The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Weekend edition: 18 - 20 September 2026

University staff plan five-week walkout, culture groups win 25% funding boost, Leith Walk has more bikes than cars + 135 artists open their homes this weekend

👋 Good morning Edinburgh. Thank you for being here. As I reflect on reaching 1,000 editions of this daily newsletter, I'm truly grateful for your time, support and contributions. To celebrate the milestone, there's no paywall above the weekend guide today, as I hope to encourage non-paying subscribers to consider helping to keep the newsletter going. In that spirit, I've also made the weekly bonus Culture Minute free to read here too. The truth is that the Minute and noticeboard/calendar/map all cost more than you might think to run and it takes far more hours than I'll admit to compile each day. However, I still love doing it and working with so many of you, so thanks again to those of you who do support it or share it with friends. Please forward today's edition to anyone who might find it useful.

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🌦️ Weekend weather forecast: Dry this morning but a chance of showers throughout the day from midday onwards. Light showers on Saturday too, mostly dry on Sunday. A temperature high of 16C on Saturday and a low of 11C on Sunday night into Monday morning. - The full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh is here.

🎓 University of Edinburgh staff have announced 25 days of strikes over five weeks starting on 28 September 'because of the refusal of management to rule out compulsory redundancies'. - University and College Union press release.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: "I previously called the cuts at Edinburgh 'academic vandalism' and nothing I've seen during this dispute gives me any reason to change that view. Even at this late stage, it's not too late for the principal to rule out compulsory redundancies, engage meaningfully with the union and take action to end this dispute."
Uni boss Peter Mathieson said: "We are extremely disappointed that, despite ongoing discussions, the University and College Union has given notification of five weeks’ strike action, which will unfairly and deliberately target students’ first semester of the academic year." - More background from Jack Davies in the Evening News.
An update on yesterday's news on the planned UoE cuts: 90 programmes have been closed to new applicants in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. - Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco has the details in The Herald.

🎭 Edinburgh's festivals and cultural organisations will share an extra £1.1m after securing a one-year 25% funding boost, after a surprise u-turn from the council yesterday. The council will also launch a £2.62m 'Innovate Fund' from tourist tax income next week. Reports from The Herald and Scotsman are below, but first some local reaction:

Morvern Cunningham and Eva McKenzie, co-leads of the Creative Community Hubs Network, said:

"Today's decision is the right outcome for culture in Edinburgh's Festival City. A 25% uplift for existing Strategic Partners which includes festivals and community-based organisations, plus a significant resource made available to everyone to apply for, including grassroots organisations and initiatives. We would hope that going forward, Edinburgh’s cultural reputation extends from the grassroots up, reaching residents and visitors deep into the city's infrastructure and supporting a thriving cultural ecosystem for many years to come."

Kate Griffin, CEO of WHALE Arts, said:

"We are delighted to see the Council recognise the importance of investing in Edinburgh’s cultural ecosystem and open up opportunities to creative organisations across the city. We see every day the difference creativity and culture make to people's lives and communities. Culture is at the heart of what makes Edinburgh — bringing people together, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for people across the city to participate, contribute and belong."

Lesley Hinds, Chair of North Edinburgh Arts, said: "I am pleased the City of Edinburgh Councillors have listened to both the Festivals and Community Arts and Community organisations to increase investment in the arts in Edinburgh. I look forward to working with the Council and Festivals, in the coming year, to ensure Community Arts and Culture organisations have a seat at the table when discussing Arts and Culture in Edinburgh."

Jo Timmins and James Preston, Co-CEOs of Lyra, said: "Today’s decision changes the conversation about how Edinburgh invests in culture. Councillors have recognised that organisations like Lyra—making professional art in communities—must have the opportunity to be funded in their own right. For the children and teenagers we work with, investment cannot keep being pushed into the future. Young people only get one childhood."

