The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Wednesday 20 May 2026

🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. So far it's a quieter start to the day, news-wise. However the Community Noticeboard is busy as ever. Remember you can always see all the local events on the new TownSpot calendars and maps. Here’s today's Edinburgh Minute.

🤝 Some follow-ups to one of yesterday's most-clicked stories (Old Town businesses plan improvement district bid): Local businesses are being encouraged to share their views in the online survey here before 5 June.

• ⮑ Local businesses already involved include Mercat Tours, Museum Context, Elephant House, Vittoria Restaurants, Merchant Leisure & Scottish Design Exchange.
• After yesterday's exclusive in The Herald, some of the businesses pushing for change spoke to Edinburgh Live's Lee Dalgetty about their hopes for the BID. Andrew McRae of Museum Context said being targeted repeatedly by graffiti was 'really demoralising' for local business owners.
• Council leader Jane Meagher said: "We know from the continued success of Essential Edinburgh, the New Town's BID, what a well-run, business-led district can achieve, and look forward to hearing directly from businesses about whether an Old Town BID is something they would like to explore.” - Ian Swanson, Evening News.

#oldtownbid #edinburgh #edinburghbusiness | Edinburgh Old Town BID

💭Have your say on the Old Town BID now. ❓This isn’t a campaign. It’s a genuine question, and your answer matters. A BID would give Old Town businesses a collective voice to tackle safety, cleanliness and visitor experience. In the New Town, Essential Edinburgh has been delivering this for 20 years. Now it’s the Old Town’s turn to have its say. 💡Two minutes. Anonymous. Non-binding. One survey response per business. Poll closes 5pm 5th June. Many thanks for voting and sharing with your networks. 👉Vote now - https://lnkd.in/ek4MSZJN Roddy Smith Arthur Mustard Andrew McRae Lynzi Leroy Neil Christison Tony Crolla Susan Morrison Andrew Johnson Michael Golding Marc Crothall MBE Gareth Barwell Paul Lawrence Mafalda Albuquerque Denzil Skinner Essential Edinburgh | Certified B Corp™ Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG) Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) #OldTownBID #Edinburgh #EdinburghBusiness

LinkedInEdinburgh Old Town BID

🗳️ The monthly full council meeting is tomorrow, with topics including: Edinburgh Tram Inquiry Report and an update on electric vehicle charging. - See the full agenda here.

🟡 Lesley Macinnes was last night elected as the new local leader of the SNP group on the City of Edinburgh Council. - STV News.

🚈 ScotRail is recommending people to plan ahead due to the Edinburgh Marathon Festival and Melrose 7s sporting events this weekend. - More details here.

• A full list of road closures for the marathon festival events (across Friday, Saturday and Sunday) is on the event website here.

🖼️ Art and poetry created by people with lived experience of homelessness are being displayed on billboards across the city as part of a new public exhibition. - Rose Moncur, The Herald.

🛍️ The Lucy & Yak shop on Rose Street is replacing its stock with repaired, upcycled and second-hand clothing this weekend. - Rose Moncur, The Herald.

🐯 Local independent gift shop Paper Tiger has won Best In-Store or Window Display at The Greats Awards in London. - More details here, shared by Michael Apter.

💰 MP Scott Arthur writes in: "Amazing - the Boroughmuir High School community have raised over £13k (so far) for Papyrus - a charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. They are fundraising in memory of a former student." - More details here.

Boroughmuir High School EMF PAPYRUS

Help Hamish OHara raise money to support PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide

JustGiving

📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard

⮑ Please get in touch using this form. < It’s the only way to get something featured in the newsletter.

• Remember you can always see all the local events on the new TownSpot calendars and maps. Thanks to everyone who shares their things!

What’s On in Edinburgh | Things To Do | TownSpot

Find what’s on in Edinburgh this week, from gigs and comedy to workshops, markets, and local events.

TownSpotTownSpot

🌱 ECCAN’s Greenlight Fund is now open for community climate projects - 'Applications are open for ECCAN’s Greenlight Fund, supporting community-led climate action across Edinburgh. £250–£20,000 grants are available for projects that bring communities together to build resilience and take action on the climate crisis.' - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network (ECCAN).

