The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Weekend edition: 2 - 4 October 2026
Students used as 'bargaining chip' in uni strikes, gig economy hubs plan for delivery riders, restored Botanics Palm Houses reopen + tram trail, fungi fest, cocktail week, Spanish film fest in your weekend guide
👋 Good morning Edinburgh. It's a busy end to the week. Here's your weekend Edinburgh Minute...
🌦️ Weekend weather forecast: A chance of showers throughout today, heaviest between 3pm - 6pm. Drier and sunnier on Saturday and the chance of rain returns on Sunday. Temperature high of 18C on Sunday and a low of 9C tonight. - The full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh is here.
🌅 Friday sunrise: 7.18am. Sunset: 6.45pm.
Saturday sunrise: 7.20am. Sunset: 6.43pm.
Sunday sunrise: 7.22am. Sunset: 6.40pm.
🌴 After a five-year refurbishment, the newly restored Palm Houses at the Botanics open to the public from 10am this morning - Pre-book tickets and find more details from The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh charity here.
⮑ A new series of autumn events is also planned for people to take in the soaring A-Listed Palm Houses, including yoga, forest bathing, creative writing among the plants, printmaking, live music and a sound bath. - Find all the new events here.
"The challenge for us has been to move extremely tall plants through an extremely small door and for plants that are growing vertically, to have to move them horizontally. Then we had to reverse that process to bring the plants back in and the end product you see today is the skill and expertise of the horticulture team which has undertaken that work." - David Knott, director of horticulture at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, talks to Jane Bradley of The Scotsman.
💰 Exclusive: 'Fundraising for £65m second phase of Botanics glass house refurbishment to begin 'as soon as possible'' - Jane Bradley, The Scotsman.
Joanne MacAulay
🪧 Hundreds of University of Edinburgh staff took their ongoing five-week strike to Holyrood yesterday for a protest outside the Scottish Parliament. Union members are angry at the threat of £140m of cuts, up to 1,800 redundancies and 90 courses closing. - Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco reports from the rally for The Herald.
Further media coverage:
- "We want what we pay for - a good education at a prestigious university," - third year history student Will Fearn told Catriona Stewart of The Scotsman.
- "I think it’s a shame that students are the only bargaining chip they really have. But I understand it. I would obviously rather it didn’t happen but I do get it," final-year geography student Theo Warshaw, 22, told Sally Weale and Richard Adams of The Guardian.
- "I want to assure our students that we will continue to do everything we can to mitigate the impacts of that action on them. In addition, we remain firmly committed to constructive and transparent engagement with our joint unions." - Peter Mathieson, UoE.
- "The human costs will continue to mount: staff continually uncertain about their jobs; students missing classes and losing out on support; a university’s reputation in flux." - The Herald's education correspondent Garrett Baylor Stell.
Sally Weale and Richard Adams
Scottish Parliament concourse full to the brim for the rally by striking branches fighting cuts and defending jobs. Speakers from UCU Dundee, Edinburgh and GCU branches striking today, cross party MSPs, students supporting the strikes and @DrJoGrady #SaveHE #StopTheCuts
— UCU Scotland (@ucuscotland.bsky.social) 2026-10-01T15:16:22.072Z
🚲 Physical gig economy hubs could be set up for delivery riders to take breaks after the council agreed to fund £50,000 towards research on their design and location, amid an ongoing campaign to improve riders' working conditions. - Ross Chalmers, Deadline News.
Ross Chalmers
🎨 Artists, charities and business owners affected by the closure of the St Margaret’s House creative hub on London Road have begun their search for new studios. - Lee Dalgetty, Edinburgh Live.
- Artist Tori Ratcliffe wrote: "Apparently some people were told early and given NDAs whilst they kept the rest of us in the dark... one woman only moved into her studio a week ago and now she's facing moving out." - Operating charity Scot-ART hasn't responded to requests for comment.
- A group photo for anyone involved with the building, including friends or family connected to it, is planned for Monday at 4pm. - More details via Doba Studio's Bartłomiej Urbański.
🍟 After more than 100 years in business, the Deep Sea chippy at the top of Leith Walk is being replaced with a pizzeria. - Skye Donald, Evening News.
