Dalkeith Digest: Friday 11 July 2025
Midlothian video showcase, award-winning restaurants back local teams and family orienteering event this weekend
It’s going to be a scorcher this weekend and, after a week off doing this, you’ll find a bumper list of things to do and pore over in the coming days and the remainder of the summer. As ever I’m struck by the level of community-led activity bubbling away, not least in the form of our Guerrilla Gardeners, featured later. And if you’re of a mind to expand your skillset over the summer, I’ve flagged a few interesting-looking learning opportunities at the end of the newsletter.
There’s an extreme wildfire warning in place across Scotland from today until Monday, so take care whatever it is you are doing this weekend.
Local news and developments
📺 Midlothian video showcase: A series of videos has been launched to showcase Midlothian’s culture, landscapes and businesses as part of a campaign to raise awareness of the area as a destination. The videos, featuring lifestyle influencer Wendy H Gilmour, are available on Locate in Midlothian, the website for the Council’s Economic Development Service. They focus on: History & Heritage; Outdoor Adventures; Art & Culture; Hidden Gems.
👷♂️ A7 improvement work begins: Work has begun on planned improvements to the A7 at Eskbank to make it easier for people to use public transport and reach the rail station and Midlothian Community Hospital. New footpaths, safe crossings and bus stops will be introduced on the west side of Eskbank. A stretch of Lasswade Road has been closed this week (accompanied by temporary lights) and it will be again from Monday 14 July to Monday 3 August.
🏘️ Potential housing sites approved: Councillors have approved a number of potential sites for new housing projects, Midlothian View reports. The shortlist of sites, which includes land at Melville Grange, is to support the Council in achieving its target of having land available for 8,851 new homes over the next two years.
🚬 Illegal tobacco haul: A total of 3,620 illegal cigarettes and 800g of tobacco was recently seized from a shop in Dalkeith, Midlothian Council has reported. The same shop had nearly 10,000 cigarettes seized over two visits last year and could now face heavy fines from HMRC.
🧑🌾 Gardeners’ appeal: I’ve been meaning to spotlight Dalkeith Guerrilla Gardeners again as they do such brilliant and tireless voluntary work for the benefit of us all in the town. They have launched a gofundme page to help fund their efforts - support them if you can.
🥇 Rosslyn Castle recognition: Midlothian North MSP Colin Beattie lodged a motion in Parliament congratulating Rosslyn Castle on being awarded a Gold Award at the Scottish Design Awards following a two-year programme of restoration and repair.
💍 Diamond anniversaries: The Council has celebrated the diamond (60th!) wedding anniversaries of Midlothian couples Maria and Allan Roberts and Helen and Billy McCall. The latter are the parents of Provost Cllr Debbi McCall. Midlothian South MSP Christine Grahame acknowledged the McCalls in a parliamentary motion.
👩🌾 Competition winners: Speaking of gardening, Newtongrange Community Council has celebrated the winners of the 2025 Garden Competition.
🗣️ Consultations: A couple of consultations to flag seeking the views of Midlothian residents:
A consultation on community justice in Midlothian has been launched by the Midlothian Community Justice Partnership. The closing date is 17 August.
Midlothian Council is seeking views on its draft Local Transport Strategy. The closing date is 17 September.
🖊️ Local opinion: Midlothian View has featured commentary from a range of figures since I last wrote:
Midlothian MP Kirsty McNeill wrote about her first year in office.
Midlothian South MSP Christine Grahame focused on the UK Government’s welfare u-turn.
Jillian Edmund, Energy Project Lead at Advice Direct Scotland, highlighted Midlothian Energy Limited – a joint venture between Midlothian Council and Swedish energy company Vattenfall.
Event and activity diary
⏰ Previously listed events or activities taking place this week:
Freestyle Football Workshop at National Mining Museum - 11 July (sessions at 10am/12pm/2pm)
Glencorse Centre Farmers Market - 12 July (10am - 3pm)
Summer Fair at Newbattle Abbey College - 12 July (10.30am - 5pm)
Newtongrange Star Youth Club Race Night at Mayfield Community Club - 12 July (7pm)
Reckless live at the Black Bull, Dalkeith - 12 July (9pm)
P in the Park 2025 at Unleashed Dog Park in Cousland - 12/13 July
The Link Charity Market in Loanhead - 13 July (10am - 3pm)
Paddington in Peru autism and toddler friendly screenings at National Mining Museum - 14 July (10am and 1.30pm respectively)
Dalkeith RFC Summer Camp at King’s Park - 14 - 16 July
Edinburgh Menagerie at Newtongrange Community Garden (sold out) - 18 July (10.30am - 11.15am)
🎾 Wimbledon at DPC: The Big Summer Screen is up and running at Dalkeith Country Park and the forecast couldn’t be much better for enjoying the finals from Wimbledon this weekend.
