The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Wednesday 29 April 2026
£15.5m to tackle homelessness, victory for campaign against Shore holiday flats, Tollcross clock to return, Water of Leith camera warning + local mum wins lunch with George Clooney
🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. Lots happening today. The Culture Minute newsletter drops in paying subscribers' inboxes later today too, featuring some big news from the Book Festival... Here’s Wednesday's Edinburgh Minute.
🏠 Councillors have approved a temporary accommodation contract worth up to £15.5m to help support homeless people. - Joe Sullivan, Local Democracy Reporter, STV News.
🚨 Armed police brought Leith Walk traffic to a standstill yesterday after surrounding a vehicle on in Edinburgh. A 26-year-old man was arrested 'in connection with road traffic offences and an assault in Edinburgh', reports Heather Carrick in the Evening News.
🪧 More than 100 protesters from 'Scotland Stop Arming Israel' blocked the entrance to the Leonardo UK factory on Crewe Road North yesterday morning. Here's the coverage:
- "Leonardo's website describes it as 'one of the biggest suppliers of defence and security equipment in the UK' and it makes targeting lasers for F-35 aircraft." - Lee Dalgetty, Edinburgh Live.
- 'Leonardo's Edinburgh factory blockaded over ‘complicity in genocide’' - Morning Star + STV News.
- The Mothers Against Genocide Scotland group hung a washing line of children's clothes outside the factory. They shared a video from the protest here.
- Some of those taking part in the protest spoke to The Herald reporter Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco.
- A Leonardo UK statement said: "While we respect the right to peaceful protest, the safety and wellbeing of our employees and the local community is our absolute priority. Leonardo UK is subject to UK Government export controls and all of our exports are subject to rigorous licensing processes. Leonardo UK does not supply equipment directly to Israel."
🔪 A high school theatre programme that led pupils to hand in weapons and confront violence has been cut, despite evidence of its impact. - David Forsyth, in The Edinburgh Inquirer.
🍺 Owners of the Malt & Hops pub in Leith are celebrating after plans for short-term holiday lets in the office space above their bar were dropped. - The pub shared an update in this Instagram post.
- Gregor Properties Ltd withdrew its change-of-use plans for 46 The Shore, known as Waterside House, after hundreds of objections on the council planning portal.
- The Shore Business Collective on Instagram said: "We sincerely thank those who spoke up for the local independent businesses and the impact upon the area in general."
🕖 The 1901 Tollcross junction clock will return after councillors approved a £72,500 repair bill. - Joseph Sullivan, Local Democracy Reporter, on BBC Scotland News.
🚦 A section of George Street could be closed for another two days for emergency road works. - Rachel Fergusson, Evening News.
☕️ Leith Walk's Sea Breeze cafe is closing after 20 years. - Kevin Quinn, Evening News.
🛍️ A couple of new openings on Lothian Road:
- M&S Food is due to open on Friday, replacing Ali's Cave. - Kevin Quinn, Evening News.
- The Beverly bar is moving in to replace the Innis & Gunn bar. - Lee Dalgetty, Edinburgh Live. The new bar is on Instagram here.
🦊 Wildlife experts are warning that trail cameras are being illegally placed along the Water of Leith. The river corridor is owned by the City of Edinburgh Council, with some areas privately owned. The Water of Leith Conservation Trust said:
"In sensitive areas—particularly where otters and badgers are present—poorly placed or frequently checked cameras can cause disturbance. This is especially important during breeding periods. Our preferred approach in dealing with these issues and concerns is through education to promote awareness and encourage responsible behaviour. If irresponsible and illegal behaviour continues this will be reported to Police Scotland, particularly if it is thought that wildlife crime offences are being committed." - The trust shared guidelines here.
⭐️ Edinburgh woman Claire Phale, 35, will have lunch with Hollywood star George Clooney during his visit to Scotland this week to support the Social Bite charity. - Cara Blackhall, Edinburgh Live.
📝 'Student publication editors wanted: The Edinburgh Tab is looking for bold voices for its 26/27 team.'
