The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Weekend edition: 20 - 22 March 2026
Football bank holiday rejected, AI data centre planned on Green Belt land, Hearts fans raise £20m + a busy weekend guide
👋 Good morning Edinburgh. A busy weekend in town and the sun is forecast to shine for much of it. Here's your weekend Edinburgh Minute.
🌦️ Weekend weather: Last night's mist is still lingering this morning. It is forecast to make way for two days of sunshine on Friday and Saturday. Cloudier on Sunday and rain that evening. A high of 17C on Friday and low of 4C on Sunday morning. - Get the full Met Office forecast here.
⚽️ Councillors have voted against Edinburgh having a new bank holiday marking the Scotland men's opening match of the football World Cup in June. It would have cost Edinburgh taxpayers around £350,000. Yesterday's vote result was 35 against it and 26 in favour. - More details from Rose Moncur in The Herald + BBC Scotland News.
💾 Plans for a new AI data centre on Green Belt land near Heriott-Watt University’s Riccarton Campus and next to the Union Canal will be considered by councillors on Wednesday next week. Developer Apatura shared its plans here, claiming the centre will create 537 permanent jobs once operational after 2029. - The council's most report on the plan is here.
🛣️ A decision on a possible new Sheriffhall motorway junction flyover will be delayed until after the Scottish Parliament elections in May. - Ian Swanson, The Scotsman.
🚈 ScotRail has announced plans to replace its Edinburgh-Glasgow trains by 'late 2027'. They will have storage for six bikes. - Press release here and media coverage in The Herald by Jody Harrison here and STV News here.
- ⮑ The announcement sparked a lot of debate among train fans in the Twitter replies.
🗳️ Protesters disrupted a Reform UK Scottish conference at Ingliston yesterday with a banner targeting Nigel Farage. - Gina Davidson, LBC.
🚔 Police are monitoring plans for a 'far right' anti-immigration protest planned called Unite The Clans for outside Holyrood on Saturday morning. A counter protest is planned by groups including Stand Up To Racism.
🛍️ Aldi is planning to expand its Oxgangs shop. - Nicholas Malizia, Edinburgh Live.
🧖🏻♀️ A new spa has opened beneath St Andrew Square in a former Bank of Scotland vault. - Hotel Magazine.
🚴♂️ BBC DJ Greg James set off at 5am on his bike this morning heading from the Borders to Murrayfield Stadium where he's due to finish his 'Longest Ride' charity cycle for Comic Relief. He has raised £2.5m so far. - Follow his journey here.
⚽️ A series of special events are planned at Tynecastle stadium tomorrow as Heart of Midlothian Football Club celebrates fans' efforts in raising £20m for the club through monthly direct debits and donations. - More details from the Foundation of Hearts here.
- ⮑ Manager Derek McInnes said: "It's such a magnificent thing. Everybody at our club appreciates and is grateful for all that contribution. It deserves to get celebrated."
- ⮑ Meanwhile Hibs have announced the launch of the Easter Road Grassroots Football Festivals in May, giving kids the chance to play on the Easter Road pitch. - More details via John Hislop in The Edinburgh Reporter.
📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard - news you can use:
🏢 Former Strathearn Rd Royal Mail depot sold - 'According to the land register it was sold in December to PH21 RESIDENTIAL LIMITED a Company incorporated under the Companies Acts, and having its Registered Office at 130 Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 0AA.' - Shared by a Minute reader and verified.
🍀 St Patrick’s Day 5K at the Meadows Raises £75 for The Scran Academy - 'Thank you to everyone who joined the St Patrick's Day 5K at the Meadows on Tuesday 17 March, raising £75 for The Scran Academy. Our next 5K at the Meadows will be on Tuesday 12 May, with proceeds supporting Simpson’s Special Care Babies.' - More details here, shared by Catriona Bruce, Blast Running.
🤖 Portobello pupils crowned robotics champions and heading to UK finals - 'Ten pupils from Towerbank Primary in Portobello have won the regional FIRST LEGO League and are heading to UK finals in Harrogate. Families and local businesses are fundraising to help them represent Edinburgh. Support here:' - More details here, shared by Aleksandra J. Hannah.
📖 'Daniel Abercrombie has been appointed as the new Director of the Scottish International Storytelling Festival. He has been Associate Director of the Festival for the past 5 years, and at the forefront of the Scottish Storytelling Centre since 2010.' - Thanks to TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) for sharing this.
