The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Wednesday 4 March 2026

🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. It's a busy Wednesday. The Culture Minute will land in paying subscribers' inboxes later today. If you have something to share for the Culture Minute, please get in touch here. Here’s Wednesday's Edinburgh Minute.

🚨 Police have hit out at misinformation spread by some local news publications and people online after arresting a man over an alleged stabbing in the Calders, Sighthill, on Monday. Chief Inspector Scott Kennedy confirmed yesterday's Edinburgh Minute reporting was correct: "We did not receive any reports of a man attempting to enter a nursery or any educational establishment and this was not a hostage situation".

"I’m aware misinformation continues to be shared online about this incident which could cause further distress in the local community. I’d like to be clear: we did not receive any reports of a man attempting to enter a nursery or any educational establishment and this was not a hostage situation. While we understand what happened was frightening, I’d ask people to avoid speculating about the details and be mindful that false information could affect any future court proceedings. We still have a police presence in the area for reassurance and I thank the public for their continued assistance and support." - Chief Inspector Scott Kennedy.

• ⮑ The two people injured are now home from hospital and a 23-year-old man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today. Ch Insp Kennedy added: "While we understand what happened was frightening, I’d ask people to avoid speculating about the details and be mindful that false information could affect any future court proceedings."
• 'Reform leader Malcolm Offord attacked for ‘racist’ remarks over stabbing' - Kieran Andrews, The Times [paywall for some].

❄️ Speaking of misinformation, will it snow? The Mirror thinks so, with this hyperbolic headline: 'UK snow: Horror maps show 8-day winter blast with 25 cities to be hit in just days'. The report, which claims Edinburgh is among cities 'preparing for an eight-day snow onslaught', is based on speculative long-range weather forecasts from 10 March to 17 March.

☕️ Plans for Edinburgh’s 12th Black Sheep Coffee cafe have been approved by the council. The cafe is planned for Forrest Road (as first reported in the Minute in December). - Locals gave their reactions in this report by Ross Chalmers reports of Deadline News.
⮑ The corner address is currently occupied by the Maycheelin Asian Supermarket. The brand also has a shop at 3 - 5 Lister Square, just over the road in the Quartermile.
⮑ The full plans are on the council planning portal here.

🇶🇦 A husband and wife from Edinburgh who live in Qatar say they hid in a cupboard and told their young children that missile noise was a thunderstorm during airstrikes. - Ken Banks, BBC Scotland News.

🏠 'Edinburgh has the highest death rate among homeless people as 'shocking' new figures revealed' - Ian Swanson, Evening News / Calum Loudon, STV News.

🎬 Locations around Edinburgh appear in a new film starring Peter Mullan, who plays a troubled historical tour guide. 'The Fall of Sir Douglas Weatherford' explores the impact of 'screen tourism' and obsessive fandoms on local communities. - Brian Ferguson speaks to the writer and director in this report for The Herald.

🎓 '‘Comparison and female rivalry’: The harsh reality of being a woman at Edinburgh University' - Phoebe Davies, opinion column in The Edinburgh Tab.

🛟 'Edinburgh RNLI volunteer who helped save 37 lives commended for 50-years service' - Jacob Farr, Edinburgh Live.

🖼️ A 13-year-old artist has become the youngest person to be selected for the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour’s annual exhibition. - Rose Moncur, The Herald.

💐 Local charity Street Soccer Scotland has launch limited edition football shirt designed by textile creatives Timorous Beasties. Proceeds from sales of the 'Hope Shirt' will go towards the charity and social enterprise's efforts tackling homelessness and mental health issues. Celebrities including Susan Boyle, Andy Robertson, Erin Cuthbert and Martin Compston are supporting the campaign. - More details via Street Soccer Scotland.

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🗣️ We Are The University! - EIS Rally at the Scottish Parliament
Tomorrow, Thu 05 March - Join EIS Thursday 05 March for our rally marking the tenth day of strike action in defence of jobs at Edinburgh Napier University. Compulsory redundancies are a choice, and we are standing together to demand they are stopped. All supporters welcome.
11am to 12pm | Scottish Parliament Building, EH99 1SP | FREE - More details here, shared by EIS-ULA.

