The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Wednesday 4 February 2026
Decision day for 'green' data centre at South Gyle, Voi bikes now available in Stockbridge, environmental concerns at Granton beach + applications open for Sean Connery Youth Talent Lab
🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. Plenty happening today, but if I've missed anything or you've got an event to share, please get in touch. Here’s Wednesday's Edinburgh Minute.
🔋 Councillors are due to vote today on controversial plans for a 'green AI data centre' at South Gyle. The development would be built at the site of the former RBS office at Redheughs Avenue. - There's more context in this report by Ross Chalmers of Deadline News.
- A protest is planned outside the City Chambers from 9.30am, writes Kevin Williamson in Bella Caledonia.
- The council's Chief Planning Officer David Givan wrote this report recommending approval of the plan.
- Developer Shelborn Drummond Ltd said the new centre would be 'vital energy infrastructure that would facilitate and maximise the potential of the Digital Fibre Network.' - Shelborn published its plans here.
- If plans are approved, it's claimed energy usage would be 'equivalent to building five new Edinburghs', reports Hamish Morrison in The National.
- ''Greenwashing’ warning ahead of crunch Scottish AI centre decision' - Jamie Calder, The National.
- Despite environmental concerns, developers were told they didn't need to undergo environmental assessments. - The Edinburgh Inquirer.
- See the plans here and see the meeting agenda and webcast link here.
🗳️ Also on today's planning meeting agenda:
- Councillors will have their first chance to comment on plans to demolish the 1960s Argyle House office building, which could be replaced by a hotel and flats. - See the council report here.
- Plans for 212 new flats at Western Harbour Way in Newhaven.
- 22 applications for short-term lets in different locations around the city are recommended for refusal.
🚲 Electric hire bike operator Voi has announced another expansion, this time into the north west of the city. Bikes are now available in Stockbridge, Crewe Toll and Newhaven. - Liam Eunson, Midlothian View.
- ⮑ Riders have clocked up 188,000 rides since September, with the fleet now just over 700 bikes. - Alastair Dalton, The Scotsman.
🚔 Members of the public are urged to get in touch with police if they see convicted sex offender Huseyin Simsek (50), who was last seen in the Dalry Road area in 18 January. - Keiran Fleming, STV News.
🚒 Firefiighter Barry Martin was 'unprepared and under-equipped' when he tackled the 2023 Jenners department store fire that killed him, according to his widow. - Kevin Scott, STV News.
💰 Money raised by Edinburgh's upcoming tourist tax could be used to fund extra police officers for the city centre. - Ian Swanson, Evening News.
🌊 Scientists who carried out a study of Granton beach say as much as half of some coarse sediments may consist of human-made materials such as brick, concrete, glass and industrial waste, blaming dumping and climate breakdown. - Rosie Peters-McDonald, The Guardian.
🛟 Two kayakers were rescued by the Queensferry Lifeboat crew yesterday afternoon, after one capsized near the Forth Road Bridge. "The pair had been drifting up-river with the flooding tide, with the casualty struggling in the water for about 15 minutes unable to self-recover," - said RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat.
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📌 “Thursday 5th February - Join us on 5th February for our last Women Healing Art Circle on the season at the Salisbury Centre! A gentle, welcoming space for self-identifying women to slow down, reflect, and express through creativity. No art experience needed — just come as you are.” - Thanks to Gabriella for sharing this.
📌 “Tea Ceilidhs, every Thursday from 2:00pm - 3:45pm at Marchmont St Giles' Church, 3 Kilgraston Road. £6 (cash on door). Great live music from Stan Reeves + Friends. Butterflies Cafe tea/coffee and cake!!! Buses 9, 24 and 5 nearby.” - Thanks to Stan Reeves for sharing this.
📌 “The Scottish Youth Film Foundation and NFTS are now accepting applications for year 2 of the Sean Connery Youth Talent Lab! Aged 17-22 and looking to take the next step in your filmmaking journey? Check out www.syff.scot/scytl for more info.” - Thanks to Scottish Youth Film Foundation for sharing this.

