The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Weekend edition: 30 Oct - 1 Nov 2026
Council denies blame as childcare centre shuts, bid to help St Margaret's House creatives facing eviction, car-free day rejected + your busy weekend events guide
👋 Good morning Edinburgh. It's a Friday edition: updates from yesterday's council meeting, lots of brilliant community notices + the weekend guide. Thanks again to everyone who sends things in, shares the newsletter or supports it. This newsletter wouldn't exist without you. Here's your weekend Edinburgh Minute...
🌦️ Weekend weather forecast: Sunny intervals today. Clear and sunny on Saturday and Sunday. A high of 14C on Saturday and a low of 4C on Sunday night in to Monday morning, which will be sunny and dry too. - The full Met Office forecast for Edinburgh is here. Sunrise: 7.16am. Sunset: 4.36pm.
🛝 North Edinburgh Childcare in Pilton will close down at the end of today after going out of business. City leaders faced questions at yesterday's monthly full council meeting, with Drum Brae and Gyle SNP representative Euan Hyslop blaming the council for 'cutting their funding to zero' adding that he had warned about the situation back in September. He said: "Anyone with kids in Edinburgh will know how hard it is already to find childcare spaces." Council education leader James Dalgleish denied the claim, adding: "This closure was due to long term financial difficulties that North Edinburgh Childcare has faced and not from the council withdrawing funding." - Rachel Fergusson, Evening News.
- Council leader Jane Meagher said officers had worked to ensure all affected children were offered spaces elsewhere.
🎨 Councillors yesterday agreed to try to push for a delay of the eviction of more than 200 local small businesses, art studios and third sector organisations at St Margaret's House in Meadowbank. - The approved motion tabled by Finlay McFarlane (SNP, City Centre) is here. McFarlane told the meeting: "We can't make, record, print or build without the studios. But what we know is on the horizon is potentially not good. St Margaret's House, Argyle House, and Summerhall all with varying forms of jeopardy."
🚲 The idea of a car-free day to coincide with the Grand Depart of the Tour de France was rejected at a council vote yesterday. The suggestion was proposed by Portobello / Craigmillar Green councillor Lorenzo Martinico. But city transport leader Stephen Jenkinson (Labour, Pentland) said it would add 'unnecessary complexity' to organise at the same time as the main event. "Delivering an international event of this scale is already a substantial logistical undertaking involving extensive planning, road closures, public transport arrangements and coordination with numerous partners. Adding a separate element to this introduces unnecessary complexity to an already challenging operation. We should concentrate on delivering a successful Grand Depart rather than adding additional initiatives."
💰 The City of Edinburgh Council's debt is projected to rise to £5 billion by March 2031, according to accounts analysed by Audit Scotland. Councillors will be offered special training to help them understand the complexities of the financial situation. - Local Democracy Reporter, Nicholas Malizia, Midlothian View.
🚧 In Gorgie yesterday, engineers shut Westfield Road at its junction with Gorgie Road for emergency gas works. There's no reopening date yet. - Skye Donald, Evening News.
⛸️ 'Inside the collapse of Edinburgh's £1m Christmas ice rink' - Brian Ferguson, The Herald.
🎇 'Edinburgh firework control zones: Dates, locations and everything you need to know as Bonfire Night rules introduced.' - Heather Carrick, Evening News.
🏟️ Sam Fender has announced a second concert at Murrayfield stadium on Saturday 10 July, alongside his first date on Thursday 8 July. Tickets go on sale at 9.30am today at this link.
🍺 "Edinburgh pubs want to admit unaccompanied 12-year-olds. But a pub is not a creche" - Marissa MacWhirter in The Herald.
📌 Edinburgh Minute Community Noticeboard - news you can use:
🏆 Five Edinburgh Social Enterprises win at the Scottish Awards - '14 Edinburgh based Social Enterprises were finalists at the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2026. Across 13 categories, Edinburgh walked away with 5 wins from Creative Arts Therapies Space, Scran Academy, Studio Lutalica, Changeworks & Datakirk.' - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network.
🎨 Art Studio Space/Wood Workshop to Share in August_21 Cafe basement, Newington area - near Summerhall - 'Hi! My name is Paula, and I’m an artist. I’m looking for someone to share a woodworking & art studio on a schedule with me, ideally another artist or maker. Rent is £75/pcm. Please get in touch for more details 💙 IG: @paudmnch / @scarecrowwoodcrafts' - Shared by Paula.
