The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Weekend edition: 28 - 30 August 2026

Trams ready to run on Princes Street tonight, no new Powderhall bridge until 2028, council rejects MSPs' 300% tax exemption bid + Porty Beach Busk in your non-festival weekend guide

Haar in the Meadows last night. Photo by Tom Duffin.

👋 Good morning Edinburgh. The final edition of the Festival Minute will land in paying subscribers' inboxes tomorrow morning. Meanwhile your non-festival weekend guide is at the end of this newsletter. Here's your weekend Edinburgh Minute...

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🌦️ Weekend weather: Drizzly rain is forecast to continue until early evening. Sunny spells are forecast for most of Saturday until another band of rain arrives around 7pm and continues until Sunday afternoon. A top temperature of 20C on Saturday and a low of 12C overnight in to Monday. - The full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh is here.

🚉 There was rush-hour disruption last night when Waverley station was evacuated due to the fire alarm being activated. All trains on lines to the station were suspended, affecting thousands of people's journeys. There was no fire and the Scottish Fire and Rescue gave the all clear after less than one hour. - Jack Davies, Evening News.

🚉 Businesses have been reacting to the news that Princes Street is due to fully reopen to buses and trams on Saturday morning. The council published an update here. A test tram will rumble past the fire-hit site tonight as part of tests before the line is due to be re-opened in the morning.

'About time too' is the Evening News front page headline this morning. The owners of some Leith businesses including Ancient Robot games and Good Vibes Neighbourhood Store are among those giving their reaction in Callum McCormack's report in the Evening News.

🏗️ The council could step in to buy the fire-damaged former Debenhams building at 109-112 Princes Street, after councillors voted yesterday to instruct officers to look in to a possible Compulsory Purchase Order. - Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco, The Herald.

🗳️ By-elections next week: Voters will go to the polls 0n Thursday to choose two new councillors in the Southside/Newington and Portobello/Craigmillar wards. - Ian Swanson previews in the Evening News.

🚧 A footbridge at Powderhall on St Mark's Path could remain closed until 2028, with structural concerns leading council officials to say it is highly likely that a 'full bridge replacement' will be needed. It's a major blow for locals and commuters who are having to make long diversions. - The Spurtle has the details and local reaction.

💰 Ahead of today's emergency council meeting on festival funding, the Scottish Government’s culture secretary Màiri McAllan said festival organisers had a 'strong case', but refused to be drawn on the crucial question of what the levels of support should be. - Brian Ferguson, The Herald + council reports here.

There's a helpful preview of today's council meeting in The Edinburgh Inquirer.

🎭 Plans for a new Scottish event to replace the Edinburgh TV Festival (which is moving to Manchester) have been launched by Screen Scotland, the Scottish Government and the other Edinburgh festivals. - Pauline McLean, BBC Scotland News.

"The new event, which leading Fringe venues are likely to be involved with, is expected to be more accessible to the public than the TV Festival, which has traditionally been a closed industry gathering," writes Brian Ferguson in The Herald.

🚨 Two 'possible firearms' were found in a bin by waste collectors yesterday morning. Police were called to Murdoch Terrace in Fountainbridge (map link) and confirmed they were BB guns. - Lee Dalgetty, Edinburgh Live.

⛺️ A traveller family is facing eviction from the future construction site of the £100m Art Works project in Granton. A judge said the family's 11 children 'do not have access to basic sanitation', leading to 'concerns for their safety'. - BBC Scotland News + STV News.

🪧 Campaigners held what they said was the first ever national 'Parent Strike' outside the Scottish Parliament yesterday, calling for more support for parents juggling work and family life. - Nick Forbes, The Herald.

🏠🏡 Members of the Scottish Parliament will have to pay a 300% council tax premium on second homes in Edinburgh, after city councillors rejected an exemption bid yesterday. - Ruaraidh Gilmour, Holyrood magazine + coverage on the Dads Rock Edinburgh Instagram page.

