The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Wednesday 24 June 2026
Storytelling worth £50m to city economy, 'two-tier' media coverage of attacks, Stockbridge padel courts plan + your chance to improve the Old Town
🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. The weekly Culture Minute round-up will be sent to paying subscribers later today. Here’s Wednesday's Edinburgh Minute.
🌳 Starting with a calmer story today, as it's been a pretty heavy few days so far this week. A new sensory garden has opened within Victoria Park on the former bowling green space. The photos below were shared by Tom Duffin and you can read more about the Drakkar's Drift garden here. It was designed by RHS Young Designer of the Year (2023) Luke Coleman, a resident of Leith, who's on Instagram here.
📚 Edinburgh’s strong storytelling reputation, literary tourism, bookshops and writer events are worth £50.9 million to the city’s economy every year, according to new research. - Brian Ferguson, The Herald.
- Around 20 venues including the National Galleries of Scotland and Filmhouse cinema will host new 'Readers in Residence' from September. - Jane Bradley, The Scotsman.
💰 Edinburgh councillors' expenses have been published more than a year late. The council blamed 'human error', while the Campaign for Freedom of Information in Scotland claimed the delay 'reduces public trust and builds suspicion there is something to hide'. - Local Democracy Reporter Joe Sullivan in Midlothian View.
- 'Edinburgh's annual accounts have been published. What did we learn?' - Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco, The Herald.
🚲 A group of cycle couriers based in Edinburgh say they 'have noticed a recent rise in misinformation online and in the press, blaming riders for incidents in which they were not involved.' The Edinburgh Riders’ Movement group published a statement yesterday saying they were 'appalled and concerned by the horrible attacks last week.' - Read more from Riders Observatory and Organising Movement here.
🚨 Friday's allegedly 'anti-Muslim' attacks around Edinburgh 'received around 20 times' less online news coverage than April's allegedly 'antisemitic' stabbings in Golders Green, London. Analysis exposed a 'two-tier media system', according to the Centre for Media Monitoring. - Xander Elliards, The National.
- - To clarify the use of 'quotation marks' above: Both cases are currently subject to active criminal proceedings, and alleged motivations have not been legally established in court.
3/8 The same publications covered both stories very differently. GB News: 63 Golders Green articles, 1 Edinburgh. The Independent: 138 vs 4. The Guardian: 32 vs 2. Daily Express: 80 vs 2. Not one publication gave Edinburgh comparable coverage. pic.twitter.com/X2DznR124t
— The Centre for Media Monitoring (CfMM) (@cfmmuk) June 23, 2026
🔪 Local councillors will discuss a proposal to ask the UK Government to tighten rules on knife carrying and purchasing at tomorrow's full council meeting. - Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco, The Herald.
- Also on the agenda of tomorrow's monthly council meeting:
- Councillors will discuss their next steps on a proposed Safer Drug Consumption Facility in the city. - Read the report here.
- Questions on how the Scottish Government might help the council to introduce a new active travel route on the Powderhall former rail line. - See the document here.
- Complaints about 'continued disruption' faced by Dalry Colonies residents next to the ongoing Haymarket development, which is expected to continue in to 2028. - Document here.
- Calls for a ‘protecting communities’ summit for people affected by racism. - There is a proposal here by Scottish Greens councillor Alys Mumford, and on a similar theme here from SNP councillor Lesley Macinnes.
- This newsletter has been nominated for a Congratulatory Motion by councillor Dan Heap. The motion points to The Edinburgh Minute winning this year's 'best local newsletter' award at the 94th annual International Media Association global media awards in Berlin, adding that the Minute 'is making a significant contribution to Edinburgh civic life'. Which is cool. It simply wouldn't be the case without such an active audience, so thanks to everyone who contributes. You deserve this recognition too for making where we live a better place. - Read the motion in full here.
- See all tomorrow's full council meeting reports here.
🇪🇺 A billboard mocking ten years of Brexit 'disaster' has been put up on Leith Walk's advertising screen. - Ross Chalmers, Deadline News.
Ross Chalmers
🎾 Plans for new covered padel courts in Stockbridge are proposed next to the Edinburgh Accies sports centre just off Comley Bank Road. - Harry Williams, City-Scope.
Harry Willliams
🍺 The former 'Gusto' Italian restaurant on George Street could become a pub, reports Lee Dalgetty, Edinburgh Live.
🪴 The 'Wee Haven' community garden in Craigmillar has landed a £2,500 grant to help support the next stage of its development. - Ryan Nixon, Deadline News.
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🚧 St Marks Footbridge Closure - 'Barriers and signage have appeared at the McDonald Road and St Marks Park entrances to the St Marks footbridge. However, the public have moved the barriers and continue to use the bridge (as of 7pm on 23/06). The signage details maintenance faults.' - Photo here, shared by a Minute reader.
