The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Weekend edition: 10 - 12 April 2026
300% second home tax hike shelved, eight charged over bus driver attack, new Leith coffee shop opens today + new show at Jupiter Artland
👋 Good morning Edinburgh. A busy end to a busy week. Thanks to everybody who has contributed, signed up, subscribed or shared. Your support really does keep this going. Here's your weekend Edinburgh Minute and weekend guide...
🌦️ Weekend weather: A sunny but chilly start, dry until around 8pm. Similar on Saturday and Sunday: sunshine and occasional light showers. A temperature high of 13C on Sunday and a low of 2C overnight into Monday morning. - The full Met Office forecast is here.
💰 The council has suspended a 300% council tax rise on second homes just eight days after the controversial policy was introduced. - Ian Swanson, Evening News.
🚨 Eight youths have been charged after a 53-year-old bus driver was attacked by 'a large group' at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh bus stop on Sunday night. Chief Superintendent David Robertson said: "This was an unprovoked attack on a man who was simply trying to do his job. Violent incidents like this will not be tolerated in our community, and we will ensure that those who do engage in this type of behaviour are brought to justice." - Police Scotland.
🔥 A couple of fires yesterday, with no injuries reported:
- At Kaji Sushi and Ramen on Haymarket Terrace around 5pm. - Rachel Fergusson, Evening News + Phyllis Stephen, The Edinburgh Reporter.
- At the Chalmers Centre on Lauriston Place, also around 5pm, - Lee Dalgetty, Edinburgh Live.
🗞️ The Edinburgh Reporter has announced its free newspaper stand on Portobello Promenade has been removed after three vandalism incidents. They wrote: "While it seems likely this was another case of wanton vandalism is could be that someone just doesn’t like our coverage!" You can still get the paper at Portobello Town Hall. - More details here.
👀 A change in advertiser on a controversial large advertising space on Princes Street's former RW Forsyth department store (from KFC to Chanel) does not resolve the issue, according to The Cockburn Association conservation charity. - Rachel Fergusson, Evening News.
🚑 Police are investigating after a person on a pedal cycle was hit by a off-road motorbike being driven on Crighton Place on Leith Walk on Wednesday. The motorbike drove off, reports Chloe Goodall of Edinburgh Live.
🐾 The Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home charity is 'considering its longterm future' at Seafield, reports David Forsyth in the Edinburgh Inquirer.
Edinburgh Inquirer
🎭 Organisers of the Fringe have announced the 16 shows receiving £2,500 each through the Keep it Fringe fund. The bursaries help artists facing financial barriers to bringing work to this year’s festival. - More details via the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society.
- ⮑ A new report claims Edinburgh is the ninth most 'overcrowded' tourist city in the world. - Ena Saracevic, Evening News.
🏡 A Craiglockhart home designed by Sir Basil Spence has been given a contemporary new extension. - Rose Moncur, The Herald.
🛹 Plans to upgrade the skatepark at the Dip in Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park have been approved by the council. - Kevin Quinn, Evening News.
✈️ Local plane spotters got a second chance to see a Spitfire flyover yesterday after being let down the previous day. - Cara Blackhall, Edinburgh Live.
- ⮑ Thanks to photographer Tony Marsh (@snappermarsh) who shared his photos.
☕️ A new cafe is opening in Leith from 7am today, offering £1 coffees for its soft launch. Carter Coffee is at 4 Fyfe Lane, just off Bonnington Road near The Biscuit Factory venue. Find it on Instagram.
🛍️ Cloudberry gifts and coffee shop in Barnton has been put up for sale after 16 years. Owner Julie Pearson said: "This hasn’t been an easy decision, but after many busy years I feel it’s time to give myself a little more time with family and friends. For now it’s completely business as usual. These things can take time, but I’ll keep you all updated when there’s news to share."
📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard - news you can use:
🗳️ Scottish Parliament Election Hustings for Edinburgh North-Eastern and Leith
Today, Fri 10 April - 'An opportunity for voters in Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith to meet four of the five constituency candidates, this event is organised by Northfield & Willowbrae CC but open to all.'