📽️ The history of two cinemas that served Niddrie and Craigmillar, the Rio and the County, are featured in Andy Arthur's latest Threadinburgh piece. It's not just about the cinemas though...

📌 **Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard - news you can use:**

Get in touch with The Edinburgh Minute 💌

🏆 Last chance to nominate for the north Edinburgh Community Awards - 'Know someone making a difference in Harbour North Edinburgh? Celebrate local volunteers, community groups and organisations by submitting a nomination for the Harbour North Edinburgh Community Awards today. (Deadline: 30 Aug)' - More details here, shared by Lauren Gilmour, Harbour.

🐸 Wild Fungarium - Love is a Toad with Lucy Lapwing - 'We're super excited to have BBC Springwatch presenter Lucy Lapwing for an evening to discuss her wonderfully joyous new book, 'Love is a Toad: Exploring our Relationship with Nature'. Friday 11th September, 7pm' - More details here, shared by Wild Fungarium.

👥 Norton Park calls on charities, social enterprises and community groups to help shape its future - 'Norton Park is inviting charities and social enterprises to help shape the future of its Conference Centre on Easter Road. To discuss your organisation's needs, contact Douglas Westwater at Community Enterprise: douglas@communityenterprise.co.uk.' - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.

📰 C&B News is back after the Summer! - 'Another jam-packed September issue of this celebrated local news magazine is now available to view/download online with print copies available locally from Friday 28 August. Championing our communities along the upper Water of Leith valley.' - More details here, shared by C&B News.

🎭 Alterra: Death of the Theatre
Today, Fri 28 August - 'Theatre inspired dungeons & dragons for those looking for a fun lunchtime activity. Beginner friendly, all welcome!'
1pm to 3.30pm | Potions And Rations · Canonmills & Broughton | 25 - More details here, shared by Chris Mckenzie.

🌙 Summer Night Market at The Pitt
Today, Fri 28 August - 'Expect handmade jewellery, artwork, clothing, homeware, sustainable goodies, artisan treats and loads of one-of-a-kind finds you won't spot on the high street.'
5pm to 10pm | The Pitt · Granton & Pilton | FREE - More details here, shared by Amy Liston, alistondesigns.

⚔️ Are we at war?
Today, Fri 28 August - 'Russia is reported to be waging a proactive campaign of sabotage, airspace incursions, cyber intrusions and military provocations right across Europe. Will these existing threats and challenges forge a more united Europe?'
6.30pm to 7.45pm | Scottish Parliament Building · Old Town | £7.50. £5 concession - More details here, shared by Scottish Council on Global Affairs.

🎷 Shades of Dave Pell Octet at Edinburgh Jazz 'n Jive
Today, Fri 28 August - 'Friday, August 28th, Shades of Dave Pell Octet will play at the Edinburgh Jazz 'n Jive Club! Expect swinging Jazz, as originally performed by Dave Pell and his band in the post-war era on the West Coast of America.'
8pm to 11pm | Heriot's Rugby Club · Inverleith | £13.00 & £16.00 - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Jazz 'n Jive Club.

🚴‍♂️ CARGO BIKE EVENT
Tomorrow, Sat 29 August - 'There'll be cargo bikes and cargo trikes to try, a smoothie bike, refreshments, Dr Bike and more. Free as always, all welcome. Hosted by Banzai and ELREC Cycling Club down the hill from Brunstfield Links at NKS on Gillespie Street.'
1pm to 4pm | Networking Key Services Ltd. (NKS) Nursery · Bruntsfield | FREE - More details here, shared by Luke Collins.

🎶 Edinburgh Edition // Vinyl Listening Session
Tomorrow, Sat 29 August - 'Over the decades Edinburgh has been home to countless grassroots venues that provided fertile ground for some incredible musical projects to flourish. Mark Quinn explores the cities musical history in the unique setting of the Pianodrome.'
3pm to 4.30pm | Pianodrome Bruntsfield Community Hub · Bruntsfield | By Donation - More details here, shared by Mark Quinn.

