The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Weekend edition: 19 - 21 December 2025
Community campaign success as St Mark's Path reopens, breakthrough in uni strike talks, Trams setback as govt says 'no plans to fund extension', McTominay at the Portrait Gallery + your weekend guide
👋 Good morning Edinburgh. It's a busy weekend ahead and tomorrow's weather is looking sunny. Here's your weekend Edinburgh Minute...
⚽️ Today's lead image: A photograph of Scott McTominay's famous overhead kick for Scotland has been hung in the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait gallery. It's free on display until 5 January. - More details are here.
🌦️ Weekend weather: 20mph gusts mean we'll have sunshine and showers on Friday. Calmer on Saturday with a glorious sunny day forecast. Cloudier on Sunday with a chance of rain. Top temperature will be 8C today and a low of 3C on Saturday night into Sunday morning. Next week looks cloudy. Don't expect snow on Thursday (sorry kids, and big kids). - The full Met Office forecast is here.
🎓 University of Edinburgh union leaders announced a breakthrough in talks, saying a deal means 'there will be no compulsory redundancy exits at the University to the end of July 2026'. In return, the UCU has agreed to commit to no further industrial action in this dispute during its current ballot mandate, which runs to 29 April. Staff walked out nine times this year. - The University and College Union published this update.
"It is clear that in Edinburgh the battle is far from over, and that members remain suspicious of their employer. UCU is also clear that Edinburgh University does not need to make the level of cuts planned, but there are benefits to be had by sitting round the table with the employer in the next couple of months negotiating to get a better deal for workers. Members should have confidence in their local negotiators, in the knowledge that the branch does have a strong mandate for further strike action or even a marking and assessment boycott, should the employer back track on its side of this deal." - UCU general secretary Jo Grady.
- Uni boss Peter Mathieson said: "We welcome the decision by UCU Edinburgh members to accept our offer." - Nick Forbes, The Scotsman.
🚧 After a community campaign, St Mark's Path will reopen today. The route, linking parts of north and south Leith, has been closed during the construction of new flats at Powderhall. But last night the council confirmed it will reopen today "and remain open for the majority of the construction programme." - Responding to the news, DelishYoss Coffee Bar owner Yossi Mazon said: "Happy holidays everyone, be happy."
🚊 Edinburgh's proposed tramline extension had a potential setback yesterday when the Transport Minister said there were 'no plans' to fund it. The trams were discussed in Parliament yesterday, with Fiona Hyslop saying: "The Scottish Government has no plans to fund a standalone extension of Edinburgh’s tram network." Responding, council transport boss Stephen Jenkinson said: “Any Scottish Government funding wouldn’t be required until well into the next Parliament, so the cabinet secretary’s comments today do not impact our plans." - Alastair Dalton, The Scotsman.
🏗️ The company behind the proposed New Town Quarter development, which was rejected by councillors this week, say they are 'obviously disappointed with the outcome'. - Brian Donnelly, The Herald.
🔪 Lisa Petrie, whose son John McNab died in an alleged stabbing on Great Junction Street in September, got a standing ovation from councillors after asking them to back her campaign for more security around kitchen knife sales in shops. - David Cowan, BBC Scotland News.
🚎 Winter bus timetables will be adjusted in the coming days. Lothian Buses published details in a 25-page guide here.
💰 The West End's Frontiers shops on Stafford Street have raised £2,500 for the Children's Hospices Across Scotland charity.
📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard - news you can use:
📌 "From everyone at LifeCare Edinburgh, thank you to all who donated, attended an event, volunteered, visited our café or shared our posts this year - we couldn’t deliver our vital support without you. Have a lovely Christmas and we can’t wait to welcome you again in 2026." - Thanks to Claire at LifeCare Edinburgh for sharing this.
📌 "🥣🧻 Edinburgh Community Bookshop in Leith is pleased to be a drop-off point for Edinburgh Food Project, who's also our charity of the month. Please pop in over the next few days to leave something to help your local friends and neighbours." - Thanks to a volunteer from Edinburgh Community Bookshop for sharing this.
Friday:
📌 "Looking for something fun for all the family over the Christmas break? Take part in the Family Winter Trail, organised by Broughton Primary School’s Parent Council and supporting local businesses across Broughton/Canonmills. Runs until 11 January, donations welcome." - Thanks to Anna Hatton, Fundraising Officer for BPS Parent Council, for sharing this.
Saturday:
📌 "Saturday 20th Dec - Mon 22nd - Kirsty Penny Paintings pop up at The Shop With No Name, 2a Broughton Place. A pop up art exhibition and print shop by a local emerging artist 🍴" - Thanks to Edinburgh-based artist Kirsty Penny for sharing this.
📌 "Saturday to Tuesday: Macastory Presents: Cinderella. A Storytelling Panto Like No Other! For All the Family. Macastory are bringing their Panto for wee ones and big ones back to the Scottish Storytelling Centre – and you’re invited! Join us Sat 20 Dec - Tue 23 Dec: 11am & 2pm!" - Thanks to the Scottish Storytelling Centre for sharing this.