🖼 Last Chance To Catch The Elph Exhibition & Meet The Artist
Today, Wed 04 March - Our most popular exhibition to date, Elph's 'Linear Velocity' wraps up this week, there's still time to see the show, meet Elph and grab a drink this Wednesday. We'll be open from noon. Elph will be in for a look through his sketch books from 7-10 pm
7pm to 10.30pm | Boro Gallery, EH2 2AA | FREE - More details here, shared by Rob Swain, Boro Gallery & Hi-Fi Bar.

🎨 Mark Making Landscape Workshop with Orcadian artist Laura Drever
Wed 04 March - Join artist Laura Drever for a playful workshop exploring Orkney's landscapes through abstraction. Create vibrant artworks with landscape weaving, jigsaws and hill stencils - a relaxed, inspiring creative reboot in the gallery setting.
10.30am to 3pm | The Scottish Gallery, EH3 6HZ | £120 - More details here, shared by The Scottish Gallery. 

🎶 Sean Shibe: Scottish Lute
Wed 04 March - Join Dunedin Consort and Sean Shibe for an evening of musical treasures they found in the National Library of Scotland. With traditional Scottish tunes for the violin and French music for the lute, it's a programme of rare and remarkable sounds.
7.30pm to 9pm | The Queen's Hall, EH8 9JG | £6 (concession)-£40 - More details here, shared by Dunedin Consort.

😊 Postnatal Therapy Group
Thu 05 March - Postnatal therapy group is for mums who have a baby under 1 year and are struggling with the transition to motherhood, experiencing low mood, anxiety, anger, feeling isolated or struggling to cope with the challenges of parenthood.
10am to 11.30am | CrossReach Perinatal Service, EH12 5AA | £25-£40 - More details here, shared by CrossReach Perinatal Counselling.

🗓️ Gay Dads Scotland is 25 years old! - This year, Gay Dads Scotland is celebrating our 25th anniversary. If you're a father, gay and feeling isolated, why not come and join us? Our next meeting is on Wednesday 11th March at The Outhouse, 12a Broughton Street Lane, Edinburgh, from 8pm. - More details via David Mason, Co-Chair, Gay Dads Scotland.

🧣 Woolkind Knitwear Shop opens this Saturday - Saturday 7th March 11 - 5: Woolkind opens its colourful knitwear shop on Thirlestane Lane, Marchmont. Try pieces on, explore new colourways, discuss custom options and enjoy opening day offers. Perfect timing for a special Mother's Day gift. - Thanks to Laurence Di Sotto, Woolkind, for sharing this.

🎨 Come & Play Session - Messy Play at St George's School Nursery
Fri 06 March - Fun Friday mornings led by our Early Years Practitioner in our Nursery! Open for families to attend with 1-3 year olds. Free entry!
10.30am to 11am | St George's Nursery, EH12 6BG | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

🗣️ Striving to be Sustainable in Fashion
Fri 06 March - Join us at The Crannie Community Hub on Friday 6th March 5-6:30pm for an engaging discussion circle about the opportunities and challenges to make fashion more local, long-lasting and eco-friendly! Free event open to all, refreshments are provided.
5pm to 6.30pm | The Crannie Community Hub, EH8 8BE | FREE - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Old Town Development Trust.

Striving to be Sustainable in Edinburgh’s Clothing Industry

Join us for an informal discussion panel about sustainability with members of Edinburgh’s clothing industry.

Eventbrite

🛍️ PORTOBELLO LOCAL MARKET [Monthly]
Sat 07 March - Fantastic local market with a wide variety of stalls selling organic, gourmet and artisanal foods, sweet treats, beautiful, original crafts and jewellery, and hot food and drink to take away. Come and experience our relaxed, friendly vibe!
9.30am to 1.30pm | Brighton Park | FREE - More details here, shared by PEDAL PORTOBELLO.

🎨 Draped figure drawing
Sat 07 March - Spend a day drawing a model draped with loose fabric or a flowing gown mixing short and long poses. The goal will be to discover the figure underneath the cloth, learning to pay attention to the stresses visible in the garment.
10am to 3pm | Birchwood Art Studio, EH11 1RF - More details here, shared by Raphie, Birchwood Art Studio.

