loading . . . The Edinburgh Minute ⏰ Monday 16 February 2026 🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. Not the busiest Monday edition ever, to be honest. As ever, if I've missed anything, please get in touch here. Here’s Monday's**Edinburgh Minute**.
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🌦️ **This week's weather** : This morning there's a Met Office ice warning in place until 10am. Every day this week is looking cloudy with a chance of rain and sunny intervals, except Tuesday which is looking sunny throughout. A high of **9C** on Friday and low of **-3C** overnight from Tuesday into Wednesday. - Get the full week's Met Office forecast here.
✈️ **Edinburgh Airport** has announced further growth plans to spend £150m a year into new departure gates for more planes and more car parking, despite climate emergency concerns. - Alastair Dalton, The Scotsman.
🚨 Human rights protestors claimed 'victory' after stopping what they claimed was an 'unlawful eviction' of travellers in **Granton**. - Laura Piper, STV News.
* ⮑ The eviction was described as 'state repression of traveller communities' by the 'Autonomous Library of Edinburgh'. A Scottish Government spokesperson insisted its actions were 'legal', adding it was working '_closely with the City of Edinburgh Council, which has offered support through their homeless service and education department_ '.
* ⮑ There are photos of the site, and various discussions about it, in the Granton Station Facebook group.
🚈 Trains between **Haymarket** and Bathgate will be cancelled on three Sundays in March due to flood-prevention works. - Network Rail has the details.
🗑️ Littering along **Niddrie Mains Road** has been raised in the House of Commons. - Kevin Quinn, Evening News.
🤝 Potentially interesting for those who are curious: Edinburgh Live published '_an exclusive look into**Masonic lodges** rarely seen by members of the public_.' - Nicholas Malizia, Edinburgh Live.
🏡 A house and former cafe in **Cramond** , _Cockle Mill_ , is up for sale for £895,000. - Edinburgh Live / Rightmove.
🧙♀️ '**_Is Harry Potter tourism ruining Edinburgh?_** ' - James Walker, The National.
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### ✌️ Better news
> _This section aims to include**better news** from all over Edinburgh. It’s a wide range of things, and as always _ _you’re welcome to submit yours here_ _. My hope is that it inspires more civic pride and community spirit, new plans in your calendar and a few smiles or laughs along the way._
🍽️ Local award-winning chef Gemma Costa has been selected to appear in this year's BBC **_Masterchef_** TV show. Her vegan food truck **_Planet G_** previously won the Scottish Street Food Awards in 2024. - Gemma posted about appearing on Masterchef in this Instagram post.
@planetgfood on Instagram.
💰 **The Grassmarket Community Project** has been announced as this year's **_Love Your Business_** charity partner, meaning it will receive 10% of all ticket sales from the LYB monthly networking events in Bruntsfield. - More details from Michelle Brown, of Love Your Business, here.
For the last seven years, Love Your Business has had a yearly Charity Partner which receives 10% of every ticket you purchase for the networking events and workshops, including Make 2nds Count… | Michelle BrownFor the last seven years, Love Your Business has had a yearly Charity Partner which receives 10% of every ticket you purchase for the networking events and workshops, including Make 2nds Count, Support in Mind Scotland now Change Mental Health, Epilepsy Scotland, Invisible Cities, Fight Against Cancer Edinburgh, CARERS OF EAST LOTHIAN & SAMH. This year I’m delighted to announced we will be partnering with the Grassmarket Community Project which provides emotional and practical help for vulnerable people in the city, covering everything from drop-in support and befriending to employability and training guidance, and runs over 25 weekly free activities. These include music, crafts, swimming, gardening, meditation, woodwork and literacy classes. The aim is to enhance their life skills, develop confidence and increase their resilience, self-reliance and independence. They also have a community cinema, Coffee Saints café onsite in the Grassmarket and behind St James Quarter, a Tartan Shop with their very own tartan, and hire out event space, which is great for corporate events and weddings. I’ve known the Chief Executive Officer, Helene van der Ploeg, for a while and loved hearing all about the charity when she was a speaker at LYB last year, so it made perfect sense to support them this year. Tickets for the next Love Your Business event on Thursday, 26th February at Black Ivy in Bruntsfield, 11-1pm, are £20 with 10% of all sales going to out new charity partner, who will also receive PR/Marketing support throughout the year. Ticket link in first comment. Pics by 📸 Andrea Thomson.LinkedInMichelle Brown
🏉 '_Home fans’ pre-match gloom was soon dispelled by hair-raising Flower of Scotland and No10’s game for the ages against England — in Edinburgh I saw the championship at its very best_ : ‘**Maradona’ Finn Russell takes Murrayfield to place no Six Nations venue can match** ' - David Walsh in the Sunday Times.
