The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Weekend edition: 1 - 3 May 2026
Uni staff claim they're 'locked out' from work, free bikes on election day next week, Neighbourgood Market returns to Stockbridge today + Porty Festival weekend
👋 Good morning Edinburgh. Thanks as always to local photographer Tom Duffin for sharing photos from last night's Beltane Fire Festival on Calton Hill. Keep an eye on his social media pages for more. Here’s Friday’s Edinburgh Minute, followed by the weekend guide for paying subscribers.
🌦️ Weekend weather: Another glorious sunny start but cloud is set to move in during the morning. Rain is forecast later today. Sunshine and light showers on Saturday. Light rain on Sunday. A temperature high of 18C today, dipping to 6C by Sunday. Next week starts off cooler again but dry. - The full Edinburgh Met Office forecast is here.
🚎 Bus timetable changes to be aware of on Monday, the May Day bank holiday: a Saturday service will operate on Lothian, East Coast Buses and Lothian Country services. NightBuses will operate to a normal weekday timetable. - More details here.
- ⮑ ScotRail is also warning of engineering works affecting trains between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh via Shotts this weekend. - More details here.
Karen Keith
🎓 University of Edinburgh staff taking part in this week's marking and assessment boycott claim they have been 'locked out' from doing other tasks at work. Uni principal Sir Peter Mathieson said the marking boycott was 'completely unjustifiable.' - Exclusive by Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco in The Herald.
- ⮑ 'Exams at Edinburgh University: A survival guide for the sleep deprived' - Phoebe Davies, The Edinburgh Tab.
🥔 The owner of Fatt Spudz on Morningside Road, which opened last month, arrived to the aftermath of a break-in at their jacket potato shop yesterday morning. They're calling for more local CCTV. - Callum McCormack, Evening News.
🚎 Unclaimed lost property items from Lothian Buses resulted in £12,800 raised for the Shelter Scotland charity over the past 12 months. There were 3,149 items sold, diverting 0.95 tonnes of waste from landfill. - Lothian Buses published more details here.
🏆 As one of the Festival Theatre's friendly welcoming faces for 31 years, Jimmy Beacham this week won a global Unsung Hero award at the Ticketing Business Awards in Manchester. - Thom Dibdin, All Edinburgh Theatre.
🍎 The Jolly Judge in the Old Town has been named Edinburgh’s cider pub of the year for the eighth year in a row by the Campaign for Real Ale. - Kevin Quinn, Evening News.
⭐️ Edinburgh mum Claire Phale had lunch with Hollywood star George Clooney yesterday during his visit to support the Social Bite charity. - Competition organiser itison shared a video from her day here + there's a BBC Scotland News report here.
- Clooney was also a guest at last night's British Business Awards at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre last night.
🗞️ Featuring news on short-term lets, demolition work at the former Duncan's chocolate factory and a nice mention for this newsletter, May's edition of the Spurtle is online in PDF form here.
📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard - news you can use:
🏃♂️ Race The Tram Raises £555 for Charity - 'Thank you to everyone who took part in Race The Tram on 26 April. Runners raised £255 and £300 was donated by our sponsor S1 Developments for Spencer Dayman Meningitis Research. My Name'5 Doddie 1K / 5K / 10K on 7 June supports MND - see you then!' - More details here, shared by Catriona Bruce, Blast Running.
🚴♂️ Free Voi bikes in Edinburgh on Scottish election polling day - 'VOTERS can get free bike rides to and from polling stations in next week's elections thanks to a new scheme launched by e-bike company Voi.' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🐾 This is Edinburgh's Home - 'The Home has supported Edinburgh’s animals for decades and has been part of the city’s shoreline for generations. As the city grows, many don’t know us. Help us reintroduce ourselves! Join our e-newsletter for news, advice and heartwarming stories.' - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home.
☀️ Dnipro Kids launch Scottish–Ukrainian Sunshine on Leith release (Fri 1 May, 9am) - 'Dnipro Kids, the Hibs-rooted charity supporting children and families connected to Dnipro, launch a Scottish–Ukrainian version of Sunshine on Leith on Fri 1 May at 9am. Digital + limited vinyl; all proceeds go to the charity.' - More details here, shared by Ross Addy, Arms and Legs.
🍰 Bake with the youngest ever Great British Bake Off winner at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy - 'Great British Bake Off 2020 winner, Peter Sawkins, is collaborating with Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy on an exclusive one-off Baking Masterclass. You'll get the chance to bake together, watch an expert demonstration and ask all your GBBO questions.' - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy.
🗳️ Share your views - should Holyrood Park legislation be updated - 'The legislation that covers Holyrood Park is very out of date. In preparation for supporting a Scottish parliament bill to update this legislation, we have put together a survey to gather people's views. We look forward to hearing from you!' - More details here, shared by Friends of Holyrood Park.