🛏️ "Behind the homelessness figures: long-term rough sleeping is still a challenge for Edinburgh" - Karen Barr, CEO of the Rowan Alba charity, writing in Third Force News.
📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard - news you can use:
📰 New October issue of C&B News - 'Another bumper, filled-to-the-brim edition of this much-praised local news magazine is now available to view/download online—print copies available locally from Friday 2 October. Championing communities along the upper Water of Leith since 1976 (Deadline: 02 Oct)' - More details here, shared by C&B News.
👵 Renowned local charity celebrates 85 years at the heart of local communities - 'LifeCare has been supporting local older people and hardworking unpaid carers in Edinburgh for longer than the NHS has existed. The charity has never been needed more - demand rose by over 30% last year. Get in touch to find out how you can help.' - More details here, shared by Claire, LifeCare Edinburgh.
🌊 More By The Shore - new campaign to support businesses in Leith & Newhaven - 'Edinburgh’s vibrant, independent waterfront neighbourhoods are home to an incredible variety of businesses and attractions. More by the Shore shines a light on them with exclusive offers and vouchers, unique products, specials events' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🏃♂️ WOL Half Marathon Raises £540 for Charity - 'Thank you to everyone who took part in the WOL half marathon event on 26 September. Runners and supporters raised £540 for Water of Leith Conservation Trust. The Hot Chocolate 5K/10K in November supports Cancer Card and Bowelbabe Fund.' - More details here, shared by Catriona Bruce, Blast Running.
🏔️ Veteran mountaineer Simon Yates' talk, Pleasure and Pain - 'One of the most accomplished exploratory mountaineers of all time, this is Simon's story of the last decade. Gripping stories of adventure and survival - the highs, the lows and the unbelievable!' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎨 Birchwood Art Studio Winter Term Courses Now Available - 'As its getting colder, there's no better time to settle in and explore something new. Our art courses are the perfect way to hone your skills and try new ones. Each course has a set theme/topic, while giving you space to find what works best for you!' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🌈 Sensory Sunday
Sun 04 October - 'Join us for Sensory Sunday at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions! Sensory adjustments will be made to provide a more comfortable visit for neurodivergent individuals, as well as visitors who would enjoy a more relaxed experience.'
9am to 10am | Camera Obscura & World of Illusions · Old Town - More details here, shared by Camera Obscura & World of Illusions.
🛍️ B's Vintage Market FINAL EVENT OF 2026
Sun 04 October - 'Yes, we're back at the Biscuit Factory on Sunday 4th October with our biggest event yet - 20+ individual pop-ups under one roof, Biscuit Bar with hot & cold drinks, + pizza & tapas...all your fab winbter wardrobe needs under one roof!'
11am to 4pm | The Biscuit Factory · Leith | £3-£5 - More details here, shared by Becc Sanderson, B's Vintage Market.
🎶 Play Nice presents Hank Tree
Sun 04 October - 'Play Nice presents the Edinburgh album launch for Hank Tree's Care I. A dreamy Sunday evening full of lush, finger picked guitar, double bass, field recordings and soft harmonies. Support comes from alt-folk icons Emma Capponi & Fionnbarr Byrne.'
7.30pm to 10pm | Home Bar · Tollcross | £12 ADV/ £14 OTD - More details here, shared by Play Nice Presents.
📝 Free Rambling Curiosity Workshop for Unpaid Carers
Mon 05 October - 'Follow your curiosity through writing freely. All that is required is a notepad, pen and a pinch of curiosity. No experience required. Participants will be provided with a variety of sources to help spark their writing.'
11.30am to 12.30pm | LifeCare Edinburgh · Stockbridge | FREE - More details here, shared by Catherine, A Rambling Curiosity.
🩹 Pain Concern's Drop In Sessions at Portobello Library [Monthly]
Tue 06 October - 'A drop in session offering 1-1 help and support to manage pain, taking place at Portobello Library on the first Tuesday of the month at 11am-1pm. You can also contact our Helpline for help by phone 0300 123 0789 or email help@painconcern.org.uk'
11am to 1pm | Portobello Library · Portobello | FREE - More details here, shared by Pain Concern.