🛝 There are lots of **local half-term holiday activity ideas** for kids, families and carers in the latest edition of Gayle's Guide.
Gayle’s Guide ✨ 12th Feb 26Issue 88 - Loads of stuff to do for the February holidays!Gayle's GuideGayle’s Guide
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**🥞 The Shrove Tuesday 5K
Tomorrow, Tue 17 February** - _'Join for a flipping good blast around The Meadows at the Shrove Tuesday 5K and enjoy a well-deserved pancake for your efforts.'_
12.30pm to 1.30pm | The Meadows, EH9 1ND | £7-9 - More details here, shared by Catriona Bruce, Blast Running.
📌 “ _Are you looking for an opportunity to give back to your local community?_**_Edinburgh School Uniform Bank is recruiting for an Operations Assistant_** _to join its small but mighty team supporting children with clothing and school essentials. Applications open until 2nd March_.” - Thanks to the team for sharing this.
📌 “**Rhyze Mushrooms Coop is hiring a Community Mushroom Farmer** - _We are a non-hierarchical workers’ cooperative and we are looking for someone who wants to become a long-term member of our team and help our project grow and thrive. Applications close at 12pm, Sunday, March 1st._ ” - Thanks to Lauren Waterman - Co-Director, Rhyze Mushrooms Coop, for sharing this.
📌 “**We have organised a family led ride to the Botanics from our Porty Prom bike library for the February break on Thursday 18 Feb**. _Come on your own bikes, or borrow a cargo bike or electric bike to join us. We'll ride at an easy pace, reaching the Botanics for lunch, and returning to Porty Prom by 3pm_.” - Thanks to Porty Community Energy for sharing this.
Winter Picnic Rides: To Edinburgh Botanic GardensJoin us for a safe, led ride from our bike library to these family-friendly gardens this winter.Eventbrite
📌 “**Studio Sollo: A new tech-led studio has opened in Fountainbridge, with an aim to make reformer Pilates more accessible**. _With video-led, teacher-led or Open Sessions, there's a class format for any budget, schedule and experience level. Open all day, 7 days a week_.” - Thanks to Rachel Stott, Founder of Studio Sollo, for sharing this.
📌 “**Summerhall Arts are looking for artists to take part in their 2026 Group Show Exhibition in April/May****.** _This callout is open to local, national and international visual artists, working in any medium, and offers the opportunity to exhibit one piece of work. Apply by 8th March_.” - Thanks to Summerhall Arts for sharing this.
Summerhall Arts Group Show 2026 Callout - Summerhall ArtsIn light of the success of the first annual Summerhall Arts group show it is with great pleasure we can confirm that we are opening applications forSummerhall ArtsMatthew Norris
📌 “Wednesday 18 February. _Online Zoom Forum:__**Rainer Maria Rilke: The Spiritual, Social, and Artistic Vision and Influence of His Life and Work**_ _. There will be five talks, each of 12 minutes, followed by discussion among the speakers and the chair, followed by Q & A_.” - Thanks to Neill Walker, Edinburgh International Centre for Spirituality and Peace, for sharing this.
**🧩 Energy bills advice pop up by Citizens Advice Scotland
Thu 19 February** - _'Energy bills got you worried? Citizens advice are here to help with a drop-in at the polisbox on Leith walk.'_
12pm to 4pm | Leith Walk Police Box pop ups, EH7 4LT | FREE - More details here, shared by Monty, Leith walk polisbox pop ups.
📌 “**5 week art courses starting in Feb****** - _Come join us at granton:hub for either our "Portrait and figure drawing" or our "Life drawing" course. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, you’ll receive unwavering support as you build confidence in your own artistic style_.” - Thanks to Sallie Bale, Trustee, granton:hub, for sharing this.
Granton:HubGranton:Hub is a friendly arts and community hub in North Edinburgh where people can meet, participate, learn, create and enjoy a range of great activities. Our base is the beautiful and historic Madelvic House, a space that’s closely linked with Granton’s rich industrial heritage. We have a growing archive of materials and objects connected to the history of the local area; and are home to a community garden that’s open for all to visit and enjoy.Eventbrite
📌 “ _Wednesdays 5:30pm,_**_Mat Pilates Classes, at Cluny Hall, Morningside Parish Church_** _. A 45-min all levels mat pilates class, suitable for everyone from beginners to Pilates pros. £12 per class (or cheaper if you buy a class pack!)_ ” - Thanks to Pilates by Catrin for sharing this.
📌 “**Edinburgh’s finest improv show returns to Monkey Barrel Comedy tonight at 8pm!** A _cast of Edinburgh Fringe veteran improv comedians create comedy sketches based on your suggestions! Tickets £6/£4._ ” - Thanks to the organisers for sharing this.