🎶 In-Store Geese Album Replay This Saturday 🎶
Sat 07 March - Drop in anytime and enjoy listening to 'Getting Killed' by Geese. We'll be spinning the vinyl on our system in the Conservatory. It's informal, relaxed, and free to attend. Just come along, have a listen, and enjoy the music. We hope to see you there.
12pm to 5pm | Loud & Clear (Edinburgh) Ltd, EH6 6LX | FREE - More details here, shared by Loud & Clear Edinburgh.

🎶 Klezmer music session at Sandy Bell's
Sat 07 March - Come join the klezmer session at Sandy Bell's Saturday 7th March from 9pm. Bring an instrument or tune to share or just come for a pint and to listen to some classic klezmer tunes. All welcome, free entry.
9pm to 12am | Sandy Bell's, EH1 2QH | FREE - More details here, shared by Jess Rickenback.

🎷 Jazz Bar - International Women's Day Showcase
Sun 08 March - Serving up a selection of Scotland's current talent- from big band jazz by The Ivy Big Band, to jazz rising stars Laura Oghagbon and Kimberley Tessa, along with poetic soul by Queen Vee and the fiercely funky energy of Femme Fierce!
7pm to 12am | The Jazz Bar, EH1 1HR | £12 - More details here, shared by Kat Brooks & Nicole Smit (Organisers).

🎶 Breathe well. Sing well. Live well. [Monthly]
Sun 08 March - Join award winning opera singer and voice teacher Louise Macdonald, who is leading a series of singing/voice workshops for women. Breathwork meets singing for a life-affirming experience! Suitable for all levels/ages. Attend all or one session.
3.30pm to 4.30pm | The Salisbury Centre, EH16 5AB | 22.38 - More details here.

🎶 Edinburgh Ableton Users Group
Mon 09 March - We'd love to see you at this exciting, free event. No ego, no pressure - just a room full of people unreasonably excited about synth, automation lanes and drum racks. Please spread the word and we hope to see you all there.
6.30pm to 9pm | Leith Depot, EH6 5DT | FREE - More details here, shared by Alasdair.

😮‍💨 International Women's Day Wellness Afternoon
Tue 10 March - Space @ The Broomhouse Hub invites all local women to join us on Tuesday, 10 March for a wellness afternoon with Celtic Knots Massage & Wellness Therapies. To book a space, contact shona.thomson@spacescot.org or 07955 227604.
1pm to 2.30pm | Space @ The Broomhouse Hub, EH11 3RH | FREE - More details here, shared by Space @ The Broomhouse Hub.

📖 Arpentage: collective reading workshop of Mohammed El-Kurd's 'Perfect Victims'
Wed 11 March - Inspired by 19th-century workers' reading groups, join us for a collective reading of Mohammed El-Kurd's 'Perfect Victims: And The Politics Of Appeal'. You don't need to read beforehand. The event is also a fundraiser for families in Gaza.
6pm to 8pm | Embassy, EH6 4AD | £10 donation suggest - More details here, shared by Crystal Bennes.

🎨 Art and Self: Experimental Drawing Workshop
Thu 12 March - A new art & wellbeing workshop, led by artist/author Janet McKenzie, that will help you navigate your identity by incorporating creative practice in your life. Suitable for those with art training or beginners.
6pm to 8.30pm | Summerhall, EH9 1PL | £30 - More details here, shared by Summerhall Arts.

Art and Self: Experimental Drawing Workshop - Summerhall Arts

Art and Self: Experimental Drawing Workshop will focus on process over outcome using techniques to give a green light to navigate our identity.

Summerhall Arts

🎶 Gong Bath at Edinburgh Therapy centre
Fri 13 March - Gong Practitioner Daniel Killeen, Gong baths are a truly immersive experience. We offer intimate sessions in our cozy group space, accommodating up to 7 people comfortably. To ensure your relaxation, we provide comfort mats, blankets, and cushions
7.30pm to 9pm | Edinburgh Therapy Centre, EH6 6BA | 25 - More details here, shared by Daniel Killeen, Edinburgh Therapy Centre.

