The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Wednesday 21 October 2026
Meadowbank hit & run driver hunt, new £3.8m fund to 'futureproof' cultural spaces, three days left of Summerhall consultation + the Leith yellow towers tattoo
👋 Good morning Edinburgh. Today we'll have this autumn's first pre-6pm sunset. Bear in mind that the clocks will go back an hour on Sunday morning, meaning earlier sunrises and brighter mornings for a while. Here’s Wednesday's Edinburgh Minute.
🌦️ Today's weather forecast: Feeling colder today with a low of 4C. More on/off drizzle throughout the day. Tomorrow is looking much brighter but still chilly. - The full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh is here.
🌅 Sunrise: 7.57am. Sunset: 5.57pm.
🚨 Police are hunting for the driver of a red car whose vehicle hit a bicycle on Marionville Road at the junction with Marionville Avenue on Monday evening around 6.50pm. - Police Scotland published this press release.
🏫 Monday's nationwide hoax bomb threat to schools resulted in 'lower than average' school attendance in Edinburgh yesterday. The council's education leader James Dalgleish published a message, saying 'there is no safety risk for pupils', adding: "This situation caused alarm and misinformation to be spread amongst the school community."
- Edinburgh's attendance figures haven't been published, but the BBC has some other council areas' numbers: Midlothian had a 21.5% absence rate compared with 6.9% across primary and secondary schools on the same day last year. - Lucy Adams, BBC Scotland News.
🪑 A theft and 'severe vandalism' has been reported by Edinburgh Furniture Initiative in Dalry, leaving the local homelessness charity facing 'several thousand pounds in repair costs'. - The charity published ways people can help them on Instagram + on Reddit.
🎓 Four programmes at University of Edinburgh's Edinburgh Futures Institute are to close to new entrants. - Exclusive by Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco and Xavier Mesquita in The Herald.
💰 Applications are now open for organisations to get some of a new £3.8m council fund to 'help futureproof' Edinburgh’s public cultural and heritage buildings. The Small Scale Accessible and Sustainable Capital Fund will allocate income directly from the tourist tax over the next three years. The council says grants of £10,000 - £500,000 will be for owners and operators who want to make their spaces easier for people to access or help cut carbon emissions, so they can operate more sustainably in the long term. - More details are in this press release and the application form is here.
🎨 City Centre councillor Finlay McFarlane has written to Summerhall developer AMA to demand that 'arts space has to be guaranteed, not just promised'. - His letter is published on Bluesky, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
- The consultation is open until Friday.
I've written to AMA about Summerhall's future. Investment is needed, but arts space has to be guaranteed, not just promised. The consultation closes Friday 23 October: summerhallconsultation.co.uk #Summerhall
— Cllr. Finlay McFarlane (@finlaymcf.bsky.social) 2026-10-20T09:08:20.401Z
💣 A disused hand grenade was handed in to a St Leonard’s police station on Monday afternoon. Police took it to Inverleith Park for a controlled explosion. - Matthew Fulton, STV News.
🚔 The westbound carriageway of the A8 will be closed between Edinburgh Airport and Newbridge Roundabout on Saturday while police continue investigatory work one month on from a car crash that killed 58-year-old Linda Patterson. - Calum Loudon, STV News.
🗳️ Council leader Jane Meagher says her administration will push back against a possible shake-up of council areas by the Scottish Government that could see the capital's local authority divided up or even expanded geographically. - Ian Swanson, Evening News.
🗣️ More rumblings over Powderhall Footbridge - 'Locals allege 'inadequate' Council Briefing Note is 'misleading' and leaves too many questions unanswered. Leith Central and New Town & Broughton Community Councils agree joint approach and deputation to November Transport & Environment Committee.' - More details here, shared by Broughton Spurtle.
🏉 Local rugby coach Freddie Main has published his first children’s book to help young readers build confidence and raise money for the My Name’5 Doddie foundation supporting research into motor neuron disease. - Liam Eunson, Midlothian View.
🐷 Animal cruelty activists parked a fake pig transport truck branded 'Hell on Wheels' outside a Royal Mile hog roast shop yesterday. - Lee Dalgetty, Edinburgh Live.