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🧟♂️ Edinburgh Zombie Club - HP Lovecraft Movie Double Bill
Today, Wed 29 April - 'This month we've got two classic Lovecraftian horrors, 'Cast A Deadly Spell' (1991), the story of a detective refusing to use magic in investigations, followed by the Stuart Gordon classic 'Dagon' (2001) set in a mysterious Spanish fishing village.'
7pm to 10.30pm | The Banshee Labyrinth, EH1 1LG | FREE - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Zombie Club.
☕ Samaritans are here to listen - at the Box
Sat 02 May - 'Feeling low? Samaritans are here to listen. Drop in for a chat over a cuppa and a biscuit. All welcome.'
10am to 3pm | Leith Walk Police Box pop ups, EH7 4LT | FREE - More details here, shared by Leith Walk policebox popups.
😊 Try Bowls
Sat 02 May - 'Come and Try Bowls at The Braid Bowling Club, Morningside, this Saturday-Monday, 10am-4pm. It's free to have a go, with friendly tuition provided. Enjoy it? Take advantage of our free first-year membership. Why not give it a try?'
10am to 4pm | Braid Bowling Club, EH10 6BR | FREE - More details here, shared by Ian, Farmer.
🧶 Machine Knitting Taster Workshop
Sat 02 May - 'Join me in my studio for a friendly introduction to the craft of knitting on a hand-powered machine. The techniques, taught while making a simple project, apply to most models of machine. Two students per session. Multiple dates available.'
10.30am to 1.30pm | Coburg House Art Studios, EH6 6ET | £80 - More details here, shared by Madeleine Shepherd, Knot Unknot.
🏛️ 'Portobello's Story' Walking Tour with a Local Guide at Porty Festival 2026
Sat 02 May - 'Meet your guide and stroll through the high street, admiring the grandeur of 19th-century leisure pursuits, art deco cinemas, and historic spots. Hear stories of famous past residents, including actor Sean Connery, and entertainer Harry Lauder.'
10.30am to 12pm | Portobello Town Hall, EH15 1AF | £21 adults, £8 child - More details here, shared by David Laird, Heritage Guides.
😊 Singing workshop with Bruce Ncube
Sat 02 May - 'Learn to sing traditional songs from Zimbabwe and southern Africa in a warm and welcoming environment and have a great time in the process. Your teacher is Bruce Ncube, is an award winning and internationally recognised artist and teacher.'
11am to 12.30pm | Traverse Theatre, EH1 2ED | £25/£18/£15 - More details here, shared by Jane-Ann, Edinburgh Tradfest.
💃 Dance to Chicago Blues and Latin Jazz
Sat 02 May - 'Learn to dance to jazz and blues music at the Drill Hall in Leith! Two themed workshops, covering Chicago blues and Latin rhythms!'
2pm to 6pm | The Out of the Blue Drill Hall, EH6 8RG | £15 - £25 - More details here, shared by Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust.
🌿 Nature School for Grownups: Foraging, Outdoor Play & Bushcraft (2 locations: Craigmillar & Leith) [Weekly]
Sat 02 May - 'Join a small-group outdoor session to learn basic foraging, identify spring plants, and try a hands-on activity. Includes a playful nature game and time to connect outdoors. No experience needed.'
2pm to 4pm | Populus Cafe (Leith Community Croft), EH6 7EL | £15 each or £42 all - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
📿 Mantra and Mala (Buddhist prayer beads) Workshop
Sat 02 May - 'You are invited to a calming afternoon of meditation & creative practice. Learn the meaning and purpose of mantras & malas with Buddhist nun Gen Tubchen. Discover the traditional art of making your own mala using the coloured beads of your choice.'
2pm to 5pm | Kadampa Meditation Centre Edinburgh, EH6 5EA | £30.00 inc. mala - More details here, shared by Kadampa Meditation Centre.
🌿 Womens Wellbeing Day Retreat at the Wellness Barn
Sat 02 May - 'A gentle afternoon to rest, reflect and reconnect: Guided meditation and gentle reflection Journaling and time to pause Meaningful connection with like-minded women Optional outdoor time by a beautiful stream just minutes away.'
1pm to 5pm | The Wellness Barn Edinburgh, EH10 7DS | 40 - More details here, shared by Jenny Brown.
🎉 MakeBelieve - The Baby Play Place is turning TWO!