Further ahead:

📚 Pain Concern Library Drop In [Monthly]
Tue 01 September - 'Pop by for a chat, pick up some free resources and find out all about how Pain Concern can help people living with chronic pain and those who support them.'
11am to 1pm | Portobello Library · Portobello | FREE - More details here, shared by Pain Concern.

🏛️ Leith St Andrew's Trust Open Day
Sat 05 September - 'Help the Trust to purchase this iconic Leith building at the foot of Easter Road into community ownership for the benefit of all. We have an open day scheduled for all to attend to view the inside & join the discussion. Music & entertainment all day!'
10.30am to 3.30pm | Leith St Andrew's Church · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by leithstandrewstrust.org.

🏃‍♂️ Runners of Leith x The Volley: Pizza run for Alzheimers Research UK
Tue 08 September - 'We are heading to The Volley for a very social 5km followed by free Pizza! As well as this it would be great to raise some funds for the awesome Alzheimer's Research UK! We will have some QR codes and a collection box 💚 6:30pm Bag Drop 6:45pm Run'
6.30pm to 9.30pm | The Volley · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by Runners of Leith.

🏗️ Renovating? Avoid the costly mistakes...
Thu 10 September - 'Get expert advice on budgets, planning permission, design decisions and common pitfalls from Edinburgh property professionals. Enjoy fizz, canapés, panel discussion + live Q&A. Tickets £16.'
6pm to 8pm | The Caledonian Edinburgh · West End | £16 - More details here, shared by Sarah Maguire, Raison Home Edinburgh.

🍰 Emily Cuddeford in Conversation with Cheryl Cohen at The Cookbook Shop
Fri 11 September - 'What happens when a celebrated baker starts again, from scratch? Join us as we welcome Emily Cuddeford, co-author of Kitchen Table and formerly of Twelve Triangles bakery, as she talks about her next steps in the baking world. Tasters included!'
7pm to 8.30pm | The Cookbook Shop · Canonmills & Broughton - More details here, shared by Liz Bryson, The Cookbook Shop.

🏛️ Inside Out | Edinburgh Old and New: Walking tour [Until Sat]
Fri 25 September - 'Edinburgh's cityscape inspires artists, writers and photographers. Tour led by Alastair Learmont, starts at the National Gallery, concludes in Princes' Street Gardens. Come dressed for the weather. Also on Saturday: https://tinyurl.com/4v3mdnpz'
11am to 1pm | National Galleries of Scotland: National · New Town | £20 (£15) - More details here, shared by National Galleries of Scotland.

👀 Remember you can always see all 250+ 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, including: Sea shanties for families, Porty Beach Busk and more...

📆 What else is on this weekend in town?

🌮 Weekend markets & food:

This weekend’s traders in the Grassmarket, Leith and Stockbridge markets are all listed here. It's the final weekend of Neighbourgood Gardens at the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens from 11am-10pm daily, while Granton's Pitt mini mart is open 11am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.
The Pitt is also hosting local independent artists, crafters, makers and creatives at its free Summer Night Market on Friday between 5pm and 10pm. - More details here.

🎸 Also at the Ross Bandstand this weekend: A free concert on Sunday from midday to 6pm featuring 'the best young bands in Edinburgh', along with the Tinderbox collective. - More details here.

🎸 There are still tickets to see The Prodigy at Ingliston's Summer Sessions on Saturday. Also on the line-up: Carl Cox, ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U, David Rodigan, SCARLXRD, Slam, Frazi.er. - Tickets here.

🛍️ Out of the Blue Drill Hall in Leith hosts its monthly Flea Market on Saturday from 10am to 3pm. - Full details here.

📆 For more local events, check out Neil Cooper’s Shop Local weekend guide, including: 50 Years of Scottish Punk, the PhotoDalkeith exhibition + Blur drummer Dave Rowntree's Fringe show.

⏰ Thanks for reading edition number 985.
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