"Applications are expected to open in the next few weeks for the new Innovate fund, which is expected to be worth more than £2.6m and support projects running between January 2027 and March 2028." - Brian Ferguson in The Herald.
The council confirmed the new £2.62m Innovate fund, supported by the Visitor Levy, is to open for applications next week. - More details here.
"The move will see the a funding gap paid for out of council reserves and the council’s underspend, rather than out of Innovate fund, which is supported by the new visitor levy." - Jane Bradley of The Scotsman reports on yesterday's council meeting.

🚦 The volunteer-run Causey Development Trust is celebrating the confirmation of £1.86 million from the city’s Visitor Levy programme going towards its traffic island transformation project. Celebrating the milestone moment in a 19-year community campaign, chair Sarah Drummond said:

"This is a powerful example of what community-led action can achieve. Local people have shaped the vision, sustained it through years of setbacks and continued to demonstrate how this neglected space could bring people together. The Causey also shows exactly how Visitor Levy investment can work for Edinburgh. It will improve everyday life for residents while creating a greener, safer and more welcoming experience for visitors moving through the city’s Southside and festival footprint." - Read more from the Causey project here.

🚲 For the first time, more bikes than cars have been recorded on Leith Walk during the morning rush hour according to new data from Cycling Scotland traffic surveys and cycle counter analysis. - More details are in the Cycling Scotland press release.

The increase could be credited to the city's new(ish) Voi hire bike scheme and segregated cycle lanes, reports Alastair Dalton in The Scotsman.

🌊 The Army bomb squad was called to Granton on Wednesday after someone found 'a suspected item of ordnance, approximately the size of a large grapefruit'. - South Queensferry Coastguard.

🪏 Archaeologists are digging in Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park, looking for a 'lost settlement'. - Jody Harrison, The Herald.

Members of the public are invited to take a look between 10am and 3pm today and tomorrow. - More details via Edinburgh Archaeology Field Society.

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🎉 Beloved newsletter celebrates 1000 editions! - '(this is just for you!) HAPPY ONE THOUSAND MINUTES, MICHAEL!! Thank you for all that you do, you're the best! My life is (im)measurably better for having found friends and events (and jobs) through it.' - Thanks to a kind Minute subscriber for sharing this! A lovely surprise.

🏃‍♂️ Breaking the Laws 30K Run raises £1,396 for charity - 'Thank you to everyone who took part in the Breaking the Laws 30K on Sunday. Runners, marshals and supporters raised £421 for Scottish Veterans Residences, with Blast Running adding £975. Next: Halloween Trail Half, supporting South Queensferry RNLI.' - More details here, shared by Catriona Bruce, Blast Running.

🎉 The Edinburgh church where you don’t have to believe in God turns 250 - '26–27 Sept, St. Mark’s Church celebrates 250 years of Unitarianism in Edinburgh with a historical guided walk and a family-friendly craft session. Our community welcomes people of all faiths and none — and we're growing fast. Visit us on Doors Open!' - More details here, shared by St. Mark's Unitarian Church.

📧 Virgin Media end email services - 'This affects anyone using ntlworld.com, blueyonder.co.uk, virgin.net and virginmedia.com email addresses.' - Thanks to Minute supporter Greg Michaelson for sharing this.

🏦 Bank of England Holds Interest Rates: What Does It Actually Mean for Local Buyers and Sellers? - 'The Bank of England kept interest rates the same this month. But with the cost of living still rising, mortgages could get more expensive soon. If you are thinking about buying or selling, here are the essentials you need to know.' - More details here, shared by Coulters Property.

🎥 The Singing Street - 75th anniversary. Abbeyhill Colony of Artists [Until Mon]
Tomorrow, Sat 19 September - 'Screening of a 1951 short film. An enchanting tale set of children at play in the streets around Abbeyhill, to a soundtrack of their own songs. Followed by a short talk from local historian Andy Arthur of Threadinburgh. Doors & refreshments from 930'
10am to 11am | Abbeyhill Primary School · Abbeyhill & Meadowbank | FREE - More details here, shared by Andy Arthur, Threadinburgh.