🗣️ Share your views on the Fringe's economic, social and wellbeing impact - 'Researchers from University of Glasgow are conducting a study into the economic, social and wellbeing impact of #edfringe. Want to share your views? Find out more and take part: https://gla.ac/4eUVf73' - Shared by Lynn Verschuren, University of Glasgow.
📰 New November issue of C&B News - 'Now available to view/download online, with print copies available locally from Friday 30 October. Championing our communities along the upper Water of Leith valley since 1976: News, Views, What's On, Local History, Sports. (Deadline: 30 Oct)' - More details here, shared by C&B News.
🎨 Creative Express Exhibition: Celebrating Ten Years of Creativity [Until Sun]
Today, Fri 30 October - 'Join The JUNCTION as they celebrate ten years of their Creative Express Service and the phenomenal young people who have engaged with it, visit this Exhibition hosted with the support of Leith Makers.'
11am to 5.30pm | Leith Makers · Leith | FREE - More details here, shared by April-Wendy Hayes, The Junction, Young People, Health and Wellbeing.
🖼️ Art Sale - today and tomorrow [Until Sat]
Today, Fri 30 October - 'Come and browse while supporting Christian Aid - Friday 12-5, Saturday 10-4. Whether you're a serious collector, an art enthusiast or simply a curious browser there is something here for you.'
12pm to 5pm | Edinburgh New Town Church · New Town | FREE - More details here, shared by Edinburgh New Town Church.
🎷 The Newtown Stompers at Edinburgh Jazz 'n Jive
Today, Fri 30 October - 'This Friday, 30th October, live jazz from the 1920s and 30s with the New Town Stompers. Great for listening and dancing; expect to see Balboa and Collegiate Shag, Blues, Two-Step, Foxtrot, and Lindy Hop on the dance floor. We hope to see you there!'
8pm to 11pm | Heriot's Rugby Club · Inverleith | £13.00 & £16.00 - More details here, shared by Edinburgh Jazz 'n Jive Club.
🌈 Scarecrows & Mending Circle with the Queer Gardening Group
Tomorrow, Sat 31 October - 'We've cut some branches to make scarecrows for the garden & will do some sewing in the medical practice garden. Find us to the right of the Gracemount Medical Centre building, & drop into the Halloween event at the community garden for paella!'
11am to 3pm | Gracemount Medical Group · Gracemount | FREE - More details here, shared by Jim.
🧵 Edinburgh Sewing Social
Tomorrow, Sat 31 October - 'Friendly sewing social. Bring your sewing/knitting/crochet/etc. Blackhall St Columba's Church Hall. Near bus routes & free parking. Tea, coffee, biscuits included. Future dates: Sundays 15/11 & 29/11. For booking/info: edinburghsewingsocial@aol.com'
2.30pm to 5pm | Blackhall St. Columba's Church · Silverknowes & Blackhall | £7.50-£10 - More details here, shared by Kathy Evans.
🖤 BLACK: the Color of Velvet
Tomorrow, Sat 31 October - 'Celebrate Black British History Month and Black Art Song with Quanda Johnson - an evening of songs by Black composers throughout the diaspora accompanied by cello, African drum, and dance.'
7pm to 8pm | Edinburgh Central Quaker Meeting House · Old Town | Free (donation only) - More details here, shared by Quanda Johnson.
🎨 Art Workshops with Jules Bradbury [Every Sunday]
Sun 01 November - 'Relaxed Sunday afternoon art workshops dedicated to the many different aspects of drawing. Join Artist and educator Jules Bradbury to explore interesting ideas and develop new skills in a supportive atmosphere.'
2pm to 4.30pm | Summerhall Arts · Southside | £36.25 / £29.25 - More details here, shared by Summerhall Arts.
🌰 Castells-nyada: A Catalan Autumn Celebration 🍂
Sun 01 November - 'Celebrate Catalan culture at Castells-nyada! Enjoy roasted chestnuts, homemade panellets, ball de bastons and castells performance by Colla Castellera d'Edinburgh while supporting the local Catalan community. Free entry, Ticket required. All welcome!'