💛 Leith's temporary yellow wind farm towers have inspired something much more permanent: a tattoo. - The Herald's Vicky Allan interviews Daisy Mason.
Vicky Allan
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👟 Free sports and outdoor wear for community groups
Fri 23 October - 'Are you a community group or service that could use some outdoor/sports clothing and footwear? Coming along to the University of Edinburgh Friday 23 Oct, midday-3pm, for great pre-used items. Use the link to let us know you're coming.'
12pm to 3pm | Pleasance Sports Complex & Gym · Southside | FREE - More details here, shared by The University of Edinburgh + more details in this Instagram post.
🍿 New season of community-themed film screenings announced - 'Grassmarket Community Picturehouse and Edinburgh Film Guild are proud to present I LIKE IT HERE, a new season of eight weekend screenings exploring the many ways we experience community.' - More details here, shared by Grassmarket Community Picture House.
🍦 The Gelato Gallery - 'Calling all local artists and illustrators! Apply to showcase and sell your work at The Gelato Gallery at Basement Gelato, curated by Support the Makers! Deadline to apply 22nd October! Opening Night 6th November with Gelato & Crumble! (Deadline: 22 Oct)' - More details here, shared by Support The Makers.
💆♀️ 20% Off Wellness Sessions - 'Join me at St Margaret’s House, on the 6th floor, every Wednesday evening for some well deserved relaxation! Enjoy 20% OFF all wellness sessions, including Indian head massage, Eastern body massage, Thai foot massage, Reiki and Shamanic healing. (Deadline: 21 Oct)' - More details here, shared by Lisa Proudfoot, Release Therapies Coaching.
🖋️ Dead Poets' Slam - performer callout - 'A Dead Poets' Slam is competitive poetry where the performers bring a dead poet to life. Applications are open now to perform in the slam being held at Typewronger Books on Wed 2 December, hosted by Dorothy Parker. (Deadline: 28 Oct)' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎶 Introduction to Fundraising for Music Therapists - 'This introductory workshop provides a broad foundation in fundraising within the third sector, offering an accessible starting point for anyone new to this area.' - More details here, shared by Scottish Music Therapy Trust.
🖌️ Tess's Graphic Novel Illustration [Every Wednesday]
Today, Wed 21 October - 'Come away with a completed short comic, developed from your own idea and drawn in a style that's genuinely yours. Strengthen and develop your drawing and storytelling skills, all of which you can carry into any future project!'
6.30pm to 9pm | Birchwood Art Studio · Slateford - More details here, shared by Raphie.
🍵 TEA Ceilidh [Every Thursday]
Tomorrow, Thu 22 October - 'Tea Ceilidhs EVERY Thursday 2pm - 3:45pm From 17th Sept '26 Marchmont St. Giles 3 Kilgraston Rd, EH9 2DW £6 (cash on door) Great live music from Stan Reeves +Friends Butterflies Cafe teal coffee and cake!!! Buses 9, 24 and 5 nearby'
2pm to 4pm | Marchmont St. Giles’ Parish Church · Marchmont & Meadows | £6 pay on Door - More details here, shared by Stan Reeves.
💚 Looking after yourself while caring for Someone
Tomorrow, Thu 22 October - 'A free advice session for people caring for an older relative or for a person with dementia; delivered by Prof June Andrews FRCN, dementia expert and nurse, and Kirsteen Innes nutrition and exercise coach'
3pm to 4pm | Nuffield Health Edinburgh Omni Fitness & Wellbeing Gym · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by June Andrews.
🎨 St Columba's Hospice Care Art Exhibition 2026
Fri 23 October - 'Join us for our annual Art Exhibition, showcasing works from more than 80 artists across painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, and more. At least 50% of all proceeds from sales will go directly to supporting the Hospice.'
10am to 4pm | 17 Boswall Rd · Trinity & Newhaven | FREE - More details here, shared by Emma McKale, St Columba's Hospice Care.
🎨 The Taste and Paintings Collection of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra
Fri 23 October - 'What inspired the artistic tastes of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra? Join Alex Buck, Assistant Curator of Paintings, to uncover the stories behind their paintings acquisitions and the lasting legacy they left on the Royal Collection.'
1pm to 2pm | The King's Gallery · Old Town | £6 - More details here, shared by Royal Collection Trust.