🎨 Polymer clay jewellery workshop
Sun 15 March - On Mother's day- Come along for a fun and cosy afternoon where you'll get to take home three finished pieces of jewellery and the skills to start making your own jewellery right away! At the Crannie Community Hub just off the Canongate.
1.30pm to 4.30pm | The Crannie Community Hub, EH8 8BE | £50 - More details here, shared by Ruth Appleby, Mud & Marsh Jewellery Design.

🥃 Raasay Whisky and Gin Tasting in The Green Room
Thu 19 March - Welcoming glass of Raasay gin presented by Brand ambassador Conall Ross Smoked duck & chicory salad- Raasay The Dram Oysters with raspberry mignonette- Raasay special reserve red wine cask Raasay whiskey & beetroot - Raasay Gin and more...
7pm to 9pm | The Green Room Wine Bar, EH3 7NG | £50 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

🗣️ Three Swedish Whisky Pioneers - From Heritage to Innovation in Scottish & Swedish Whisky
Wed 25 March - Join us for a speaker session with Jenny Karlsson, Moa Reynolds and Anne-Sofie Lagander about modern whisky production. This session shares insights, innovations, and what's next for the whisky industry. This event includes an exclusive tasting!
6pm to 7.30pm | Carnegie Suit | £9.90 - More details here, shared by Scottish Swedish Society.

🎶 Sinfonia Spring Concert at Greyfriars Kirk
Thu 26 March - An evening of well-loved classical music from Edinburgh University Music Society's Sinfonia Orchestra at the beautiful Greyfriars Kirk.
7.30pm to 10.30pm | Greyfriars Kirk, EH1 2QQ | £15, £8 concession - More details here, shared by Ailsa Mair, Edinburgh University Music Society.

🌿 Public Engagement Workshops for People with Lived Experience of OCD
Fri 27 March - We'd like to talk with people about their experiences of OCD so we can better understand what research about OCD should focus on and how it can be more helpful. If you are interested in taking part, please fill out a form of interest with the link.
10am to 12pm | The Ripple Project, EH7 6DZ | FREE - More details here, shared by Kyleigh Melville, University of Edinburgh.

💃 Order of Malta Scottish Ball
Sat 25 April - On Sat 25 April, support the charity's vital work in Scotland and overseas via raffles and auctions while enjoying fine dining & reeling to a live band. 6pm to 1am | Prestonfield House, Edinburgh. https://www.facebook.com/orderofmaltaballscotland
6pm to 1am | Prestonfield House, EH16 5UT - More details here, shared by Order of Malta Scottish Ball Committee.

📋 'Launching The Edinburgh Hospitality Network — a new social enterprise supporting hospitality workers with midweek events, training and local perks. We’re gathering feedback from businesses and staff. Share your thoughts as a business owner!' - Thanks to the Edinburgh Hospitality Network for sharing this.

The Edinburgh Hospitality Network survey for Management and Business Owners

The Edinburgh Hospitality Network – Proposal Summary The Edinburgh Hospitality Network (EHN) is a proposed social enterprise designed to support and connect hospitality workers across Edinburgh. Working in hospitality often means long, antisocial hours that make it difficult to attend networking events, access professional development, or take part in social activities. EHN aims to create a dedicated community for hospitality professionals — offering meaningful perks, development opportunities, and connection, while also supporting local independent businesses. Through an annual membership (estimated £40–£60 per year, paid individually or by employers as a staff benefit), members would receive: Exclusive discounts and offers at local businesses Access to industry-focused events and training Invitations to social and networking events hosted Monday–Wednesday (“Hospo Weekend”) Opportunities to join community groups such as run clubs, book clubs, and interest-based meetups At the same time, participating local businesses would benefit from increased midweek trade, targeted marketing, staff development opportunities, and a stronger local hospitality network. This survey will help shape the development of The Edinburgh Hospitality Network.

Google Docs

👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:

1. 🤝 15 roles in this week's Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network jobs round-up.
2. 📰 The March issue of the Broughton Spurtle.
3. 🦆 Tom Kelly's monthly Water of Leith wildlife video.
4. 🍻 The Shore's Malt & Hops pub fights holiday flat plan upstairs.
5. ♻️ Edinburgh Library of Things 'is gaining momentum'.

⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 854.
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