6pm to 9pm | Greyfriars Charteris Centre · Southside | FREE - More details here, shared by Colla Castellera d'Edinburgh.
💃 Belly Dance Taster Class with Bloom Belly Dance
Mon 02 November - 'Try a belly dance taster class for £5! A one-hour introduction to belly dance in a friendly, supportive space. No experience needed! Build your confidence, develop strength and flexibility, and enjoy moving to the music.'
6pm to 7pm | St. Oswald's Centre · Bruntsfield | £5 - More details here, shared by Bloom Belly Dance.
🇮🇹 Speak Out Beginner Italian
Mon 02 November - 'Speak Out's flagship programme for beginner Italian. With a focus on practical, spoken Italian, you'll be able to hold conversations in just 10 weeks! Start learning Italian before the year is out.'
7pm to 8pm | Speak Out Languages · New Town | 180 - More details here, shared by a Minute reader.
👑 Historical Re-enactment and Heraldic High-Jinks
Mon 02 November - 'Come and hear the wonderful Stanley Bird talking about re-enactment and heraldry, including his fabulous costumes. There's tea, coffee and biscuits from 6.30pm. No need to book, just turn up.'
7pm to 8.30pm | Augustine United Church · Old Town | £10, £5 students - More details here, shared by Costume Society Scotland.
💖 The Compassion Salon: Sara Trevelyan and Kirsty McGregor
Mon 02 November - 'Join Sara Trevelyan and Kirsty MacGregor discussing compassion in their lives and work. Dive into thoughtful conversations that explore the heart of compassion. This is your chance to connect, reflect, and be part of a warm, engaging event.'
7pm to 10pm | Steel Coulson Southside · Southside | FREE - More details here, shared by Dr Marti Balaam.
🍷 Vinyl Club #10 Bob Marley & The Wailers "Catch a Fire" (1973)
Mon 02 November - 'Vinyl listening, a deeper story, and two tasty, thoughtfully paired glasses of wine. Catch a Fire helped launch reggae to the world, but also helped break up its greatest band in the process. Join us to launch our first club in Stockbridge!'
7.30pm to 10pm | Smith & Gertrude Stockbridge · Stockbridge | 28.00 - More details here, shared by Todd Henkin.
Smith & Gertrude
⚔️ Learn to Sword-Fight! Beginner Sabre Course
Mon 02 November - 'Discover the art of historic swordplay with the sabre! A six week course starting on the the 2nd of November, ran by Edinburgh's premier historic european martial arts (HEMA) club.'
7.30pm to 9.30pm | St. Oswald's Centre · Bruntsfield | £70 - More details here, shared by Dawn Duellists Society.
🍃 Women's Forest Therapy: A two-hour guided, deep-yet-gentle nature immersion
Sun 15 November - 'This is an invitation to slow down, embrace the quiet and become embodied with your senses while being held in nature. With my gentle direction, let the Forest guide you back to yourself. More details of what to expect on my Eventbrite page.'
10am to 12pm | Easter Craiglockhart Hill reserve · Craiglockhart | 30.00 - More details here, shared by Sylvan Forest Therapy.
🧀 Autumn Cooking Class | Cheese, Whey & Seasonal Feasting
Sun 15 November - 'Join cheesemaker Kristen Allan for an immersive day of cooking, discovering creative ways to cook with cheese, whey and seasonal produce. Enjoy cooking demonstrations, beautiful flavours and a long-table lunch, with plenty of inspiration to take home'
10am to 2.30pm | Elliott's · Marchmont & Meadows - More details here, shared by Kristen Allan.
♻️ ReFashion Edinburgh: sustainable fashion show in aid of Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland
Sun 15 November - 'Join us for the 5th annual ReFashion Edinburgh - the show shining a spotlight on Edinburgh-based designers who share a passion for sustainability and ethical creation. Plus, raise funds with each ticket towards our national charity: www.tdfs.org'
5.30pm to 9pm | The Biscuit Factory · Leith | Early Bird from £10 - More details here, shared by Iliyana Nedkova, Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland.
Remember you can always see all 300+ upcoming local events on TownSpot calendars and maps. Thanks to everyone who shares their things!
🛝 If you're looking for family-friendly Halloween things to do this weekend and beyond, check out Gayle's Guide.