Sun 03 May - 'We're turning TWO! Come play for FREE, this Sunday May 3rd from 9-4pm. Pop-in, bring those smiles, meet your community, and enjoy the fun vibes. We would love to see all the families who have supported us over the years; new faces very welcome too!'
9am to 4pm | MakeBelieve - The Baby Play Place, EH3 7PT | FREE - More details here, shared by Alicia Thomas.
🌸 Cosy Corner returns to Pourboy Coffee next Monday and Tuesday
Mon 04 May - 'Spring is in the air and we are back with fresh new menu featuring pickled magnolia petals and Hong Kong-style milk tea. Come by this May bank holiday for a slice of homemade cake with some labneh and a drizzle of wildflower infused honey.'
10am to 5pm | Pourboy, EH11 2DD - More details here, shared by @cosy.cooking.club.
👶 MotherSpace [Weekly]
Mon 04 May - 'MotherSpace is a free drop-in group that takes place on Monday mornings. The group is a place for women to come with their baby until they are crawling. The group is relaxed & informal. Come along for a cuppa, a biscuit & a blether!'
10.30am to 12.30pm | Pregnancy and Parents Centre, EH8 9RT | FREE - More details here, shared by Pregnancy and Parents Centre.
🌼 Spaces left in Wednesday Waldorf Toddler Group 🌿 ☕ 🌸 [Weekly]
Wed 06 May - 'Our group begins with outdoor play around the school grounds and an optional seasonal craft project. Inside we enjoy circle time with seasonal themes, songs & gestures, plus a wholesome snack & warm tea. Only a few spots remaining, so don't miss out!'
9.30am to 11.30am | Edinburgh Steiner School, EH10 5BR - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🌿 Wellbeing for Performance: Solicitors Risk Management CPD (2hrs)
Wed 06 May - 'Innovative, fun, outdoor CPD for Edinburgh solicitors to boost physical & mental health! 🌲 Coffee & muffins included! ☕.'
11am to 1pm | The Wellness Barn Edinburgh, EH10 7DS - More details here, shared by Wild CPD.
🛍️ Bethany Shop's Sustainable Fashion Showcase
Fri 08 May - 'Second-hand fashion brought to life through relaxed runway showcases and styling insights from local stylist Yellow Souls. A relaxed, drop-in event. Browse the rails, or stay and enjoy the full programme of catwalks and talks!'
3pm to 7pm | Ps & Gs (St Paul's & St George's) Church, EH1 3RH | £5/Under 16s FREE - More details here, shared by Annabel Logan.
📚 Holy Corner Book Sale
Sat 09 May - 'Book lovers across Edinburgh are preparing to delve into the bargains at this year's Holy Corner charity sale. The event at Morningside United Church has something for everyone and is held as part of Christian Aid Week 2026.'
10am to 5pm | Morningside United Church, EH10 4DH | FREE - More details here, shared by Juliet Lunam, Christian Aid.
🌸 Spring bowl pottery workshop
Sat 09 May - 'Embrace the season with this Spring Bowl Making Workshop, designed for all skill levels. Make and decorate your own bowl, perfect for fresh berries, snacks or sunny breakfasts. Materials and firing are included! Available dates: May 2 and May 9.'
11am to 1pm | Edinburgh Open Workshop, EH6 7BQ | 30 £ - More details here, shared by Bottega Ceramica.
⛵ Discover Sailing @Royal Forth Yacht Club
Sun 17 May - 'Curious about sailing? Join Royal Forth Yacht Club for Discover Sailing 2026 on Sunday 17 May, 1pm-5pm at Granton Harbour. A free, family-friendly event with no experience required-come aboard, meet the team and try sailing on the Firth of Forth.'
1pm to 5pm | Royal Forth Yacht Club, EH5 1HF | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
📮 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:
- ⛪️ Marchmont church for sale.
- 🚉 Nearly 200 people attend 'South Sub' tram-train meeting.
- 🎓 Students share views on plans for uni marking boycott on Friday.
- 🛍️ St James Quarter to be rebranded Westfield St James Quarter.
- 🌳🪜 Ladderfest returning to the Meadows.
⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 900.
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