The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Weekend edition: 26 - 28 June 2026
Thunderstorm warning continues today, anti-racist protest in Leith on Saturday, first look at £162m concert hall + Climate Festival in the Meadows this weekend
👋 Good morning Edinburgh. Was anyone else woken up in the middle of the night by the sound of Scotland fans coming home and tumbling in to wheelie bins? Or maybe it was the thunder and lightning. Thanks to all who have sent in photos. Here's your weekend Edinburgh Minute...
🌦️ Weekend weather: The Met Office warning for more thunderstorms rumbles on throughout today, forecasting that heavy rain may cause some disruption until 11.59pm tonight. That haar could return later today too, lifting by tomorrow morning for sunny intervals and a high of 24C on Saturday. It will be cooler on Sunday with a high of 19C and a low of 12C. - Get the full weekend forecast for Edinburgh via the Met Office.
⚡️ There were thousands of lightning strikes last night. The storm peaked between 3am and 4am. You can replay it on the Met Office website and via a 'Thunderstorm megathread' on Reddit.
✌️ A 'reclaim our streets' anti-racist demonstration is planned in Leith on Saturday, organised by the Stand Up To Racism Edinburgh group. It will assemble at Montgomery Street Park from 1pm. Speakers will include social justice campaigner Talat Yaqoob. - More details including speakers here.
⮑ Comedian Frankie Boyle, writer Paul Laverty and former First Minister Humza Yousaf are among the famous faces supporting the rally. - Xander Elliards, The National.
⮑ Local councillors from all parties yesterday agreed to have an emergency meeting tackling racism in the city. The summit will 'bring together appropriate faithbased and voluntary sector organisations to discuss the best way forward to ensure that we avoid a repeat of these attacks on the streets of Edinburgh and that all residents of the city, can live in peace together and without fear of violence and abuse.' - Full details on the agreement are on page 34 here.
🏡 The council has launched a new campaign highlighting the benefits of migration to the city’s economy and culture. - Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco, The Herald.
🏗️ Plans to demolish the former Sight Scotland HQ at Gillespie Crescent and replace it with a 125-bed student flats building have been approved after an appeal. - Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco, The Herald.
⮑ 'Residents outraged after government approves student flats in Gillespie Crescent'. - Tom H Wilson, Deadline News.
🏥 A scrapped hospital bus is making a return. Lothian Buses plans to introduce two new early morning and evening routes between various Midlothian locations and the Royal Infirmary. - Liam Eunson, Midlothian View.
🏗️ First look at £162m Dunard Centre concert hall as 'milestone' is reached - Brian Ferguson in The Herald.
🌱 Concerns have been raised about weeds ‘taller than people’ at Royal Terrace Gardens near Calton Hill. - Joe Sullivan, Local Democracy Reporter, Edinburgh Live.
🎆 Tickets for this year's Hogmanay headline show by Underworld in Princes Street Gardens go on sale at 10am today.
🍜 'Chop Suey on Chambers Street: the thread about Edinburgh’s first Chinese restaurant 中式餐廳' - Andy Arthur, Threadinburgh.
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📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard - news you can use:
🌅 The Sunset Running Festival Raises £800 for Charity - 'The Sunset Running Festival on 20 June attracted 800 runners and raised £800 for Athletics Trust Scotland. Thanks to all runners, marshals and supporters. Breaking the Laws takes place in N. Berwick this September, for Scottish Veterans Residences.' - More details here, shared by Catriona Bruce, Blast Running.
🌱 North Merchiston Club Job Opportunity - 'We are looking for an enthusiastic someone to help maintain the Club's operational systems to ensure we keep accurate record and effective administration. You will also support the daily active running of the club and assist other staff. (Deadline: 10 Jul)' - More details here, shared by The North Merchiston Club.
🧠 Participants Needed: Research on Mental Health Support Before Pregnancy: The University of Edinburgh - 'Public Health student seeking women (18–49) from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic communities in Scotland who are considering pregnancy in the next few years. Join a confidential 30–60 min Teams interview. Email: A.Sharma-44@sms.ed.ac.uk' - Shared by Akanksha Sharma, The University of Edinburgh.
🌍 Better Mixing Project: Migration Policy Scotland - 'Asking for help to understand changing ethnic diversity in Scotland. Looking for people in Edinburgh, especially in Granton/Pilton and Morningside/Marchmont to take part in a short online interview (30–45 mins). Email: bettermixing.se@gmail.com (Deadline: 25 Jul)' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
👥 Reduced Rate Counselling - 'The Edinburgh Counselling Service is delighted to be able to offer reduced rate counselling sessions. Access high quality, compassionate and confidential support. Simply complete our short self-referral form to get started.' - More details here, shared by The Edinburgh Counselling Service.
🎨 Blue Blazer Open Illustration Submissions. - 'We're making a new batch of Blue Cards! If you've ever fancied submitting artwork for our in-house discount cards, now is the opportunity! We're accepting all manner of work (please no AI...) and can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!' - More details here, shared by The Blue Blazer.
👩🍳 Children and Teen's Summer Holiday Cooking Classes - 'Keep the kids busy this summer with hands-on cooking and baking classes at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy! From fun one day classes to week long teen courses, they'll learn new skills, make delicious dishes and take home plenty to share.' - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy.
🎷 Shades of Dave Pell Octet at Edinburgh Jazz 'n Jive
Today, Fri 26 June - 'The band plays very danceable Jazz music from the first half of the 20th century, as originally performed by Dave Pell and his top-notch musicians from the post-war era on the West Coast of America. A swinging time guaranteed!'