📌 "Saturday 20 December: Greyfriars Church, 7:30pm. Edinburgh Concert Band (ECB): A Concert of Two Halves. A first half of concert band repertoire, featuring saxophonist Christopher Lo from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and a second half of festive favourites!" - Thanks to Edinburgh Concert Band for sharing this.
📌 "Saturday 20 December, 7.30pm: join St Andrew Camerata for our annual Christmas concert at Canongate Kirk, this year themed 'Christmas through the Ages' - a glorious selection of choral festive favourites ancient and modern. And of course some carols for audience participation!" - Thanks to Kate, choir co-manager, St Andrew Camerata, for sharing this.
📌 "Saturday 20 December - Festive photo pop-up at Hot Toddy for joyful portraits. A 15 minute session for singles, couples, friends or families includes 3 edited images, with limited slots available. Shoots are £38, and £5 from each booking supports Social Bite, plus get 10% off at Hot Toddy!" - Thanks to Photographer Debora Krut for sharing this.
📌 "Saturday 20 December - Umbrella Vinyl in store launch & signing event to celebrate the vinyl release of Kai Reesu’s award winning debut album KOMPROMAT vol.i ! From 3pm members of Kai Reesu will be at Umbrella Vinyl! Customers will be able to buy signed copies of the limited edition release." - Thanks to Laura, co-owner of Umbrella Vinyl, for sharing this.
📌 "Sat 20th Dec 11-4 or sellout: Vegan pie fundraiser for Tribe Animal Sanctuary pop up at Leith walk polisbox. Fill your freezer and impress your vegan guests." - Thanks to Monty for sharing this.
📌 "Saturday 20th December | 11-1215pm: A 75 minute yin yang yoga practice to honour the Winter Solstice ❄️ Led by Victoria at The Yoga Shala. Expect asana, mantra and meditation to drop a little deeper into the quiet and reflective elements of our practice." - Thanks to The Yoga Shala at 21 Trafalgar Street for sharing this.
Sunday & beyond:
📌 "Sun 21 Dec, 11am-4pm: CALM IN THE CHAOS SILENT DAY RETREAT with Buddhist nun Gen Tubchen at Kadampa Meditation Centre in Leith. Take a break from the holiday rush and immerse in stillness, reflection, & calm. This silent retreat offers a welcoming environment for everyone; £20 (incl. lunch)." - Thanks to Kadampa Meditation Centre for sharing this.
📌 "Sunday: Fa la la la la! ’Tis the season. Make sure you get your fill of Christmas carols at Lessons & Carols, Sunday 21 December at 18:00, at St Michael and All Saints, 28 Brougham Street, Edinburgh EH3 9JH." - Thanks to Oliver Brewer-Lennon for sharing this.
📌 "Sunday: Blackhall St Columba Church, Sunday 21st December at 7pm. All are welcome to enjoy the Choir, Junior Singers & Praise Singers present 'JOY' the story of Christmas in song & verse. Admission free and festive refreshments." - Thanks to St Columba's Church for sharing this.
📌 "Sunday 21 December - Leith Kino closes its killer first season this Sunday with a slice of trashy horror in Silent Night, Deadly Night Part Two! Expect murderous Santa's, imaginative kills and some serious attempted nunicide. Join us at Leith Depot before we take a break and support your local Kino!" - Thanks to Leith Kino team member Morvern for sharing this.
📌 "NINE LESSONS & CAROLS at Christ Church Morningside, 4pm this Sunday 21st December. Come join us for congregational carols, choral music, and readings by candlelight, in the atmospheric surroundings of Christ Church Morningside (6a, EH10 4DD)." - Thanks to Christ Church Morningside for sharing this.
📌 "Sunday 21 December - Service of Lessons and Carols, City of Edinburgh Methodist Church. Join us for carols and lesson by candle light as we move towards Christmas. City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, EH8 9BX, all welcome." - Thanks to City of Edinburgh Methodist Church for sharing this.
📌 "Monday December 22nd Christmas Pyjama Paint & Playdate! Join MakeBelieve - The Baby Play Place, for an all day play, plus paint a gingerbread figurine keepsake. We supply all the gingerbread men, paint, glitter, stickers, and mess…you bring a creative spirit :)" - Thanks to Alicia Thomas, Director, for sharing this.
📌 "Monday 22 December: Benefit for MSF and MAP at Bannermans. 3 Local Bands." - Thanks to Miguel Orgel, benefit organiser and band member The Irresistible Urges, for sharing this.
📌 "Earth in Common Climate Choir meets every Tuesday evening 6pm to 8pm at Populus Cafe, 4A John's Place, EH6 7EL. All ages and abilities welcome..we sing for joy and for change. Donation basis.." - Thanks to the organisers for sharing this.
🛝 There are lots of of family-friendly things to do this weekend and beyond in Gayle's Guide.
Gayle’s Guide
📆 If you want to escape Edinburgh this weekend, there's plenty to do in Emma Simmonds' weekend round-up in The List.
📆 For more local events, check out Neil Cooper’s Shop Local weekend guide, including: La Beat Soul in Leith, the Fuzz Bat Gigs Winter All Dayer & The Onion Cellar Xmas Party at the Wee Red Bar with The Cords + Homework + The Catburgers...
Neil Cooper