🎧️ SWURF meeting pods now live at SJQ - 'SJQ + SWURF collaborate to bring first-in-kind on-demand private bookable meeting pods to retail space. SWURF's mission is to make Edinburgh a remote work capital. The Pods are bespoke design out of Glasgow with bookings from 30 minutes.' - More details here, shared by Nikki Gibson, SWURF.

🏋️‍♂️ Want to learn weightlifting? - 'I have been lifting for 10 years, winning 2 British Championships and a Commonwealth Championships medal. I am now taking on clients who want to learn the Olympic lifts, or just basic strength training. I work from a gym in Leith, or can come to you.' - More details here, shared by Emma McCready.

🎉 NOW OPEN! PlayWorks - The Kiddie Play Place - 'We believe in the power of play! Welcome to PlayWorks, the indoor play space inspiring everyday wonder. Watch your child's curiosity flourish as they explore, discover, and grow. Play. Shop. Party. Everyday from 9-4pm. 34-36 Argyle Place, Edinburgh' - More details here, shared by Alicia Thomas, MakeBelieve.

💻️ Together in Tech wants new members - 'We have created a new Meetup group in Edinburgh and we are looking for new members! Our goal is to create a supportive space that encourages Women, LGBTQ+ and Allies in Tech to share, learn, and grow together. Join us if that sounds good to you!' - More details here, shared by Together In Tech.

🏖️ Summer bookings now open at charity-owned holiday home - 'Looking for a family holiday that gives back to the community? Local charity VOCAL has a holiday home available to book in Seton Sands holiday village – and every booking helps to fund free breaks for unpaid carers. August dates available!' - More details here, shared by VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian).

🍽️ Exploring Neuroinclusive Eating Environments for Neurodivergent Groups and Carers - 'FREE neuroinclusive dining events this Thu & Fri (22nd & 23rd May) at UoE restaurants! Open to autistic people & carers. Meal, soft drinks & travel all covered. Interested? Email s2145448@ed.ac.uk or click the link (Deadline: 21 May)' - More details here, shared by University of Edinburgh.

⭐ Heart of Newahven are looking for a Business Development Manager - 'This is an exciting opportunity for someone who can help us balance commercial growth with the unique and rewarding challenges of building sustainable service provision within our local community.' - More details here, shared by Roger Walpole, HoNC.

Business Development Manager — Heart of Newhaven

Heart of Newhaven

🍹 Hospitality Recruitment Day - 'Malones Edinburgh is holding a recruitment day this Thursday 21st June from 1pm - 8pm. We're looking for part-time bartenders and full-time supervisors. Send your CV to sam@malones.com to come along. (Deadline: 21 May)' - Shared by Malones Pub Group.

🎶 Edinburgh Southside Choir Summer Concert
Today, Wed 20 May - 'Enjoy a relaxing and uplifting evening, with a mixture of traditional and contemporary, familiar and new music. Donations in aid of The Edinburgh Clothing Store.'
8pm to 9pm | St Giles' Cathedral, EH1 1RE | FREE - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Southside Choir.

✨ Underground Magic: Edinburgh's Live Magic Night
Today, Wed 20 May - 'An evening with some of the country's best magicians, mind-readers, comedians, and the occasional wild-card variety act! This week features amazing local magicians Gareth White, Dave Reubens, Sean Harrington, and Luke Osey - hosted by Chris Thorburn!'
8pm to 10pm | The Gilded Saloon, EH1 1HB | 14 - More details here, shared by Cameron Gibson, Edinburgh Magic Company.