🏃♂️ Blast 5K @The Meadows
Tue 06 October - 'Turn your lunch break, on Tue 6 October, into 5K of feel good fun! Step away from the desk, get moving and enjoy a lively run through the Meadows. A great midday pick me up, whether you're chasing a PB or simply fancy a run.'
12.45pm to 1.45pm | The Meadows · Marchmont & Meadows | £7 / £10 - More details here, shared by Catriona Bruce, Blast Running.
🧵 Beginner Sewing Class - Make a Tote Bag
Tue 06 October - 'Learning how to use a sewing machine opens up lots of creative possibilities! In this beginner class, you'll learn this new skill and make a personal and unique upcycled tote bag!'
6pm to 9pm | Studio Nine Edinburgh · Abbeyhill & Meadowbank | 42 - More details here, shared by Jen Byrne.
ClassBento
🌱 Earth Matters: Descriptive Tour
Wed 07 October - 'Attend a descriptive tour of the exhibition Earth Matters at Inverleith House and discover soil through multiple artists and makers. This tour is specifically designed for people with a visual impairment. Click on the link for more info and tickets.'
10.30am to 11.30am | Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh · Inverleith | FREE - More details here, shared by RBGE Creative Programmes Team.
🏃♂️ Runners of Leith x Campervan Taproom 5k
Thu 08 October - 'As part of the Fell Brewery Tap Takeover we will be running a social 5km followed by bevs. There will also be burgers from Bandits available. Runners get 10% off drinks. 6:30pm Bag Drop 6:45pm Run'
6.30pm to 9.30pm | Campervan Brewery Tap Room · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Runners of Leith.
🎶 Leithienda presents Todd Terry
Sat 10 October - 'Leithienda welcomes Todd Terry, direct from the USA! A true pioneer of house music, the Grammy-nominated producer, remixer and DJ has helped shape dance floors around the world. Now he's bringing that sound to Leith. This is going to be special.'
6pm to 11pm | The Pitt · Granton & Pilton | 30 - More details here, shared by The Pitt.
🧀 Fresh Cheese, Yoghurt & Cultured Butter Workshop
Sat 17 October - 'Join cheesemaker Kristen Allan for a cosy autumn workshop making fresh cheese, yoghurt, cultured butter & focaccia. Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring what you make, then take home cheese, butter, whey & plenty of inspiration to keep making at home!!'
10am to 2.30pm | Elliott's · Marchmont & Meadows - More details here, shared by Kristen Allan.
☕ Saturday Tea Dance
Sat 17 October - 'Edinburgh Swing Dance Society is hosting a Tea Dance with jazz music from the amazing Viper Swing. Bring along your best dance moves and some home (or not home) baking! We'll also be running a Charleston Workshop beforehand if you want to join.'
2.30pm to 5.30pm | LifeCare Edinburgh · Stockbridge | £10 - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Swing Dance Society.
🎨 The Artists Table
Sun 18 October - 'Spend a wholesome Sunday with Jill & Nicole in a beautiful setting in Leith. Experience includes Welcome refreshments & bakes by Jill. Followed by a Guided watercolour workshop from Nicole Rosalba Art Light lunch & fizz. All materials provided.'
11am to 2pm | 3 Wellington Place Edinburgh Eh67eq · Leith | £75-£85 - More details here, shared by jill ireland.
🥒 Learn to make Nukazuke - Japanese Fermented Pickles
Sun 18 October - 'Learn how to make Nukazuke (Japanese fermented pickles) We will each make a Nukadoko (living bran bed). This will transform veg in 24 hours, and it lasts for years. We will also enjoy a small Japanese style meal with lots of ferments and pickles.'
1pm to 3pm | Leith Pilates · Leith - More details here, shared by Ruth Munro, edinburgh fermentarium.
Remember you can always see all 270+ upcoming local events on TownSpot calendars and maps. Thanks to everyone who shares their things!
🛝 Plenty of family-friendly things to do this weekend and beyond in Gayle's Guide.
Gayle’s Guide