6.30pm to 8.30pm | Northfield & Willowbrae Community Council, EH8 7PP | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
- ⮑ Be sure to register to vote before 11:59pm on 20 April.
- In case you missed that, here’s the link:
Register to vote here before 20 April!
Register to vote here before 20 April!
Register to vote here before 20 April!
Register to vote here before 20 April!
Register to vote here before 20 April!
🐕 AskHarvey beta: Dog owners/sitters/walkers wanted as early testers. - 'Store all your pet’s info in Apple Wallet and easily share with walkers/sitters/family without them needing an app. Built initially for when my dogs go to my parents, I'm seeing if useful for others. Apple TestFlight only - rough edges expected!' - More details here, shared by Hannah Mercer.
🎷 Dick Lee's Hot Club Hepcats at the Edinburgh Jazz 'n Jive Club
Today, Fri 10 April - 'This Friday, 10th April, Dick Lee's Hot Club Hepcats plays early Jazz and classic Swing at the Edinburgh Jazz 'n Jive Club. Great for listening and dancing!'
8pm to 11pm | Heriot's Rugby Club, EH3 5QN | £12.00 & £15.00 - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Jazz 'n Jive Club.
🍏 Balerno Farmers Market
Tomorrow, Sat 11 April - 'Second Saturday of the month, and the heart of Balerno is filled with local traders, groups and street food.'
9am to 1pm | Balerno Main Street, EH14 7EH | FREE - More details here, shared by C&B News.
🏖️ First Class Football Shirts x Shop With No Name
Tomorrow, Sat 11 April - 'Shirts, sun, music, snacks. All at the Shop With No Name. Saturday April 11th. 9am-6pm. With First Class Football Shirts holding a 'first class' pop up, accompanied by DJs, and a local organic food business, this promises to be a day to remember.'
9am to 6pm | Shop With No Name, EH1 3RX | FREE - More details here, shared by First Class Football Shirts.
🧘♀️ Meditation Centre Open Day
Tomorrow, Sat 11 April - 'Everyone is welcome to our open day at Kadampa Meditation Centre on Leith Walk. Drop by and enjoy the meditation space, relax in the café or garden & meet our friendly community. FREE class 11am - 12pm & 15min meditations @ 1pm, 1.30pm, 2pm & 2.30pm.'
10.30am to 3pm | Kadampa Meditation Centre Edinburgh, EH6 5EA | FREE - More details here, shared by Kadampa Meditation Centre.
🎷 Sax and Piano Duo
Tomorrow, Sat 11 April - 'Another exclusive concert in the "Music@St.Columba's" brings Richard Scholfield and Iain Clarke, both virtuoso performers, to play from both the classical repertoire and the jazz era.'
7pm to 9pm | Blackhall St. Columba's Church, EH4 3QU | FREE - More details here, shared by Donald Cameron, Blackhall St Columba’s Church.
🌸 LifeCare Spring Fair
Sun 12 April - 'A Spring fair in Stockbridge with stalls, baked goods and a chance to support LifeCare's charity! Their cafe will be open during the event with teas, coffees and breakfast rolls'
10.30am to 1.30pm | LifeCare Edinburgh, EH4 1JB | FREE - More details here, shared by Amy Liston, alistondesigns.
🚣♂️ Canal Rowing Boats Re-Launch
Sun 12 April - 'Boat hires, stalls, raffle, info about Edinburgh Union Canal Society & Merchiston Districts Community Council, home baking, teas & coffees for sale'
12pm to 5pm | Union Canal, EH11 1EZ | FREE - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Union Canal Society.
🎨 Mansfield Traquair Centre Open Day
Sun 12 April - 'Mansfield Traquair Centre is open from 1pm until 4pm close. Come and see Phoebe Anna Traquair’s breathtaking murals. Something for all ages: free tours with friendly guides, quiz sheets for younger visitors. Free entry, donations welcome.'
1pm to 4pm | Mansfield Traquair Centre | donations welcome - More details here, shared by a Friend of Mansfield Traquair Centre.
🛝 You'll find lots of family-friendly things to do this weekend and beyond in Gayle's Guide, including the Spring Party Family Festival at Craigmillar Castle Park and more...
Gayle’s Guide
