Repair Sheds

Want to get involved in our 2025 theme of ‘repair’? Our Repair Sheds, located beside the Book Shop in our courtyard, are the place to mend, to learn, and to share stories of restoration. We have an incredible programme featuring everything from practical ‘fixing things’ like bicycle maintenance and Japanese textile repair, to creative experiences like the Poetry Pharmacy where you can be prescribed your very own poem.

Explore the a sample of the programme below and make sure to pop by the sheds to see the full programme listings as we continue to add experts and facilitators from incredible organisations, artists, and crafts people.  

Saturday 9th August – ‘How Dae Ye Neighbour?’ – The Stove Network
10:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00

‘How Dae Ye Neighbour?’ We’re takin’ the Queen of Neighbours on tour! Straight from the streets of Dumfries and inspired by our century-auld Guid Nychburris Day – held every June to celebrate the spirit of good neighbouring – we’re packing up the bunting, the stories, and a wee bit of magic, and bringing it to Edinburgh. Sort of. From the Buryman of South Queensferry to cheese hurtling doon hills, the UK’s got no shortage of eccentric local festivals – and we think it’s time for a new one. For one day only, we’re inviting the international family of festival-goers to dream up a brand-new celebration of community, connection, and creativity. Come join us as we co-create the ceremonial garb of our Queen of Nychburris – a collaborative costume woven with words, doodles, decorations, and daft wee ideas about what it means to be a guid nychburr (that’s “good neighbour”, if you’re wondering). Let’s get stuck in and make something joyful and bonkers – the way all the best traditions start. 

Learn the lost skill of bike inner tube repair and never be stranded with a flat tyre again! The Wee Spoke Hub will be onsite to answer all your bike repair related questions, deliver pre-emptive drop-in repair and may even show you ways to upcycle your old tyres… 

Explore ‘found’ and ‘black out’ poetry through the theme of ‘rupture and repair’ led by Orémi. Orémi believe in the power of the platonic –community, friendship and belonging- and are the founders of 'Words & Friends' nights in Edinburgh (creative writing evenings to make friends). 

Sunday 10th August – ‘Boro & Sashiko: Creative Repair in Action’ – Remakery
14:00-17:00

Join us for a relaxing and inspiring drop-in sessions where creativity meets sustainability. Guided by an experienced tutor, you’ll learn the beautiful Japanese textile repair techniques of Boro and Sashiko—methods that celebrate visible mending, storytelling through stitches, and the art of giving fabric new life. Using squares of salvaged denim, you’ll create your own stitched patchwork piece to contribute to the restoration of a unique community kimono. As the project grows, the kimono will become a collective artwork—stitched together from individual contributions, each one a small act of repair and care. You’ll also find inspiration in examples of how these techniques can be used to mend clothing or transform fabric scraps into new creations like gift bags, wall hangings or cushions. All materials used in the session have been rescued from waste—highlighting the beauty and potential in what might otherwise be thrown away. No sewing experience is needed—just come along, slow down, and enjoy the meditative process of making something meaningful with your hands. 

Monday 11th August – Poetry Pharmacy – Deborah Alma
18:00-20:00

The Repair Shed will be transformed into a consulting room to offer poetry prescriptions (around 15mins each) by Deborah Alma from the Poetry Pharmacy. "We believe that poetry can do so much to match or alter a mood, to assist in so many ways with good mental health. The Poetry Pharmacy was a way for us to bring the therapeutic effects of poetry under one roof, with an emphasis on well-being and inclusivity."

Tuesday 12th August – ‘Tech Tear Down: Discover What’s Inside Your Devices’ – Remakery
10:00-13:00, 14:00-16:30

Ever wondered what’s inside your laptop, phone or tablet—and what makes it tick? Join the Edinburgh Remakery team for this hands-on, drop-in session where we take a closer look at the technology we use every day. Through live demonstrations, our expert technicians will show how we assess donated tech for repair and reuse, before opening devices to explore their inner workings. You’ll be invited to get involved: try taking apart and rebuilding a device using tools provided, with guidance and support from our friendly team. No prior experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness to learn! We’ll also share simple, practical tips on how to care for your tech at home. From cleaning advice and battery care to quick fixes that can extend the life of your device, you’ll leave with a better understanding of how to reduce e-waste and keep your tech working better for longer. Drop in, get hands-on, and discover how repair and reuse can be empowering, climate friendly—and even fun.

Tuesday 12th August – Fabric Repair Café – Wester Hailes Lend and Mend Hub
10:00-13:00 and 14:00-16:30

Mend, alter and repair with the Wester Hailes Lend and Mend Hub. Drop-in to get a helping hand with your own fabric repair activity or join them for a quick textiles project to get the sewing bug!

Drop in to learn small ways to "unlearn" bad posture habits and achieve a balanced, more naturally aligned body. Relieving tension and stress in everyday activity and hopefully 'repairing' your awareness of your body and how the mind and body work intimately as one.

Thursday 14th August - Boro & Sashiko: Creative Repair in Action – Remakery
12:00-15:00

Join us for a relaxing and inspiring drop-in session where creativity meets sustainability. Guided by an experienced tutor, you’ll learn the beautiful Japanese textile repair techniques of Boro and Sashiko—methods that celebrate visible mending, storytelling through stitches, and the art of giving fabric new life. Using squares of salvaged denim, you’ll create your own stitched patchwork piece to contribute to the restoration of a unique community kimono. As the project grows, the kimono will become a collective artwork—stitched together from individual contributions, each one a small act of repair and care. You’ll also find inspiration in examples of how these techniques can be used to mend clothing or transform fabric scraps into new creations like gift bags, wall hangings or cushions. All materials used in the session have been rescued from waste—highlighting the beauty and potential in what might otherwise be thrown away. No sewing experience is needed—just come along, slow down, and enjoy the meditative process of making something meaningful with your hands.