📌 “Sunday 8 February: Take part in a hands-on willow weaving workshop in Morningside, Edinburgh. We will be creating a variety of open and fully woven willow hearts as wall, door or table decorations. Learn a new skill and take home your hearts to gift to others or a gift for yourself, perfectly timed for Valentines day!” - Thanks to Koren Willow, weaver and eco-coffin creator from Away with Willow, for sharing this.
📌 “Monday 9 February, 6.30pm: 'Rescuing Buildings at risk in Northern Ireland. Karen Latimer, OBE, of Hearth speaks of groundbreaking, challenging projects in Northern Ireland and asks if there are lessons to be learnt for Scotland. Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, A.H.S.S.” - Thanks to Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland for sharing this.
📌 “Tuesday 10 February at The Edinburgh Bookshop, Bruntsfield: Author Alison Belsham discusses working with different publishers (traditional, independent, digital first) and how to navigate an industry focused on short-term deals, and why she shifted genres for her 10th novel. At The Edinburgh Bookshop from 7pm for a 7:30 start, ticket includes a drink.” - Thanks to Edinburgh Writers' Forum for sharing this.

📌 “🏳️⚧️ Leith-based social enterprise Studio Lutalica's Designing for Trans+ Futures campaign ends TOMORROW! We're raising £5000 to empower trans-led projects and initiatives through design. We're now a third of the way there! Can you help us reach our target this LGBTQ+ History Month? 🌈” - Thanks to Danielle Mustarde, Studio Lutalica CIC, for sharing this.
📌 “Thurs 12 Feb - Discover how wireless technology is revolutionising our way of life with Professor Gerhard Fettweis at the University of Edinburgh’s Milne Lecture. Hear about the possibilities of advanced wireless technologies in connecting people with intelligent machines and autonomous systems.” - Thanks to the School of Engineering team at The University of Edinburgh for sharing this.

📌 “Sunday 15 February - Good Time Yoga presents Yoga for Runners at Up & Running Edinburgh. Come and join us for yoga and a test run round the West End - finishing up with great coffee and tasty treats with good folk. Absolute beginners absolutely welcome!” - Thanks to Sim from Good Time Running Club / Up & Running for sharing this.
📌 “We need volunteer drivers 25–75 with a full license for 2 years to provide safe, comfortable transport for older people, including those with dementia or mobility needs. Drive our 8-seat electric vehicle with wheelchair lift to get to and from The Open Door day services.” - Thanks to Simon Warr, Operational manager at The Open Door, for sharing this.
📌 “Thur 12 Feb, 7pm - February's community cinema at Duncan Place Community Hub will be a screening of six short films from new documentary filmmakers in Scotland & Northern Ireland, as part of the Scottish Documentary Institute's 2025 Bridging the Gap programme. £4 tickets, hot drinks included.” - Thanks to Ot at Duncan Place Community Hub for sharing this.

📌 “Tuesday 17 February - Free event offering practical guidance on Powers of Attorney, property and care planning for families affected by dementia. Ralph Sayer, in partnership with The Dementia Trust, invite you to an evening session designed to provide clear, supportive advice.” - Thanks to the organisers for sharing this.
📌 “Holyrood Distillery is delighted to announce the relaunch of ‘EH Evenings’ for 2026, in partnership with Edinburgh Food Project! Taking place every Sunday at 4.30pm, we're offering spaces for EH residents on our classic Tour and Tasting for just £5 - which will be donated in full to EFP.” - Thanks to Holyrood Distillery for sharing this.
📌 “Friday 20 February - Chorister pre-audition afternoon. Come and sing! Discover life as a chorister at St Mary’s Music School. Being a chorister at St Mary’s Music School offers children a combination of outstanding musical training and a first-class academic education (for P4 pupils only).” - Thanks to St Mary's Music School for sharing this.
📮 Anything missing? Please share your local news and events here.
👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:
- 🍻 Leith Social Club pub put up for sale.
- 🚗 Map of petrol prices, made by 'Spurtleshire resident Dion'.
- 💉 Test results confirm Edinburgh Live reporters bought heroin.
- 🤳 'Keep Edinburgh Thriving' duo split as tax & supplier debt revealed.
- 🚉 Interactive map showing 'concept' of new tram network.
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