📅 Planning deadline 27th of March – large New Town apart-hotel proposal - 'A proposal to turn offices at 16–26 Forth St into a 90-bed short term let apart-hotel (ref: 26/00660/FUL) has sparked concern over loss of popular small workplaces, rising visitor use and potential impacts on New Town heritage and residents.' - More details here, shared by Calim Renton.
🏡 Could your home be the next winner of Scotland's Home of the Year? - 'We are back for a new series and are on the hunt for unique, quirky and distinctive homes- no matter the size or budget. We'd love to welcome applications from Edinburgh and surrounds. If your home has something special, please apply today!' - Thanks to Holly Sandford of IWC Media, for sharing this.
🎨 Bright, airy exhibition space available in Leith in May - 'Looking to host a solo or group exhibition? We have some availability this May in our Main Hall at the Drill Hall in Leith. Ideal for exhibitions ranging from art and photography to textiles and jewellery.Day and week rates available.' - Thanks to Out of the Blue Arts and Education Trust, for sharing this.
🐦 Birds in Greenspaces - 'Help us to understand how many birds use our urban greenspaces! The BTO is running a survey, designed for everyone interested in birds, from April to June. The data you provide will inform how these spaces can be managed to benefit birds and people.' - Thanks to Stephen Metcalfe, British Trust for Ornithology, for sharing this.
🏥 300 Faces of Edinburgh Medical School as part of the Edinburgh Science Festival [Daily]
Today, Fri 20 March - 'Last year, the EMS300 steering group invited nominees who have made inspirational contributions to Edinburgh Medical School, to honour its past and look to its future. Some of these faces will be featured in an outdoor photography exhibition'
9am to 9.30pm | Mound Precinct until 26th April | FREE - More details here, shared by ROBERT, The Edinburgh Compassion Salon.
🎷 The Toolbox Orchestra at the Edinburgh Jazz 'n Jive
Today, Fri 20 March - 'We've got something really special for you this Friday, 20th March: The all-female sextet Toolbox Orchestra, from Berlin! As usual, the evening at Heriot's Rugby Club starts at 8 pm with three music sets until 11 pm.'
8pm to 11pm | Heriots Rugby Club, EH3 5QN | £12.00 & £15.00 - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Jazz 'n Jive Club.
☕ Coffee Morning and Home Produce Sale
Tomorrow, Sat 21 March - 'Coffee Morning in aid of St Salvador's foodbank. Join us at St Martin of Tours Church, 232 Dalry Road, for refreshments, conversation, home made cakes and wonderful home made produce to buy and take home. Everyone welcome.'
10.30am to 12pm | St Martin of Tours Episcopal Church, EH11 2JG | FREE - More details here, shared by St Martin of Tours Episcopal Church.
📸 Human Shapes as Photographic Language [Weekly]
Tomorrow, Sat 21 March - 'A retrospective by one of our members, Eion Johnston. It showcases photographic art created over a 10 year period, each work illustrates an aspect of human experience as perceived by the artist. Also an exhibition of Nature photographs by members.'
10.30am to 4.30pm | Edinburgh Photographic Society, EH3 6QU | FREE - More details here, shared by Muriel Binnie, Edinburgh Photographic Society.
EPS In-Person Only
🎶 Music @ St Columba's - The Amazing Life Gospel Choir
Tomorrow, Sat 21 March - 'This mixed choir comes from all over Scotland and following last summer's success at the Edinburgh Festival they are returning for an evening concert. Come and join in the exciting Gospel singing led by the engaging Angela. A great night is ahead.'
7pm to 9pm | Blackhall St. Columba's Church, EH4 3QU | FREE - More details here, shared by Donald Cameron, Director of Music, Blackhall St Columba's Church.
🌿 Aromatherapy Self Care Workshop (with Clinical Aromatherapist Catherine Jacobs)
Sun 22 March - 'A day of beautiful scent & self care, empowering you with the healing art of aromatherapy! This 4-hour workshop is a great introduction, exploring their history, safety and benefits. You'll craft your own bespoke blends to take home and enjoy!'
11am to 3pm | mandala flow, EH7 4EA | £65 / Conc £35 - More details here, shared by info@catherinejacobsholistics.co.uk.
💍 Scottish wedding unconvention
Sun 22 March - 'Scotland's original and best alternative wedding supplier fayre returns to The Biscuit Factory - a day full of inspiration, connection and creativity to help you plan a day that is unapologetically you. Crafts, food, drinks and music too.'
11.30am to 4pm | The Biscuit Factory, EH6 5NP - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