Events — Colony of Artists

Colony of Artists

🍹 Cocktail Mixology Workshop with The Alchemist
Tomorrow, Sat 19 September - 'Shake, stir and sample your way through an interactive mixology workshop hosted by The Alchemist at Westfield St James Quarter. Learn cocktail-making techniques, flavours and finishing touches from the experts, with samples along the way. 18+.'
3pm to 3.45pm | The Alchemist St James Quarter · New Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Westfield St James Quarter.

🎨 Juthur Roots Exhibition Opening
Sun 20 September - 'Juthur Roots is an exhibition of bold, beautiful art by Palestinian-Canadian artist, Fedaa Boqaileh. Her art draws inspiration from Middle Eastern influences and reminds us of the strength of women, family and symbolic memory. Viewing and talk.'
3pm to 4.30pm | Palestine Museum Scotland · New Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Palestine Museum Scotland.

🩷 Organ & Tissue Donation Week (21-27 Sept)
Mon 21 September - 'Join us on the 21st Sept to chat about Organ & Tissue Donation in Scotland. Learn more about the importance of registering your decision and how this can help save lives! #organdonationweek'
10am to 2pm | Haymarket Station · Haymarket & Dalry | FREE - More details here, shared by Erin.

(Also, if you spot any local landmarks lit-up pink this weekend, this is probably why).

💼 Trends in Employee Benefits Webinar
Mon 21 September - '21/09/2026 - Join us for a free lunchtime webinar tailored for employers and HR professionals. Hear our perspective on the latest employee benefit trends and how they could impact your business. Hosted by Mearns & Company Chartered Financial Planners'
12.30pm to 1.30pm | Mearns & Company Limited · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Mearns & Company.

☕ Tea & Tech in Stockbridge [Every Monday]
Mon 21 September - 'A bit frightened of the internet ? But feel you should know how to use it ? Come along to one or more of these free, weekly, group sessions where a knowledgeable expert, supported by friendly volunteers, will show you how to get started.'
2.30pm to 4.30pm | St Ninian's Scottish Episcopal Church · Craigleith | FREE - More details here, shared by Tap into IT.

📢 Leith Central Community Council meeting
Mon 21 September - 'The LCCC meets monthly on the 3rd Monday at the McDonald Library - come hear about what's happening in your area, participate and voice your concerns. Next one is Monday the 21st.'
7pm to 9pm | McDonald Road Library · Canonmills & Broughton | FREE - More details here, shared by LCCC.

🤝 Framing the Future: Setting the Foundations for Scaling Female-Led Businesses
Thu 24 September - 'Join us for an evening of free practical workshops to help you on your founder journey and expert talks from incredible leaders, the perfect opportunity to connect with other female-founders and funders actively looking to back female-led businesses!'
5pm to 8pm | Edinburgh Futures Institute · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Venture Café Edinburgh.

📜 University Archives Unboxed - see inside the Edinburgh Medical School Archives
Thu 24 September - 'Join Archivist Rachel Hosker and Archive Interns Juliet Gartside and Lilia Foster next Thursday to see inside the rich trove of archives held by Edinburgh Medical School, and hear suggestions of what we should be archiving now for the future.'
6.30pm to 7.30pm | Anatomy Lecture Theater · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Gavin Francis, Edinburgh Medical School.

🚂 The railways of Edinburgh, Granton and Leith
Thu 24 September - 'Hear local railway author Kenneth G. Williamson give a presentation based on his 2023 book "Edinburgh, Granton and Leith Railways".'
7pm to 9pm | The Quaker Meeting House · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Lawrence Marshall, Capital Rail Action Group. + (Facebook event here)

😴 Yoga for sleep
Thu 24 September - 'Trouble sleeping? This gentle yin/yang wind down will help you transition from a busy day to a good night's sleep.'
8pm to 9pm | The Salisbury Centre · Southside | 10 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

🧖‍♂️ The Founders Reset
Fri 25 September - 'Join us for The Founders Reset, a small sauna gathering for business owners who'd love to step out of the busyness, connect, and get to know each other in the peace of the steam. Think: sauna, sea air, and meaningful conversations with like minds!'
9.30am to 11.30am | Soul Water Sauna Granton · Granton & Pilton | £27.50 - More details here, shared by Anna Considine, Studio Gently.