Friday 15th August – Textile Mending - Edinburgh Street Stitchers + Repair What You Wear
10:00-12:00 and 15:30-17:30

Learn to repair your own clothes with the helping hands of Edinburgh Street Stitchers and Repair What You Wear. We all have something in the back of our wardrobe which we’ve been meaning to mend...well now’s the time! Bring it along to the Repair Shed and they’ll show you how while facilitating community conversations around sustainability, production, fibres and fabrics, repair techniques. 

Saturday 16th August – Stories for Strangers – Luke Winter
11:00-13:00, 13:45-17:00

There’s nothing like a good ol’ chat. We’ll be ‘repairing’ the art of community conversation in the Repair Shed through personalised storytelling. Luke writes stories for strangers on his typewriter. Pop your head into the Repair Shed, have a conversation and Luke will craft you a story to take away.

Sunday 17th August – Old School Puncture Repair 101 - The Wee Spoke Hub
10am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm

Learn the lost skill of bike inner tube repair and never be stranded with a flat tyre again! The Wee Spoke Hub will be onsite to answer all your questions related to puncture repair; free safety checks are also on the menu; and they may even show you ways to usefully upcycle your old tyres…

Sunday 17th August – Repairing with EIBF Producer Frieda Ford
14:00-17:00

Grab a chair and have a chat while taking part in a quick and easy repair themed task! This drop-in space is also the perfect time to wander in and check out our noticeboard full of repair activity happening across Edinburgh and further afield.

Monday 18th August - Letters Fae the Locals – Refuweegee
14:00-17:00

Pop by and lend your creative brain to writing a welcoming message (or drawing!) to refugees arriving in Scotland. The team from Refuweegee will guide you in creating these heartwarming messages which will then be distributed within their community-built, personal welcome packs to help people feel more at home here. 

Tuesday 19th August – ReWrite ReNew RePair with Young Makars from Scottish Poetry Library
14:00-17:00

A collaborative poetry workshop hosted by the Scottish Young Makars (Leah Sinforiani and Eve Mackintosh), writing together to stitch new language.

Wednesday 20th August – People’s Manifesto – Ryan Van Winkle
16:00-20:00

Thursday 21st August – Repairing Your Everyday Movements – Alexander Technique Collaboration
16:00-19:00

Drop in to learn small ways to "unlearn" bad posture habits and achieve a balanced, more naturally aligned body. Relieving tension and stress in everyday activity and hopefully 'repairing' your awareness of your body and how the mind and body work intimately as one.

Thursday 21st August - Boro & Sashiko: Creative Repair in Action- Remakery
16:00-19:00

Join us for a relaxing and inspiring drop-in session where creativity meets sustainability. Guided by an experienced tutor, you’ll learn the beautiful Japanese textile repair  techniques of Boro and Sashiko—methods that celebrate visible mending, storytelling through stitches, and the art of giving fabric new life. Using squares of salvaged denim, you’ll create your own stitched patchwork piece to contribute to the restoration of a unique community kimono. As the project grows, the kimono will become a collective artwork—stitched together from individual contributions, each one a small act of repair and care. You’ll also find inspiration in examples of how these techniques can be used to mend clothing or transform fabric scraps into new creations like gift bags, wall hangings or cushions. All materials used in the session have been rescued from waste—highlighting the beauty and potential in what might otherwise be thrown away. No sewing experience is needed—just come along, slow down, and enjoy the meditative process of making something meaningful with your hands.

Friday 22nd August – ‘Net Work – Repair’ with Neil Butler and Maria McCavana
17:00-20:00

Repair a net whilst thinking of a relationship you would like to mend. Take part in this incredible installation experience led by artists, Neil Butler and Maria McCavana. 

Saturday 23rd August – Repairing Your Everyday Movements – Alexander Technique Collaboration
10:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00

Drop in to learn small ways to "unlearn" bad posture habits and achieve a balanced, more naturally aligned body. Relieving tension and stress in everyday activity and hopefully 'repairing' your awareness of your body and how the mind and body work intimately as one. 

Sunday 24th August - Textile Mending - Edinburgh Street Stitchers and Repair What You Wear
11:00-13:00, 14:00-16:00

Learn to repair your own clothes with the helping hands of Edinburgh Street Stitchers and Repair What You Wear. We all have something in the back of our wardrobe which we’ve been meaning to mend...well now’s the time! Bring it along to the Repair Shed and they’ll show you how while facilitating community conversations around sustainability, production, fibres and fabrics, repair techniques. 

Sunday 24th August - Bookmark and Postcard making with Edinburgh Collage Club
14:00-16:00

Explore the art of collaging with Edinburgh Collage Club. Using a range of recycled, used and found materials you’ll craft collaged bookmarks and postcards. Learn about the art of collage and how the act of sitting down and focusing on making, can have real benefits for your wellbeing. 

Sunday 24th August - Letters Fae the Locals – Refuweegee
17:00-20:00

Pop by and lend your creative brain to writing a welcoming message (or drawing!) to refugees arriving in Scotland. The team from Refuweegee will guide you in creating these heartwarming messages which will then be distributed within their community-built, personal welcome packs to help people feel more at home here.