🌐 Online Zoom Forum: Interspirituality: The Future. - 'There will be five talks, each of 12 minutes, followed by discussion among the speakers and the chair, followed by Q & A. Date: Wednesday 6 May 2026. Time: 7pm-9pm (UK time).' - More details here, shared by Neill Walker, Edinburgh International Centre for Spirituality and Peace.
📰 C&B News is back! - 'The May edition of C&B News is now available to view/download online with print copies available locally from Friday, 1 May. Championing our communities along the upper Water of Leith valley: News, Views, What's On listings, Local History, Sport.' - More details here, shared by C&B News.
🗳️ Have your say about funding decisions - survey closes 4th May - 'There are only 3 days left to share your views about who should be involved in deciding how the council's Community Grants Fund is allocated. Please complete our short survey by 4th May 2026.' - More details here, shared by City of Edinburgh Council.
🎶 Folk Film Gathering [Daily]
Today, Fri 01 May - 'Edinburgh's annual music and folk cinema festival Folk Film Gathering returns 1 - 10 May, showcasing new and archive film from Scotland and around the world.'
10am to 10pm | Cameo Picturehouse, EH3 9LZ | £Various - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🌱 Ostara [Daily]
Today, Fri 01 May - 'Grain and Groove, Phoebe Rose design and Studio Rosalind present Ostara: an exploration of new beginnings, spring and natures cycles through the craft of woodwork, jewellery and brass art.'
10am to 5pm | Dr Neil's Garden, EH15 3PX | FREE - More details here, shared by Grain & Groove Collective.
🎨 Solo6 Annual Exhibition [Daily]
Today, Fri 01 May - 'Come see the most recent works from the Solo6 artists - Mary Mackay, John Nowak, Carole Millar, Irene Campbell, Marion Barron and Soosan Danesh. 1 May - 6 May 2026 : Open Daily 11am - 5pm (Wednesday 6 May 11am - 2.30pm)'
11am to 5pm | The Dundas Street Gallery, EH3 6HZ | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎷 Bill Jones Renaissance Swing Band at Edinburgh Jazz 'N Jive
Today, Fri 01 May - 'Start May with a swing, this Friday, May 1st, at Lindy Hop Heaven, with the fantastic Bill Jones Renaissance Swing Band, plus special guest on trombone, John Service. We've seen the set list, bring your dancing shoes!'
8pm to 11pm | Heriot's Rugby Club, EH3 5QN | £12.00 & £15.00 - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Jazz 'n Jive Club.
🔪 Murder May True Crime Tours [Daily]
Tomorrow, Sat 02 May - 'This month only, the Edinburgh Street Historians are running True Crime Walking Tours all week! Covering's Edinburgh miscreants, murder, and mayhem, this is a short walk through the city's dark past which honours victims.'
2pm to 3.30pm | The High Street Wellhead, EH1 1QX | Pay What You Want - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Street Historians.
pasturesfresh
🏃 Yoga for Runners - Are you taking part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival?
Tomorrow, Sat 02 May - 'Join us for a yoga flow that supports injury prevention, recovery, and performance, so you can just show up to your runs feeling stronger, more balanced, and better prepared. £8 from each ticket is donated to Health in Mind.'
3pm to 4.30pm | Tidal Yoga Ltd, EH6 8NP | £18 - More details here, shared by Tidal Yoga Ltd.
🎳 Try Bowls in Blackhall
Tomorrow, Sat 02 May - 'Come along this weekend on Saturday morning 2nd May from 10-12 and on Sunday afternoon 3rd May from 2-4pm. Free use of equipment and coaching. There are fun games suitable for all ages and serious bowling for those interested.'
10am to 12pm | Blackhall Bowling Club, EH4 3NL | Free - More details here, shared by Donald Cameron.
🖌️ Hands and Feet Drawing
Tomorrow, Sat 02 May - 'Taking a very close look at the anatomy of the hands and feet. You will work on detailed studies from our own hands, printed materials and a model. A great class for sharpening observational skills for life drawing!'
10am to 3pm | Birchwood Art Studio, EH11 1RF | £90 - More details here, shared by Raphie.
🖼️ Join the Dots - Exhibition by Lucy Johnstone [Daily]
Tomorrow, Sat 02 May - 'Join the Dots brings together a body of work by Lucy Johnstone that confronts the instability of the present through the force of myth, memory, and lived experience. Open 10.30-5 daily from 2nd-7th May, at Whitespace.'
10.30am to 5pm | Whitespace, EH8 9HQ | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🏖️ fitandhappy @ Porty Beach: Outdoor Fitness for Women at Porty Festival on Sunday 3rd of May
Sun 03 May - 'Whether you're a seasoned regular or haven't exercised in years, you'll find a welcoming atmosphere and a feel-good workout on the beach. There's no military-style shouting here-just a good laugh, a vibrant community, and a natural energy boost.'