🧁 'Sex? On Campus!' Bake Sale
Tomorrow, Thu 21 May - 'Sex? On Campus! are an Edinburgh-based campaign providing support for survivors of Gender Based Violence at universities. To help fund the resources we share, we're hosting a bake sale outside the University of Edinburgh's George Square Library :)'
11am to 4pm | Main Library, EH8 9LJ | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

🤸 Local History, Art and Nature Walk for Families
Fri 22 May - 'Community walks for all the family monthly on Fridays, 2.30-3.45pm starts 22nd May in Granton. We will walk, play, do art activity about local history & learn about nature Children under 16 yrs must be accompanied by an adult.'
2.30pm to 3.45pm | Madelvic House, EH5 1HS | Free/donation - More details here, shared by Tamsin Grainger, Granton Hub.

Local History, Art and Nature Walk for Families

Community walk and activities from Granton Hub, North Edinburgh

Eventbrite

📚 Silent Reading Slumber Party
Fri 22 May - 'Silent Reading Slumber Party from 9pm at the Victoria Bar. Free, but spaces are limited, so book your spot on Eventbrite. Bring your own book and the best book chats! Best pyjamas win a £10 voucher for Argonaut Books.'
9pm to 12am | Victoria Bar, EH6 8PD | FREE - More details here, shared by Sara.

🌲 Out There Award - Free 2 day outdoor skills & navigation award for 18-26 year olds in Edinburgh
Sat 23 May - 'Free 2 day outdoor skills and navigation course for 18-26 year olds. Run by the Rambler's - the Out There Award is a great way to learn entry level navigation skills, make new friends and enjoy fun days exploring your local area.'
10am to 5pm | Holyrood Car Park, EH8 8AZ | FREE - More details here, shared by Alistair Cooper, The Rambler's.

🍷 Ella Fletcher Designs Pop-Up Shop [Daily]
Sat 23 May - 'This weekend Ella Fletcher Designs will be hosting a pop-up shop at Nim Studios in Morningside. Stop by to browse and shop some lovely ceramics and enjoy some fizz while you're at it!'
10am to 3pm | Nim Studios, EH10 5QL - More details here, shared by Ella Fletcher Designs.

🎶 Tierhaus at Summerhall Newington, until 3am
Sat 23 May - 'Returing for yet another month, Tierhaus continues to develop a new clubbing space for Edinburgh inspired by 90s rave culture. This time, we've secured permission to continue until 3am, making it the only space outside the city centre to do so.'
11pm to 3am | Summerhall, EH9 1PL - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

💄 Style Meets Makeup
Sun 24 May - 'Join stylist Elena from Yellow Souls and professional makeup artist Federica Citarella, traveling from Ireland especially for this event, for an interactive and unique workshop all about discovering your colours in fashioned beauty.'
11am to 2pm | Yellow Souls Studio, EH6 6RS | £50 - More details here, shared by Elena Citarella, Yellow Souls Studio.

Style Meets Makeup — Yellow Souls

Join stylist Elena from Yellow Souls and professional makeup artist Federica Citarella , traveling from Ireland especially for this event, for an interactive and unique workshop all about discovering your colours&nbsp; in fashioned beauty.

Yellow Souls0

🧁 Scone-Athon
Sun 24 May - 'All welcome at this fundraising event with music, activities, games, tombola, plant & produce sales. Refreshments alongside a delicious range of different flavoured sweet & savoury scones, see how many we can bake from the cob oven!'
12pm to 3pm | Royal Edinburgh Community Gardens, EH10 5HF - More details here, shared by Hannah Macrae, Cyrenians.

🥒 Nukazuke - Japanese Fermented Pickles Workshop
Sun 24 May - 'This technique has been used for centuries in Japan. Learn to create tangy probiotic treats using a bran bed (Nukadoko) Once your bed is fermented Nukazuke are very quick and easy to make. 20% off for EM readers- Code EM20.'
1pm to 3pm | Leith Pilates, EH6 6AY | £60 - More details here, shared by Ruth Munro, edinburgh fermentarium.

🧶 Beginner-friendly macramé making workshop
Sun 24 May - 'Craft a stylish plant hanger using soft cotton or jute cord in 3 hours or extend your session to 5 hours to create a wall hanging, double hanger or trendy macramé bag with local artist Lucy Wayman. This class is designed to suit your pace and style.'
1pm to 4pm | The Arienas Collective - Creative Workshop Hub, EH3 6NW | £55 - More details here, shared by Lynn Powell, The Arienas Collective.