8pm to 11pm | Heriot's Rugby Club · Inverleith | £12.00 & £15.00 - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Jazz 'n Jive Club.
📚 Summer Reading Challenge Launch!
Tomorrow, Sat 27 June - 'Before you pack your swimming goggles and slather on the Factor 50, why not come along and join us for the launch of this year's Summer Reading Challenge? We've got stories, games, arts and crafts, and some delicious treats. Ages 4-11.'
2pm to 3pm | Edinburgh Central Library · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Central Library.
🎤 Lynds - State of Stability Single Launch
Tomorrow, Sat 27 June - 'Haven't got your ticket yet? Go grab one! Join Lynds, who supported Alice Faye & Mànran on Night One and is also the lead singer of Boabhan Sith from Night Two at Porty Festival, celebrating the debut single launch of State of Stability.'
7pm to 10pm | Urban Jungle Brunch Room · Leith | 8.30 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
🎬 Filmmakers Social Evening
Tomorrow, Sat 27 June - 'The Edinburgh Cine and Video Society are organising a film makers social at The Baillie Bar in St Stephen Street on Saturday 27th June at 7:30. If you are a film maker, or want to be one, swing by for some chat, non-members welcome..'
7.30pm to 10.30pm | The Bailie Bar · Stockbridge | FREE - More details here, shared by Gordon Guthrie, ECVS.
👶 Pregnancy & Postnatal Social [Monthly]
Sun 28 June - 'A chance to chat all things pregnancy, birth and babies with a local doula and birth educator, and meet other families!'
10.30am to 12pm | Red Kite Café · Abbeyhill & Meadowbank | FREE - More details here, shared by Rowan Louisa Birthworker.
☕ Democrats Abroad Scotland Coffee Morning [Monthly]
Sun 28 June - 'Join our monthly coffee morning for an informal get-together with other like-minded Americans and others interested in US politics. Please RSVP at included link.'
10.30am to 12pm | Grassmarket Community Project & Coffee Saints Cafe · Old Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Democrats Abroad Scotland.
💆♂️ Seated clothed massage tasters at the box Sunday 28th June
Sun 28 June - 'Machi massage tasters are back at the box. Come and enjoy a 20 min seated clothed massage for £15. Your back and neck will thank you for it. Drop in or reserve a spot to avoid disappointment by emailing machimassage@hotmail.com'
11am to 6pm | Leith Walk Police Box pop ups · Canonmills & Broughton | £15 - More details here, shared by Monty, Leith walk polisbox pop ups.
🌞 UpOnARoof Alfresco Rooftop All Dayer
Sun 28 June - 'UpOnARoof @ SKYLINE SIPS 🎶 Level 5 of St James Quarter Soulful Sounds From New Yorks Finest - Victor Simonelli & The west's best Ian Boney Clark + Local Support. A sun soaked rooftop soiree with views of Edinburgh's Calton Hill and beyond.'
1pm to 9pm | Skyline Sips · New Town | £20 - More details here, shared by Ricardo, Luvin' Leith Events.
🌱 Resisting the Far Right
Sun 28 June - 'Join us for a community meal and a round-circle discussion on resisting the far right. This is a free event with no booking required. The meal will be vegan. All are welcome!'
5pm to 7pm | St James Scottish Episcopal Church · Leith | FREE - More details here.
Looking ahead to next week:
🏡 Housing Allocation Consultation Online Meeting with Edinburgh Tenants Federation
Tue 30 June - 'Would you like to understand more about the Council's current allocations policy? Join ETF's online meeting where staff will explain the current policy and show members how they can respond to the Council's consultation, which is now live.'
11am to 12pm | Norton Park Business and Conference Centre · Abbeyhill & Meadowbank | FREE - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Tenants Federation (ETF).
Lauren McCarthy
📚 EDINBURGH LITERARY SALON presents their first ever MINI-ZINE-FAIR
Tue 30 June - 'A pop-up market with local independent creatives selling zines, pamphlets, comics, and more - small is beautiful; mini is marvellous, tiny is terrific. Drop in any time: Doors from 4, Salon from 6, Presentation from 7, then purchase/peruse until 10pm'
4pm to 10pm | The Outhouse · Canonmills & Broughton | FREE - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Literary Salon.
edinburghlitsalon
🧘♀️ Progressive Vinyasa Masterclass Series [Monthly]
Tue 30 June - 'Join me for a series of Yoga posture masterclasses: June 30th - Wheel, July 28th - Headstand, August 25th - Splits. We are a community - we chat, we ask questions, we cheer each other on! For those who want a little more from their practice.'
6.30pm to 8.30pm | Custom House Leith · Leith - More details here, shared by Dee McQueen Yoga.
🌊 Wild Fungarium - FREE Kids Event: 'A River Running Through You' with Amy-Jane Beer - 'Bring your kids along to Wild Fungarium to discover the magic of Amy-Jane Beer's 'A River Running Through You' as read by Amy-Jane herself and learn what they might find in the fascinating river habitats near them. Ages 4+, 10am, Tuesday 30th June' - More details here, shared by Wild Fungarium.
💚 you'd like it here - an exhibition by Ben Harley [Until Fri]
Wed 01 July - 'An exhibition of watercolour landscapes and digital paintings by local artist Ben Harley.'
10am to 4pm | Rising Tide Cafe · Portobello | FREE - More details here, shared by Rising Tide Cafe.
🛝 The school term ends today, marking the start of the summer holidays. Good luck to everyone in charge of kids for the next few weeks. Gayle's Guide is here to help with family-friendly event listings for the week ahead.
Gayle’s Guide