**🍽️ Sardinian Pocket pizza
Fri 20 February** - _'Cuaddu is a unique and authentic Sardinian spin on pan baked pizza, folded and eaten on the go as street food.'_
11am to 4pm | Leith Walk Police Box pop ups, EH7 4LT - More details here, shared by Monty, Leith walk polisbox pop ups.
📌 “**Winter Feel-Good Movement Series at LifeCare, Fridays starting 20th February for 6 weeks**. _Choose between Chair-Lates (accessible functional movement in standing or seated) and a Restorative Pilates Mat Class, at £60 for the full series. Edinburgh Minute readers get 10% off with code EDIMIN10_.” - Thanks to Dana Karen Ciccone, Owner of Movement Remedies, for sharing this.
Pilates for Pain Services in Stockbridge, Edinburgh — Movement RemediesSince Inception in 2022, Movement Remedies has been catering to the needs of anyone with persistent pain and/or a chronic condition with Pilates-based movement. Private, in-person sessions are available in the Stockbridge studio. Virtual Chair- and Mat-based classes are available virtually.Movement Remedies
📌 “Saturday 21st February, **The Tailor presents the first Kitchen Takeover**! _Join us for a special Menu Fisso prepared by Chef Lucia Gregusova. A night of Slovakian winter tastes skilfully prepared by this amazing guest chef. For info and bookings:[email protected]_ _, #oioitailor_ ” - Thanks to Lorenzo, The Tailor, for sharing this.
📌 “Saturday, 1.30pm at Southside Community Centre: _Join Ink Asher Hemp for a_** _workshop that traces and treasures disabled and neurodivergent memory and experience_** _- using pictures and words to collage our musings, world making, and caring. To build accessible futures and climate justice we need the ground of knowledge and memory to build it on_.” - Thanks to Young Friends of the Earth Scotland for sharing this.
📌 “Saturday 21st February - **_Pick a plant to grow this spring at the Houseplant and Seed Swap & Share_** _. The Queer Gardening Group will be in the Salisbury Centre garden 11am-3pm with snacks, practicing taking cuttings + gardening. Email_ [email protected]_ _for the door code!_ ” - Thanks to Jim from the Gracemount Queer Gardening Group for sharing this.
📌 “Sunday 22nd February - 10.30-12pm - **A small, welcoming workshop in Leith for women navigating change in work, relationships, or identity**. _Through guided journaling and gentle coaching, you’ll find calm, clarity, and direction. £30 — no experience needed, just come as you are_.” - Thanks to Karen Gallagher of Finding Your Feet Coaching for sharing this.
**🌿 Willow Weaving Workshop - Bird Feeder
Sun 22 February** - _'Hands-on workshop to make a willow birdfeeder, perfect for a garden or as a handmade gift, with materials provided.'_
1.30pm to 4.30pm | Away with Willow Coffins, EH10 5LS | £45 - More details here, shared by Koren, Away with Willow.
📌 “Monday 23rd February @ 7pm // _We're thrilled to be hosting the Edinburgh_** _launch of the brand new title from Catriona Ward "Nowhere Burning"_**_. This event will be chaired by Camilla Grudova, author of 'The Coiled Serpent' and 'Children of Paradise'_.” - Thanks to Argonaut Books for sharing this.
Argonaut Books - Leith’s Independent BookshopWe are Argonaut Books, a community bookshop for Leith, Edinburgh. We hold a curated selection of books; we only stock books that we are genuinely passionate about. We specialise in Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Romance and Independent Publishing. We have been trading since December of 2021. We love being a part of Edinburgh’s vibrant literary ecosystem and we can’t wait to welcome you into the shop!Argonaut Books - Leith's Independent Bookshop
📌 “ _With their mid-term starting on 23rd February,_**_Birchwood Art Studio has spaces left on some of their spring term courses_** _. With 5 weeks left, this would give a newcomer time to learn hone in on a set of new skills - opportunities in sculpture, mindful art or even get your art fix of the week!_ ” - Thanks to Birchwood for sharing this.
**💃 Oxgangs Light in the Darkness Family Ceilidh
Sat 28 February** - _'The Oxgangs "Light in the Darkness" Family Ceilidh is a chance to shrug off some of the winter gloom with a raffle.'_
2.45pm to 5pm | Pentland Community Centre, EH13 9LS | FREE - More details here, shared by Jenn.
_**📮 Anything missing?** __Please share your local news and events here_ _._
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### **👀 The most-visited links from the last newsletter:**
1. 📌 Booking is open for the University of Edinburgh’s short courses. (Thanks again to subscriber Rachel C for sharing this).
2. 🚎 Lost Shore Ratho bus trial becomes permanent public route.
3. ⚽️ Hearts reveal Lunar New Year kit.
4. 🏉 '20 of the best Edinburgh bars for watching rugby'.
5. 💰 Council's £90m tourist tax shopping list gets approved.
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