🤣 Historically Funny
Sun 24 May - 'Sweary words, sexy shenanigans and saucy soirees - this is the history they don't teach you in school! The nae-walking, sit-doon, grab-a-drink and have-a-laugh history tour. Seriously funny - you'll learn things that will make your eyes water....'
5pm to 6pm | The Stand Comedy Club, EH1 3EB | £8.00 (conc) £10.00 - More details here, shared by Susan Morrison.

• Next week:

🥀 The Decline and Fall of Welsh Labour - Scottish Election Study Annual Lecture
Mon 25 May - 'Following a seismic Senedd election, the Scottish Election Study welcomes Cardiff University's Professor Richard Wyn Jones to dissect where it all went wrong for Welsh Labour in our fifth annual public lecture. All welcome, registration required.'
6pm to 7.30pm | Usha Kasera Lecture Theatre, EH8 9YL | FREE - More details here, shared by Dr Fraser McMillan, University of Edinburgh.

🗣️ We need to talk about sewage... please join us!
Mon 25 May - 'It's a little known fact that after Edinburgh's sewage is 'treated', the resultant sludge cake is spread across local agricultural land as a fertilizer. Many believe this practice represents a serious risk to public health. Come and find out more.'
7pm to 8pm | Duncan Place Community Hub, EH6 8HW - More details here, shared by Angus Hardie, Leith Links Community Council.

We need to talk about sewage……..do join us!

The next meeting of Leith Links Community Council is on Monday 25 May at 6:30pm. Following a brief AGM and a short break, starting at 7pm we will hold our ‘ordinary’ CC meeting, startin…

Leith Links Community Council

🎨 creative soundLAB: CLANIMATION ANIMATION COLLABORATION
Mon 25 May - 'Dive into a chill collab session where animation meets sound to spark some seriously cool creative vibes. Come expand your knowledge, unleash your creativity in an inspiring environment, network and take your sound game to the next level.'
6pm to 8.30pm | Bright Red Triangle, EH11 1AR | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

📰 Killing the Messenger: How Israel murdered Palestinian Journalists
Tue 26 May - '255 Palestinian journalists have been targeted and murdered by the Israeli army. Join us in learning about these brave individuals that risk everything to shed light on one of the darkest moments in human history.'
9am to 5pm | Chrystal Macmillan Building, EH8 9LD | FREE - More details here, shared by Lee McNeish, The University of Edinburgh.

👖 Pattern Drafting 5 Week Course: Trouser Block
Tue 26 May - 'If you love making your own clothes but want better fitting trousers: Join us for a fun and inclusive class of guided at your own pace through the process of creating your very own trouser block based on your unique measurements!'
6.30pm to 8.30pm | Out of the Blue Abbeymount Studios, EH7 5AN - More details here, shared by Jen Byrne.

🪑 Introduction to Fine Woodworking [Weekly]
Wed 27 May - 'Introduction to Fine Woodworking course begins 27 May. Join us for a 6-week course where you'll build a handmade Japanese-inspired stool while learning furniture design, traditional woodworking skills, and safe use of workshop tools and machinery.'
6pm to 9pm | Edinburgh Open Workshop, EH6 7BQ - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Open Workshop.

🏛️ Craigentinny and Meadowbank Community Council AGM
Wed 27 May - 'Want to know more about the Craigentinny and Meadowbank Community Council? Come along to our Annual General Meeting. All welcome'
7pm to 8.30pm | Wilson Memorial Church, EH7 6RY | FREE - More details here, shared by Alice McAulay, Craigentinny and Meadowbank Community Council.

👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:

1. 💰 Locals to vote on how £2m of tourist tax cash is spent.
2. 🏡 Scotland's Home of the Year winner revealed.
3. 🚔 Fountainbridge residents 'living in fear' due to drug dealing.
4. 🚦 Car hits traffic lights on West End pedestrian island.
5. 🤝 Old Town business improvement district bid.

⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 915.
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