🎨 Wester Hailes Open Exhibition: Our Stories - Opening Celebration
Fri 23 October - 'The Wester Hailes Open Exhibition is back! Join us as we celebrate the opening of this very special exhibition. Come along, check out the artwork, make a mini masterpiece, and enjoy a community meal with us (1pm - 2pm) followed by light refreshments.'
1pm to 4pm | WHALE Arts Agency · Wester Hailes | FREE - More details here, shared by WHALE Arts.
🍂 One Last Autumn Forage! Wild Plants, Tasty Makes & Playing Outside with Nature School for Grownups
Fri 23 October - 'One last chance to come play in the woods this autumn! Join Nature School for Grownups at Bridgend Farmhouse on Fri 23 Oct, 2-4pm. We'll meet a wild plant, learn a thing or two about foraging and make something tasty together.'
2pm to 4pm | Bridgend Farmhouse Cafe · Cameron Toll | 15 - More details here, shared by Nash, Nature School for Grown Ups.
💍 Silver stacking ring workshop
Fri 23 October - 'Join me for a fun, beginner-friendly 2-hour workshop where you'll learn jewellery-making skills and create your own 2 sterling silver stacking rings. Enjoy a relaxed, hands-on session and leave with two beautiful rings you've made yourself! ✨'
6pm to 8pm | The Gift Tree Corstorphine · Corstorphine | £75 - More details here, shared by Clare Steen, Silverbean Jewellery.
🕺 BEDRÜM - Free Techno / Acid House Party
Fri 23 October - 'Thumping top techno and acid tunes, FREE entry, all welcome. Come and have a boogie! DJ sets from Euan McKenzie, Guvnor Braün and Jochem Herzog, live set from Josef Baum. See youse there!'
7pm to 1am | Leith Depot · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
💃 WOMENS CLOTHES SALE ( some vintage)
Sat 24 October - 'ALL THE CLOTHES IN GREAT CONDITION. THE CLOTHES WILL BE SOLD AS SEEN , NO RETURNS . CHANGING FACILITIES CASH ONLY EVENT( as its my first) SOME OF MY PROFITS WILL GO TO A SCOTTISH CHARITY AND SOME WILL FUND MY FUTURE COMMUNITY /CHARITY EVENTS .'
10am to 2pm | Annan House · West End | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
📚 The Edinburgh Women's Fiction Festival
Sat 24 October - 'Join us at this inclusive festival celebrating women writers! Panels: Rachel Wood and Eleanor Tucker; Kanza Javed and Pam Williams; Sally Page and Karen Swan; Claire Daverley and Niamh Hargan; and Oyinkan Braithwaite and Leodora Darlington.'
10.30am to 6pm | Christ Church (Scottish Episcopal Church) · Bruntsfield | 14 / 11 per panel - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Women's Fiction Festival.
🛍️ Pop-up to help save Scottish crafts
Sat 24 October - 'A pop-up with a purpose. Help protect Scotland's traditional crafts. All profits from sales of unique artisan pieces, iconic Tuluk duffle bags and ticket sales will go towards funding craft apprenticeships. Exclusive event this Saturday only.'
3pm to 6.30pm | The Arienas Collective - Creative Workshop Hub · New Town | £10 - More details here, shared by Lynn Powell, The Arienas Collective.
🎶 Cowgate Block Party
Sat 24 October - 'Cowgate Block Party returns to Edinburgh this weekend with the best lineup yet! We would like to offer Edinburgh Minute subscribers a discounted £12.50 + fees ticket to the event to celebrate the final Block Party of 2026.'
3pm to 10pm | Sneaky Pete's · Old Town | £12.50 + bf - More details here, shared by Craig Gornall, PCL Presents.
🩰 Edinburgh Ballet Theatre present Coppelia
Sat 24 October - 'Edinburgh's adult ballet dancers bring Coppélia to the stage! A family friendly show with an accessible performance at 2:30pm on 24th Oct, great for young children to older adults. Catch us 7:30pm 23rd and 2:30pm+7:30pm 24th Oct. Tickets from £13.50'
7.30pm to 9.30pm | St Brides Centre · Haymarket & Dalry | Tickets from £13.50 - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Ballet Theatre.
