The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Weekend edition: 23 - 25 October 2026
Storm forecast with 65mph gusts on Sunday, Tour de France Edinburgh route revealed, new Wester Hailes High School opens + save money on music and comedy tickets this weekend
👋 Good morning Edinburgh. Is this weekend a write-off due to the weather? I'm going to stick my neck out and say no, not completely. It's nothing wild just now at the time of writing. But the forecast has been getting slightly more severe as this morning approached... Hold on to your hats! Here's your weekend Edinburgh Minute...
🌦️ Weekend weather forecast: How bad will it get? Well, gusts of wind are forecast to peak at 65mph around 11am on Sunday. Before then, expect heavy rain and gusts picking up today and tomorrow. The winds will have died down by Monday morning. - The full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh is here.
🌅 Sunrise: 8.01am. Sunset: 5.52pm.
🇫🇷 🚴♂️ The route of the men’s and women’s Tour de France Grande Départ in Edinburgh next summer has been revealed. On Friday 2 July 2027, the world’s best cyclists will start a 184km route at the Palace of Holyroodhouse before heading up the Royal Mile, swinging a right to cross North Bridge, then left along Princes Street before climbing the Mound. Then they’ll zoom down Johnston Terrace, up Lady Lawson Street, down West Port and through the Grassmarket before climbing Victoria Street, taking a right along George IV Bridge, then right again along Chambers Street before a right to go along South Bridge and Newington Road to begin their ride south past Cameron Toll, Liberton and onwards through Midlothian, the Borders and finishing outside Carlisle Castle. - The council has published local details here and there’s a Google map of the route here. Feel free to join in the discussion on the Minute's Instagram post:
⮑ A car-free day could also be staged to coincide with the Grand Départ of the Tour de France, if councillors approve the idea at next Thursday's full council meeting. - Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco, The Herald.
🏫 Staff and pupils at Wester Hailes High School returned from half term to their new school building this week, replacing four separate teaching blocks with a single, modern education facility. - The council published details and lots of photos here.
🎨 "They do not support the artists. We are moved around all the time. We do not need more student flats. It's a complete tragedy. It's absolutely horrific." Carmen Carmeli, who is among the artists and businesses facing eviction from the St Margaret's House arts complex, speaks out in a new short documentary by Lorenzo Zorcolo.
🔐 Plans for more short-term let holiday flats on the Royal Mile have been rejected by councillors, with one 'concerned about where this tipping point may be'. - Local Democracy Reporter, Nicholas Malizia, on Midlothian View.
🦁 Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed two lion cubs, the first to be born at the park in seven years. - Ross Hempseed, STV News.
🛍️ Businesses could be granted permission to stay open later than normal during a two-week period this festive season, if councillors approve the plan at Monday's Licensing Board meeting. - Local Democracy Reporter, Nicholas Malizia, Edinburgh Live.
📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard - news you can use:
🎬 Leith Kino November programme announced! - 'In store for Nov: ultra-violent Run and Kill, Quay Brothers' feature Sanitorium Under the Sign of the Hourglass, Palestinian documentary Bye Bye Tiberias, queer crime buddy movie By Hook or by Crook & Mexican kitsch classic Santa Claus vs the Devil! (Deadline: 23 Oct)' - More details here, shared by Morvern Cunningham, Leith Kino team member.
📜 Old Edinburgh Club announces round three of The Jean Guild Grants programme - 'The Old Edinburgh Club is delighted to announce a third funding round of Jean Guild Grants to support a small number of projects or research initiatives that help us fulfil our mission of promoting research and interest in Edinburgh's history. (Deadline: 08 Jan)' - More details here, shared by Old Edinburgh Club.
📷 World Press Photo Exhibition 2026 [Until 07 Nov]
Today, Fri 23 October - 'The World Press Photo Exhibition showcases the world's best photojournalism from the last year, gathered from across the globe. Visit the exhibition for free and join our bookable events exploring some of the themes covered in this year's images.'
10am to 5pm | Scottish Parliament Building · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🦉 Scottish International Storytelling Festival [Until 31 Oct]
Today, Fri 23 October - 'The Scottish International Storytelling Festival returns 21-31 Oct with 10 days of myths, folklore and stories from Scotland and beyond, exploring this year's theme: Bird and Beast.'
10am to 9.30pm | Scottish Storytelling Centre · Old Town - More details here, shared by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland).
🖼️ Parallels 4 - last chance to see the show! [Until Sun]
Tomorrow, Sat 24 October - 'Parallels is back! - An exhibition showcasing the works of four different creative minds spanning art, illustration and jewellery. Join us for the final weekend - Saturday 24th October 12-3pm for celebratory hot toddies and a blether with the artists'
11am to 4pm | Coburg House Art Studios · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Anna Gormezano, Parallels Collective.
🎨 Colour it!
Sat 24 October - 'Join us at Quality Yard for a large scale colouring in event. Three Edinburgh street artists have painted the outlines of three new murals on the walls and we'd like you to colour them in! Drop in event. Free. All materials provided. All welcome.'
12pm to 4pm | Quality Yard - 360° Street Art Exhibition & Art Studios · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Heather Marshall, Creative Electric.
🎨 Sundays by the Sea
Sun 25 October - 'Me and Yuki have prepared 3 different types of workshops for you to choose from! The Leaf Art Making @11am,1pm; Foam Printing @3pm, Relaxing Watercolour@5pm.'
1pm to 7pm | The Craft Hub · Granton & Pilton | From £28 - More details here, shared by WU Tong, Bonding Space.
🔬 Careers Hive [Until Thu]
Mon 26 October - 'Edinburgh Science's schools event Careers Hive returns from 26 - 29 Oct. Each day between 3-5pm, part of Careers Hive will be open to the public, with visitors invited to explore hands-on science activities and speak with STEM professionals.'
3pm to 5pm | National Museum of Scotland · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
📸 Marketing Officer @ The Royal Society of Edinburgh - 'Exciting marketing opportunity at Scotland's national academy! (Deadline: 08 Nov)' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
Remember you can always see all 300+ upcoming local events on TownSpot calendars and maps. Thanks to everyone who shares their things!
🛝 There are lots of (indoor) family-friendly things to do this weekend and beyond in Gayle's Guide, including: free family storytelling, ninja cats, sea shanties and more...
Gayle's Guide