🗣️ Final week to share views on safer drug consumption facility - 'The consultation closes on July 1 - last chance for Edinburgh residents to share their views on a safer drug consumption facility for the city. The story is on the EHSCP website.' - Thanks to Kirsty Mitchell, ESCHP, for sharing this.
🏛️ Shaping the Old Town's future together - 'Edinburgh Old Town Development Trust wants to hear from everyone who lives, works, studies, or spends time in the Old Town about what matters to you and what could be better. Last chance to complete our survey, which will close on the 1st of July.' - More details here, shared by The Crannie Community Hub.
🌍 ECCAN and the Big Give - Your Donation Doubled - 'This week, every donation to ECCAN through the Big Give Small Charity Week campaign will be doubled. Support us to fund, connect and champion community-led climate action across Edinburgh, helping local projects and initiatives take root and grow. (Deadline: 29 Jun)' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
♻️ Help Bring Tech Donation Boxes Back to Schools - Vote for Edinburgh Remakery - 'Edinburgh Remakery is shortlisted for ECCAN GreenLight Fund 26/27. Vote to help bring Tech Donation Boxes back into schools, reducing e-waste, supporting digital inclusion, and empowering young people as climate champions. Voting closes 10 July 2026. (Deadline: 30 Jun)' - More details here, shared by The Edinburgh Remakery Ltd.
👶 New parents: Take part in exciting research with the University of Edinburgh (limited spaces left!) - 'We are looking for parents with babies under 6 months old. Try out new digital relaxation exercises and tell us what you think. Complete our 14-day study and receive a gift voucher! Find more information and register your interest in the link.' - More details here, shared by Lisa Golds, University of Edinburgh.
🎨 Edinburgh Teachers/Educators - tell us about your learning needs! - 'The National Trust for Scotland is building a new online and in-person educational offer relating to Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald and we would value your help! We’re looking for teachers/instructors to take part in our survey. (Deadline: 05 Jul)' - More details here, shared by Sarah Cowie, National Trust for Scotland.
Events:
🌞 Great British Summer Savings at Camera Obscura [Until Tue]
Tomorrow, Thu 25 June - 'Families planning their summer holidays can enjoy even more value, as Camera Obscura & World of Illusions has reduced ticket prices throughout the summer season as part of the Great British Summer Savings initiative. All tickets reduced by 12.5%.'
9am to 8pm | Camera Obscura & World of Illusions · Old Town - More details here, shared by Camera Obscura & World of Illusions.
🎨 Watercolour and Pencil - Urban Details 25th June 2026 6:30 - 8:30pm
Tomorrow, Thu 25 June - 'Discover how to simplify an urban scene by selecting the details that interest you the most, creating a characterful painting through the combination of pencil and fluid watercolour washes.'
6.30pm to 8.30pm | Leith Makers · Leith | £30 - More details here, shared by Leith Makers.
🎷 Mike Daly and Martin Foster with the Green Note Trio
Tomorrow, Thu 25 June - 'Come join us for an evening of swinging Standards with Mike Daly (cornet) and Martin Foster (reeds). Expect lyrical improvisation and the joy of live jazz performed at the highest level. Join the email list for early info and promo codes.'
7.30pm to 9.30pm | Baberton Golf Club · Juniper Green | £12-15 - More details here, shared by The Juniper Green Note grassroots jazz club.
🧇 Edinburgh Shorts Showcase
Tomorrow, Thu 25 June - 'Fancy watching 9 short films about waffles? Relive some of the best films made in Edinburgh last month as part of the 48 Hour Film Project, plus more from Screen Education Edinburgh.'
8pm to 10pm | Cameo Picturehouse · Tollcross | £5 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
😊 The Taoist Practice of Harmonic Alignment With Dorian [Every Friday]
Fri 26 June - 'Explore the Taoist-inspired practice of Harmonic Alignment with Dorian Pyle, 50-year practitioner, certified meditation guide, and trauma survivor. Discover intentional living using guided learning, meditation, and shared connection.'
7.30pm to 9pm | Art and Spirituality :Yoga · Gorgie | FREE - More details here, shared by Patricia Thompson.
🎉 Filmhouse 1st Birthday! 🎈 [Until Sun]
Sat 27 June - 'Filmhouse turns 1 this weekend! 🎂 Celebrate with big-screen favourites, £1 coffees from Machina on Sat morning (while they last!), 10% off the new menu, low-cost family activities, plus a Saturday night party with live music and treats.'
10am to 10pm | Filmhouse · Tollcross | Various ticket price - More details here, shared by Filmhouse.
⭐ Get a taste of hallmark quality silver jewellery making this Saturday
Sat 27 June - 'Unlock your creativity in this 3-hour class crafting beautiful bespoke pieces using silver clay. Guided by one of the UK's leading metal clay teachers, learn how to turn raw silver clay into polished wearable pieces of art. Starting at 10am or 2.30pm'
2.30pm to 5.30pm | The Arienas Collective - Creative Workshop Hub · New Town | £70 - More details here, shared by Lynn Powell, The Arienas Collective.
