I know this is a thing in lots of places. But when did it start here? I don’t recall such an abundance of these locks at the News Steps before. Have I missed something? Is it recent? Should they be removed?

Just a rant but I’m so sick of watching people just drop their litter everywhere.
Had to stop a guy today who just dumped his takeaway cup on the ground about 5 feet from a bin.

Why are people so scaffy??

Disclosure first: I help run a property factor here in Edinburgh, so weigh the bias.

This isn't a moan about the council. Opposite, really. I keep clocking how much of the ordinary upkeep of this city is quietly done by people who were never asked and never paid, and I don't think get enough credit.

Over in Merchiston, a volunteer group has been clearing leaves off the pavements every autumn since 2021, close to a 1000 bags a year. That's 1000 bags of wet leaves not sitting on a slope waiting for someone to go down hard on them.

In Balerno, and a growing list of other streets, whole neighbourhoods have started weeding their own kerbs by hand rather than wait for the spray.

There are something like 85 Friends of park groups across the city, thousands of volunteers, out with black bags and secateurs keeping the parks somewhere you'd actually want to sit. And round Lady Nairne, folk spent five years campaigning to get their bus back, the 69, mostly for older and disabled neighbours who'd been left stranded.

To be fair to the council, because it's easy not to be: they do back a lot of this. They lend out the brushes, shovels and weed scrapers, they'll uplift the bags you fill, and they run a whole volunteer setup for the parks. So it's less a story about them dropping the ball and more that a big chunk of the city now runs on this quiet mutual effort, and they've leaned into it rather than fought it.

I just think the people doing it deserve their flowers. Nobody sends an invoice for a swept path. Somebody sweeps it anyway.

So who's the unsung one in your bit of Edinburgh? The neighbour who does the stair, the person who adopted the scrappy bit of green by the bus stop, the group that keeps your park right? Name them, I'd genuinely like to hear it.

Anybody else catch the Airbus A350-900 Emirates flight flying over central Edinburgh under 3,000 ft just now? I don't think I've ever seen a large commercial aircraft fly at such a low height in central Edinburgh before.

As of the time of writing this, it's the #1 tracked flight on Flightradar24.

Potentially just a bit of a stupid question but here we go, maybe someone has had the same thought.

I remember heading up Calton Hill with a wee can to watch the sunset a few times about ten years ago with various friends over the years. I remember thinking aw this is a nice wee tradition I have created for myself. I don't remember it being anywhere near as busy as these days. Now it's like a bloody festival up there every evening.

Is this likely just a combination of misremembering and a rise in tourism over the years?

Got handed a leaflet by a pro-lifer while on a date with my lovely partner who herself has pro-lifer parents. I immediately tore up the leaflet when I realised what it was but am trying to think of other ways of going back to be a general nuisance. Thinking of pitching a chair in front of their "Project Truth" tent and chatting to anyone who goes near them first but am open to better ideas :)

Hi,

Does anyone know anywhere currently looking for a volunteer to help with animals?

I came out of the psych ward a couple of weeks ago. My psychiatrist has mentioned volunteering with animals a couple of times.

I have never had a pet and I have no experience with animals so would need to be for beginners.

I’ve e-mailed support and texted support through the Voi app but it’s still here in porty, is there any other ways to notify Voi about the bike?

his horrid seagull personality is really starting to kick into gear, can’t wait for him to become a chip scabbing menace around Edinburgh when he’s older

Posting just incase anyone is missing their cat, it didn't seem stressed but doesn't look like your typical outdoor cat

I have found myself randomly craving a chicken pot pie (yes, in this weather!), where can I get a good one?

Hey, I’m looking to start lessons soon. I live in Leith, so am looking for instructors in this area. I’m looking to price them up and see what works out most affordable and best value etc.
I’ve read multiple reviews online about some, but would like an honest review if possible!!!

A wee dug walk from Canonmills to Meadowbank. 😊💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦄

Just wondering which sites are best for posting items that can’t be donated (diy tools etc)?

Asking all Edinburgh cyclists!

I’m a local (lived here 30+ years) but am fairly new to road cycling, so not familiar with all the best areas and routes.

I’m looking for a route or climb that I can do FTP tests outside, ideally it would be a climb, but I think a 30min climb may be too much to hope for!

Anyone have any favourites or recommendations for this type of thing near the city (within cycling distance)?

Cheers!

Does anyone know why Inverleith has smelled like manure for the last couple of days? Can’t think of any farms or fields nearby

Was anyone else woken up this morning by a horrific group of seagulls circling something on Leven street? I’ve never seen or heard anything like it haha

Hi, just wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a domestic cleaner? I'm looking for a regular biweekly clean and have had no luck from facebook so thought I would try here!

Looking for a small business/single person (not a large agency like Maid2Clean) that are reliable, trustworthy and communicative. Must have insurance and ideally provide their own cleaning products. Thank you!

The University of Edinburgh is currently recruiting people to take part in research that aims to understand LGBTQ+ suicide and suicide prevention in the UK. We want to find out what contributes to distress or crisis, what has helped people to stay safe and well, and the support that people with lived experience think should be available.

We are interested in connecting with people from across the LGBTQ+ community, and with a diversity of experiences of suicide. So if you are LGBTQ+, aged 13+, live in the UK and have personal experience of suicidal thoughts, feelings or attempts, we want to hear from you.

There are several ways you can get involved, including doing a one-to-one interview or an anonymous online survey. For more information take a look at our website which also includes our email address should you have any questions.