith Walk
Sat 21 February - What happened to good old fashioned community get togethers? We're bringing them back. Join us Saturday 21st, 3:30-6:30pm. BYOB. A low key, no pressure way to meet some friendly faces around the Leith Walk area. £10 to cover pizza costs. BYOB.
3.30pm to 6.30pm | Marpole, EH7 4PE | £10 - More details here, shared by Marpole Retreats.
🎶 The Grocer's Music Club
Sat 21 February - Leading vocal ensemble bringing 16th century music to life.
7.30pm to 9pm | Edinburgh New Town Church, EH2 2PA - More details here, shared by Georgian Concert Society.
🎨 Polymer clay jewellery workshop
Sun 22 February - Beginner polymer clay jewellery workshop: come along for a fun and cosy afternoon where you'll get to take home two finished pieces of jewellery and the skills to start making your own jewellery right away! Just off the Canongate.
2pm to 4.30pm | The Crannie Community Hub, EH8 8BE | £45 - More details here, shared by Ruth Appleby, Mud & Marsh Jewellery Design.
🧘 Roll & Release Workshop
Sun 22 February - Using therapy balls to massage the body, we can improve mobility and relieve aches and pains. This month will be focusing on the fascia and muscles around the hips, plus some grounding breath work and relaxation.
3pm to 5pm | Ashtanga Yoga Edinburgh & Hillside Collective, EH7 5JT | £45 - More details here, shared by Emma McCready.
🤣 Historically Funny
Sun 22 February - Beat the post-Valentine blues with the funniest sit-down nae-walking tour of Edinburgh's filthy history. Grab a drink, get a seat and have a laugh with Susan Morrison. History meets comedy and one of them gets a nasty disease......
5pm to 6pm | The Stand Comedy Club, EH1 3EB - More details here, shared by Susan Morrison, Stand Comedy Club.
🏳️🌈 Age Scotland LGBTQ+ History Month and Book Week event
Mon 23 February - Age Scotland is hosting an event with older LGBTQ+ activists to discuss the campaign for equality and challenges facing the community. Guests include actor Mark Kydd and Lavender Menace founder, Sigrid Nelson. RSVP Keith.Paterson@agescotland.org.uk
10.30am to 3pm | Age Scotland, EH9 1PR | FREE - More details here, shared by Keith Paterson, Age Scotland.
🤝 'Thrifty Thursday' - Fundraising Event - Grab a bargain for only £4 an item!
Thu 26 February - Charity fashion sale is to raise funds for the Community Taskforce project, supporting people across Edinburgh who have no one else to help, inc. those recently discharged from hospital, facing new health challenges, or in need of a helping hand.
1.30pm to 5.30pm | Volunteer Edinburgh, EH6 5EQ | FREE - More details here, shared by Volunteer Edinburgh.
Jason McCann
🤝 Men's Open Group [Fortnightly]
Thu 26 February - Fortnightly group for men to meet & share what's going on for them in a safe, respectful & non-clinical space. Free, no commitment, no religion/politics, no discrimination/judgment, no advice or fixing, simply being listened to with respect & empathy
6pm to 8pm | North Edinburgh Arts, EH4 4AB | FREE - More details here, shared by Jonny5050.
📌 “26 February - REPAIR (Edinburgh) Network is an ASN network & are having a "Town Hall" style meeting to discuss future plans & involvement. More info here and here and sign up here.” - Thanks to Gary Staerck, CoFounder REPAIR (Edinburgh) Network, for sharing this.
🛍️ Flea Market [Monthly]
Saturday 28 February - Browse 45+ stalls packed with pre-loved items. From clothes and jewellery to books, antiques and other collectibles, there's something for everyone. The Drill Hall Cafe is open selling teas, coffees and hot and cold snacks.
10am to 3pm | The Out of the Blue Drill Hall, EH6 8RG | FREE - More details here, shared by Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust.
📌 “Saturday 28th February, Sunday 1st & Monday 2nd March 2026 (6-9pm). Corstorphine Window Wanderland is back! We will brighten up the last weekend of February by transforming the streets of Corstorphine into a magical outdoor illuminated gallery for all to enjoy. This is a FREE event, open to all.” - Thanks to the Corstorphine Window Wanderland Team for sharing this.
📌 “Saturday 28th February 12pm-3pm - If you're a new parent, recently married or have just bought a home, you might want to plan in case the worst happens. Book your slot at ESPC’s next event and speak to a solicitor about Powers of Attorney, Wills and estate planning in a relaxed, supportive setting.” - Thanks to Megan from ESPC for sharing this.
📌 “Monday 2nd March - Shaker Collective invites hospitality workers to its first Supper Club at Hawksmoor Edinburgh, hosted by co‑founder Marissa Johnston. This relaxed networking dinner explores hospitality career paths over a delicious three-course meal. Tickets £45 (members £5 off).” - Thanks to Shaker Collective for sharing this.
🍷 Vinyl Club #4 (Belle and Sebastian)
Wed 4 March - We'll listen on vinyl together and deep-dive into Belle and Sebastian's classic 1996 record Tigermilk. With two glasses of wine (Side A,B) we'll create our music/wine language. This has become quite a night. No extensive music knowledge necessary!
7.30pm to 10pm | Smith & Gertrude, EH15 2AT | 28.00 - More details here, shared by Todd Henkin.
Smith & Gertrude
📢 Big Tech, Climate Change and Planning Law: Why we need to oppose new data centres in Edinburgh
Thu 5 March - Join us on 6 March to hear why we must stop new hyperscale data centres proposed for Edinburgh & across Scotland because of their impact on climate, water usage, & the noise & diesel pollution they cause. Organised by APRS & Global Justice Now.
6.30pm to 8pm | Augustine United Church, EH1 1EL | FREE - More details here, shared by Global Justice Now.
🗣️ The Hidden Women of St Cecilia's Hall: Women's History Month Talk
Fri 6 March - Dr Jenny Nex explores and examines the roles, lives and stories behind the often overlooked women who were instrumental in the making, selling and collecting of some of the instruments in the collection.
6pm to 7pm | Main Library, EH8 9LJ | Free - £5 - More details here, shared by Hannah, St Cecilia's Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum.
📌 “🧑🍳 Eat with Ailsa is looking for a new Kitchen Assistant and a new Class Tutor for her Cooking Classes. Both positions are part-time with flexible hours. Email to find out more about either role: eatingwithailsa@gmail.com” - Thanks to Ailsa McGuinness, Founder of Eat with Ailsa, for sharing this.
📮 Anything missing? Or an event to share? Nothing's too local! Please share your local news and events here.
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 🥧 Morrison Street pie shop changing its name.
- ⏸️ Details behind decision to pause George Street revamp.
- 💰 £4m for Leith Links revamp.
- 🧵 Edinburgh Open Workshop: Make and Upholster Your Own Mid-Century Stool.
- 🍕 Company Bakery February Pizza Party.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 843.
📬 Free subscribers: 28,500+.
📲 Visits generated for local news sources: 2,000,000+.
👍 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.