🎶 Edinburgh Shanty Night are recording original sea shanties - with your help!
Sun 28 June - 'We're recording our original sea shanties and we'd love for you to be there so it sounds like an authentic shanty night! Join for the whole thing or just a couple of hours - take a look at the info provided and hopefully see you there.'
11.30am to 6pm | Pianodrome Bruntsfield Community Hub · Bruntsfield | FREE - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Shanty Night.
🦌 Deer Bambinos at Hopetoun
Sun 28 June - 'Meet Hopetoun's red deer herd, follow a self-guided family trail, enjoy deer-themed crafts, ranger talks and watch the deer enjoy a snack. With a little luck, you may even spot this year's calves!'
12pm to 4pm | Hopetoun · South Queensferry | from £4 p/p - More details here, shared by Hopetoun House.
📝 Rambling curiosity [Every Monday]
Mon 29 June - 'Inspiring walking route followed by time to write freely. One of our many free health and wellbeing classes for unpaid carers. Funded by Shared Care Scotland Short Breaks Fund'
10.30am to 12pm | LifeCare Edinburgh · Stockbridge | FREE - More details here, shared by Molly, LifeCare (Edinburgh) Charity.
🌞 Summer Sessions Workshop 2026 : Two weeks. Global teachers! [Until Thu]
Mon 29 June - 'Groovey vibes. 🌍✨ Summer Sessions is Groove Back's hybrid + online live dance boost (Edinburgh + worldwide): musical, whacking, house, street, contemporary, dancehall, jazz & amapiano-choice-led, inclusive, all levels welcome.'
6pm to 7.30pm | The Out of the Blue Drill Hall · Leith | £28/ £23 - More details here, shared by Pirita Tuisku, Groove Back!.
🍜 Miso & Shoyu Tasting with Robin Sherriff at The Safari Lounge
Mon 29 June - 'Join fermentation educator and Slow Sauce founder Robin Sherriff for a guided tasting of traditional Japanese ferments reimagined with Scottish ingredients.'
7pm to 10pm | The Safari Lounge · Abbeyhill & Meadowbank | £8 - More details here, shared by Robin Sherriff, Slow Sauce.
🎬 Film Screening: Pierrot le Fou (Jean-Luc Goddard) at Newbarns Taproom
Tue 30 June - 'As part of a series of Film Screenings at Newbarns Taproom, Jean-Luc Goddard's, Pierrot le Fou is being shown on Tuesday 30th June! Join us to watch, have some drinks and can stay to discuss the film after!'
7pm to 10pm | Newbarns Brewery and Taproom · Leith | £5.00 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎻 Catriona Macdonald & Annbjørg Lien
Tue 30 June - 'Catriona Macdonald (Shetland) & Annbjørg Lien (Norway) are undoubtedly two of the world's best Nordic fiddlers with a string of credits and accolades to their names. Now with a brand new combo, they're coming to play Edinburgh. Don't miss them!'
8pm to 10.15pm | Traverse Theatre · Tollcross | £22/£17 - More details here, shared by Jane-Ann, The Soundhouse Organisation.
🕺 Step back in time at a Regency Ball - 'Just over a week until Edinburgh Quadrille Society's evening of historical dancing and live music in the beautiful surroundings of Dalkeith Palace. Saturday 4th July. 6-10pm. Only a few tickets left. Available on Eventbrite. (Deadline: 26 Jun)' - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Quadrille Society.
🌈 Excavating Queer Utopias: Gays Against the Machine
Mon 06 July - 'An MSc student and researcher needs LGBTQIA+ participants! Join a workshop for the queer community to imagine diverse and collaborative futures beyond generative AI and the algorithm.'
10am to 4pm | Edinburgh Futures Institute · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Sophie Burnham, Edinburgh Futures Institute, MSc Narrative Futures.
🏟️ A Summer of Sport
Mon 27 July - 'Explore archive photos to learn about the history of the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh and Glasgow, and find out how Scotland's stadiums grew to host huge crowds and star performers! Chance to view historic archive material after the talk.'
2pm to 3.30pm | HES Archives and Library · Southside | FREE - More details here, shared by Historic Environment Scotland.
🪩 Girls-Only Club Night
Fri 31 July - 'Join us for our girls only club night! This is about reclaiming the night, together. No weird energy, no feeling on edge, just good music, good vibes, and girls having fun together! 🪩🎀🎶💗🎵.'
7pm to 11pm | Leith Arches · Leith | £8 - More details here, shared by Alexa Manganiello, Go&Glow.
📮 What's missing from the Minute? Got an event to share? Nothing's too local! Please share your local news and events here.
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 🍨 Cash stolen from Bruntsfield gelato shop Ciccetta's.
- 🐋 Orcas spotted in the Forth.
- 🚨 'Right wing dog whistles are stoking attacks' says councillor.
- 🏫 South Morningside Primary School named Primary School of the Year.
- 📣 'Reclaim our streets' demo planned in Leith on Saturday.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 935.
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