Remember you can always see all 330+ upcoming local events on TownSpot calendars and maps. Thanks to everyone who shares their things!

📆 What's on in town this weekend:

🛝 Plenty of family-friendly things to do this weekend and beyond in Gayle's Guide, including: Apple Fest at Craigie’s Farm, Art Stomps at Modern One and more...

🏠 This weekend's 21st annual Colony of Artists festival in Abbeyhill will be its biggest ever, with more than 135 artists opening their homes to the public.
⮑ The map and brochure are on the event’s website. It's all free and runs from 11am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

🌮 Weekend markets & food: This weekend’s traders in the Grassmarket, Leith and Stockbridge markets are all listed here.

🛍️ Granton's Pitt mini mart is open 11am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.
🛍️ Out of the Blue Drill Hall in Leith hosts the HelloArt Mid-Autumn Festival Market on Saturday from midday to 5pm. Organisers say: "Visitors can browse handmade jewellery, ceramics, illustrations, crafts, homeware, and unique gifts while enjoying authentic Asian street food, desserts, and seasonal treats. Inspired by one of Asia's most cherished festivals, the market brings together creativity, culture, and community in a welcoming atmosphere for people of all backgrounds." - Full details here.

🎷 On Friday at the Queen's Hall: Marking 100 years since the birth of sax and jazz legend John Coltrane, the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra will be joined by acclaimed soloist Emma Rawicz for a night of Coltrane-inspired music. - Tickets.

🎸 US band Death Cab for Cutie play the Corn Exchange on Sunday night, with support from Pool Kids. - Tickets here.

🎸 Jacob Collier will be supported by Sam Amidon at The Queen's Hall on Sunday. - Tickets.

🎭 All Edinburgh Theatre editor Thom Dibdin has this weekend's local theatre listings:

Annie at the Playhouse with Claire Sweeney as Miss Hannigan (ends Sunday: tickets) is something of a "★★★★☆ Belter". Six, The Musical at the Festival Theatre (ends 26 Sept: tickets) which reviewer Hugh said is "★★★★☆ Energetic". Theatre-wise, Simon Reade adapts Michael Morpurgo in the tour of Private Peaceful at the Lyceum (ends Saturday: tickets). The Tandem Collective celebrate a decade of scratch nights with Tandem at 10, also at the Traverse. This Sat (1pm: tickets) the Tandem producers have a free workshop for emerging writers. While next week (Sat 26: tickets) is an actual scratch night. And finally down at Leith Depot (Mon 21: tickets) PenPal Production have their latest Drama @ The Depot night of six instant short plays by local writers, with this month's theme the Seven Deadly Sins. Get there early for the home baking! Full details of these and all future productions (big shout for Rocky Horror at the Bedlam next week) are on Æ's listings pages, all linked here.

🌍 A screening of the People's Emergency Briefing film is planned in Bruntsfield on Friday evening. - More details via the Bruntsfield Area Net Zero Action Initiative.

🎶 The Banjo Lounge 4 - Live at The Bowler's Rest
Friday - 'Local Leith favourites BL4 are back playing live at this lovely music pub with our usual mashup acoustic versions of everything from Old School Hip Hop to Panjabi MC via System of a Down, Beyonce and The Gorillaz'
7.30pm to 10.30pm | The Bowlers Rest · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Pat McGarvey, The Banjo Lounge 4.

🏖️ All day from 9.30am on Saturday: September's By the Beach Writing Retreat hosted by Women Who Write Edinburgh at Tribe Porty. - More details here.