9am to 10am | Portobello Beach, EH15 2DX | £9.50 - More details here, shared by Julia, fitandhappy.
🛍️ B's Vintage Market
Sun 03 May - 'Edinburgh's favourite vintage market is back and we have a NEW HOME at the Biscuit Factory! Multiple individual vintage pop-ups under 1 roof, everything from Victoriana to Y2k for ALL genders, clothing/accessories/ jewellery to cameras!'
11am to 4pm | The Biscuit Factory, EH6 5NP | £5 for 2, £3 - £2.50 - More details here, shared by B's Vintage Market.
TicketSource Limited
🎭 Drama at the Depot (The Force)
Mon 04 May - 'An evening of short plays by local playwrights, performed script in hand at Leith Depot by actors. Each play is ten minutes long and rehearsed for one hour, come to grab a pint, socialise and see some new writing all on 'The Force' theme.'
8pm to 9.30pm | Leith Depot, EH6 5DT | £6 advance £8 door - More details here, shared by Sophie Good, PenPal Productions.
🎨 Wild Drawing Workshop with Sheila Anderson-Hardy
Wed 06 May - 'Enjoy a day of immersive, nature-led drawing with artist Sheila Anderson-Hardy, inspired by flowers and foliage gathered fresh from the surrounding landscape.'
10.30am to 3pm | The Scottish Gallery, EH3 6HZ | 120 - More details here, shared by The Scottish Gallery.
🌸 Bloom Scotland Monthly Mixer
Thu 07 May - 'Join us for an inspiring networking evening for women in marketing and communications. Connect, share and explore new opportunities in a supportive and empowering space. Big thank you to our wonderful sponsors Tigerlily and Ocean Outdoor!'
6pm to 7.30pm | Tigerlily, EH2 4JN | FREE - More details here, shared by Claire Mathieson, Bloom Scotland.
👑 Queen Alexandra and Coronation Fashion
Fri 08 May - 'Inspired by our glittering new exhibition, The Edwardians: Age of Elegance, join Caroline de Guitaut, Surveyor of The King's Works of Art, for a lecture exploring Queen Alexandra's golden coronation dress through its design influences and its legacy.'
1pm to 2pm | The King's Gallery, EH8 8DX | £8.00 - More details here, shared by Royal Collection Trust.
✨️ Soapbox: The Story Sessions
Fri 22 May - 'The Story Sessions returns May 22nd! An evening of storytelling; to gather and connect, a space to be heard and celebrated. This month's theme is Endurance: the strength behind change, love, grief, work, healing, and being alive. See you there!'
6pm to 8.30pm | Tribe Porty, EH15 2AJ | £5 & £10 - More details here, shared by Ellie Clinch, Soapbox.
🌞 Summer Soiree
Fri 05 June - 'Join us on Friday 5 June for a Summer Soiree in support of St Columba's Hospice Care! Enjoy exceptional food, standout entertainment and a truly special atmosphere hosted by Jess Robinson and the ultimate sing-along experience with Massaoke.'
1pm to 7pm | Prestonfield House, EH16 5UT | £120 - More details here, shared by St Columba's Hospice Care.
🤱 The Edinburgh Society of Unapologetically Imperfect Mothers Podcast LIVE! at The Fringe
Sat 29 August - 'We're bringing our Podcast to the FRINGE! With a candid, unfiltered look at the reality of modern motherhood, where no topic is off-limits, this show will lighten your mental load & have you laughing as we bring our form of group therapy to the stage.'
2pm to 3.30pm | Just the Tonic Comedy Club - Edinburgh, EH8 9RR | £15 - More details here, shared by Lissy & Heather, The Edinburgh Society of Unapologetically Imperfect Mothers Podcast.
🛝 This weekend's family-friendly things to do in Edinburgh include:
- 🔥 The Family Beltane event
- 🚣 Row boat hire at Harrison Park
- 🎨 Play Sunday at the Collective gallery up Calton Hill
Gayle’s Guide
🏃♀️ The Up and Running Cramond Promenade 5k, 5k and half-marathon runs are on Sunday, starting at 9.30am. - More details here.
🏃♀️ Newhaven Running Group meets every Monday at 7pm for a social 5km run. Meet outside the Old Chain Pier. "All runners welcome and no membership fees. See you there!" - Thanks to Paddy Watson for sharing this. The group is also on Instagram.
📆 What else is on this weekend in town? The next bit is for paying subscribers only and includes:
- The return of one of Stockbridge's favourite foodie hot spots,
- Big beats and award-winning eats from 18 food trucks,
- An 11-day music festival starting tonight with Rura playing live,
- And the most-clicked links you might have missed...