🎥 Colombia, Presente!
Sat 24 October - 'We're excited to bring Colombia's vibrant film scene to Edinburgh this Saturday! 🇨🇴🎬 We'll be screening six contemporary short films that explore Colombia and presenting a dance performance by the Colombian Community Dance Project.'
8.30pm to 10.30pm | South Leith Parish Church Halls · Leith - More details here, shared by CinemaAttic.
🗣️ Language Unlocked: Exploring the Secrets of Linguistic Minds
Sun 25 October - 'How do kids learn to speak? Do apes have language? What can your eyes reveal about your language knowledge? Come find out at our FREE interactive event, where you'll be our live research assistants! Please book your tickets by Friday 24th Oct.'
1pm to 3pm | Teviot · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Annie Holtz, University of Edinburgh.
🧟♂️ A Rambling Curiosity: Halloween Edition
Sun 25 October - 'Unearth your zombie twin. They are everything you choose not to be, but yet they lurk. This is a guided freewriting session for those brave enough to come face to face with everything they choose not to be.'
3.30pm to 5pm | Creative Arts Therapies Space CIC · Abbeyhill & Meadowbank - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🧙♀️ Historically Funny
Sun 25 October - 'Join Susan for a witchy look at Edinburgh's history. Free spell for to first ten customers*. Sit doon, coorie in and laugh out loud at tales of some of Scotland's mad past. *T&Cs apply. Spell may be for decorative purposes only.'
5pm to 6pm | The Stand Comedy Club · New Town | £10.00, £8.00 conc - More details here, shared by susan morrison.
🌅 Finding beauty in the darkness
Sun 25 October - 'An evening on the beach to slow down, reflect and reconnect. An evening of mindful yoga, meditation, journaling, a beach campfire, warming drinks, marshmallows and time to connect with like-minded people. ✨'
6.30pm to 8.30pm | Cramond Beach · Barnton & Cramond | 20 - More details here, shared by Sylvia, Yoga on the Rocks.
🔥 Powderhall Bronze Foundry Tour
Tue 27 October - 'Join us for a tour of our fine art foundry in Granton, learning how we use the ancient lost wax casting process to create bronze sculptures. Gleam insight into our current foundry projects and past well-known public artworks along the way.'
6pm to 7.30pm | Powderhall Bronze · Granton & Pilton | £20 - More details here, shared by Lucy Caster, Powderhall Bronze Ltd.
Powderhall Bronze Editions
👻 October's Spooky Literary Salon
Tue 27 October - 'For this month's Edinburgh Literary Salon, we have three brilliant horror writers - Nicholas Binge, Rhiannon Grist, and Benedict Anning - each bringing their own particular take on what frightens, unsettles and fascinates us. Also livestreamed, 7pm.'
6.30pm to 11pm | The Outhouse · Canonmills & Broughton | FREE - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Literary Salon.
👻 GHOSTED Halloween at Port of Leith Distillery by DatingBurgh x Common Ground
Fri 30 October - 'DatingBurgh x Common Ground 👻 Halloween Party at one of the coolest venues in town, with Edinburgh's coolest crowd. This time, everyone's invited: single or taken. Come for the music, stay for the fun. Find your boo or bring your crew.'
7pm to 11pm | Port of Leith Distillery · Leith - More details here, shared by DatingBurgh x Common Ground.
🎭 Scottish Youth Theatre - Trajectories Showcase [Sat 31/10]
Sat 31 October - 'New voices. New theatre. New horizons. Join us for a day of brand-new performances by some of Scotland's most exciting early-career theatre-makers. Explore strange realms as they reshape the familiar and hold a mirror up to the world around us.'
3pm to 6pm | Summerhall · Southside | £9.25per double-bill - More details here, shared by Scottish Youth Theatre.
📍 Remember you can always see all 300+ upcoming local events on TownSpot calendars and maps. Thanks to everyone who shares their things!
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 🐾 Local dog featured in Vogue magazine (well, the website).
- 📧 Under-fire uni boss hits 'reply all'.
- 🎟️ Applications open for winter festival community tickets initiative.
- 🔊 EHFM is looking for new presenters & shows.
- 🚔 Police investigating 300 calls after school bomb hoax.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 1,020.
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