🎶 Just Like Honey
Saturday - 'Post-Punk, Indie, New Wave club night at Wee Red Bar playing Bowie, New Order, Smiths, Cure, Talking Heads and many more!'
11pm to 3am | The Wee Red Bar · Tollcross | £5 OTD - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

💛 On Saturday from 4pm at La Belle Adventure bookshop on Leith Walk, Edinburgh-based illustrator Sarah Lippett will share stories from a decade of work on Ukrainian resilience and resistance in comic form, marking the launch of '10 YEARS Documenting Ukrainian Resilience and Resistance' - Free tickets here.

🎶 Queensferry Folk Festival
Saturday - 'On Saturday 19th September Queensferry Folk Festival welcomes Findley Napier, Wave of the Flood and Magnus Turpie and Friends for an evening show along with a Nigel Gatherer workshop option during the daytime. The Priory, South Queensferry.'
10am to 11pm | Priory Church · South Queensferry - More details here, shared by Andrew Horseman.

🎬 This weekend at Leith Kino: Hour of the Star (1985) and I Love Maria (1988) [Until Sun]
Saturday - 'Join us this weekend at Leith Kino for two under-seen gems: landmark of feminist Brazilian cinema Hour of the Star (1985) and Hong Kong sci-fi martial arts comedy I Love Maria (1988). Saturday at Argonaut Books and Sunday at Leith Depot!'
7pm to 9pm | Argonat Books & Leith Depot · Canonmills & Broughton | 6 - More details here, shared by Leith Kino.

😂 Comedy Benefit in Aid of Hearts & Minds
Saturday - 'Award-winning comedian Chris Forbes is hosting a special stand-up fundraiser in aid of Hearts & Minds' Clowndoctors. Headlined by Jo Caulfield with Robin Grainger, Sophie McCabe and Krystal Evans also performing.'
4pm to 6pm | The Stand Comedy Club · New Town | £13 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

👗 Pre-loved pop-up for Maggies
Sunday - 'Love fashion? Want to support a great cause? Come to our amazing preloved sale in Porty all in aid of Maggie's. Vintage, High St, Designer, Homewares.'
12pm to 4pm | Bellfield · Portobello | £0-£30 - More details here, shared by Zoë Berry, LIFE / EDIT.

🎤 Phoenix For a Night aka "One & Done" session with the Phoenix Choir!
Sunday - 'Do something different this Sunday and join the Phoenix Choir for a One & Done session at La Belle Angele! Grab a drink, learn a whole song in one night, and discover how quickly a room full of strangers can sound AMAZING. No experience necessary!'
7pm to 10pm | La Belle Angele · Old Town | £10 - More details here, shared by The Phoenix Choir.

🌻 Redbraes Community Garden Open Day 2026
Sunday - 'Come and celebrate Redbraes Community Garden with us on Sunday 20th September 11am - 3.30pm. 11am - 1pm Garden skill share workshops 2pm - 3.30pm Live music, kids treasure hunt, stalls, food, fresh produce & more'
11am to 3.30pm | Redbraes Community Garden · Canonmills & Broughton | FREE - More details here, shared by Zena Walczynska, Redbraes Community Garden Group.

🎟️ On Friday night at Fruitmarket: TFEH (organiser of Free Improv, Noise and Free Jazz concerts) presents: John Butcher & Angharad Davies, plus the noisy Fritz Welch and Firas Khnaisser duo. - Tickets here.

🎟️ NEXT weekend Sneaky Pete's: global club culture pioneer James Lavelle (of UNKLE) has a 6pm-10pm DJ set on Sunday 27 September. - Tickets here.

📆 For more local events, check out Neil Cooper’s Shop Local weekend guide, including: Polish Comedy Shorts, La Beat in Leith + Edinburgh Indiepop Collective Sunday Socials.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 There's even more happening beyond the city, including Glasgow Art Weekend. - Go exploring with The List's weekend guide.

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