🚴 Kids cycling sessions: You’ll need to be quick but Cycling UK is hosting free cycling sessions for children aged 2 - 6 at Danderhall Leisure Centre this afternoon (11 July) at 1pm, 1.45pm, 2.30pm & 3.15pm. Bikes and helmets are provided.
🧭 Orienteering event: Edinburgh Southern Orienteering Club is holding a family-friendly orienteering event at the Bush Estate tomorrow (12 July). Everyone is welcome, with courses suitable for all levels. Registration starts at 12.45pm.
🎸 Live covers: Live music at Dalkeith Miners Club tomorrow (12 July), with Cover Up performing a range of covers from 7pm. Entry is free.
🏘️ Housing walkabout: Housing officers and ward councillors are to take part in a walkabout on Tuesday (15 July) to hear from local residents. The visit will start at Gibraltar Terrace at 1pm and end at Gibraltar Gardens on Gibraltar Road.
🕹️ Drone sessions: The Council is running a couple of sessions next week to help parents and their children learn the basics of flying drones. The sessions, supported by Skills Development Scotland advisors, are on Wednesday (16 July) at Lasswade High School and Friday (18 July) at Penicuik Town Hall, both 10.30am - 12pm.
🎨 Creative evening: The Bubbling Toad is to host its next crafting evening at Vogrie Park on 24 July from 3pm to 6pm. The Adult Makers Table is open to all levels of crafters looking for a “calming, creative escape”.
🎂 Cake decorating: Midlothian Council is hosting a free Family Cake Decorating Session at Eskdail Court on 25 July (10.30am - 12pm).
📽️ Grease screening: One Dalkeith is screening the classic musical Grease on 25 July (5pm - 7pm) as part of its Affordable Cinema scheme. Tickets are £2 and include sweets and juice.
🎼 Concert: Midlothian Twinning Association is to host O’ Happy Day, a concert in partnership with Crichton Collegiate Church and the Jünger Chor Hünshoven Choir. The event will take place at Crichton Collegiate Church on 26 July, 6pm - 7.30pm. Entry by donation (£10 recommended). (Midlothian Council)
👚 Upcycling session: Learn how to upcycle clothes at a one-off introductory session at One Dalkeith on 31 July (6pm - 7.30pm). Take along an old shirt or dress to upcycle in a relaxed evening led by experienced maker Michela. Tickets are £5 and no experience is required to take part.
🎨🍸 Sip, Party and Paint: The Dean Tavern is to host a country themed afternoon of partying and painting with DJ and live singer Vicki Beveridge. The event will take place from 2pm to 5pm on 9 August, with art supplies and welcome fizz provided. Tickets £25.
🎶 Singing workshops: The Dalkeith Singers are hosting free summer workshops to provide singing tips and a taste of the choir before the autumn term begins. On 31 July the theme is Folk and Faure, followed by Musicals and Mozart on 14 August. Both workshops are at St Nicholas Buccleuch Church, 7.30pm - 9.30pm.
🧸 Pre-loved market returns: The Too Good to Throw Market returns to Dalkeith on 30 August. The pop-up pre-loved market will take place at Dalkeith Community Campus between 10am and 1pm, with entrance £1.50 for adults and stalls costing £25. (Alanna Pryde)
📷 Photo exhibition: An exhibition celebrating art photography returns to Dalkeith Palace this year between 30 August and 5 October. PhotoDalkeith will showcase the work of 17 contemporary photographers.
🌳 Vogrie Pogrie: No doubt lots of parents and families are looking forward to this year’s Vogrie Pogrie, a festival of “creativity and curious happenings” taking place at Vogrie Park between 12 and 15 September. The festival organisers are seeking volunteers to support the event.
😂 Comedy club: One to stick in the diary for autumn - Bearfoot Comedy Club is presenting an evening of comedy at Bonnyrigg Rose Social Club on 26 September.
☀️ Summer fun: A reminder that the Council continues to highlight a range of free summer activities aimed at children and families over the holidays.
Sport and fitness
⚽ Sport sponsorship: Itihaas in Dalkeith and The Radhuni in Loanhead have agreed sponsorship deals with five local football teams for the coming season, Midlothian View reports. Dalkeith Thistle are among those supported by the award-winning restaurants.
🏉 Girls rugby camp: Dalkeith RFC Girls are holding a rugby camp on Thursday (17 July, 10am - 1.30pm) for all girls aged 5 to 18. The camp is £10 and will focus on skill-building, teamwork and confidence.
🎾 Public courts open: I recently highlighted the refurbished public tennis courts at King’s Park (as well as Newtongrange and Penicuik) - the Council has confirmed the courts are now officially open and bookable via Clubspark for £5 an hour.
⚽ Free 5-a-side for young people: Midlothian School Link Officers have been taking part in the Coalfields Regeneration Trust 5-a-side football on Friday afternoons. The initiative is a free turn up and play session for young people, led by partners including Dalkeith Thistle CFC. The sessions are held at Dalkeith Cowden Park Astro, Newbattle High School Astro and Arniston Rangers Astro.
Recruitment and learning
⚡ Energy course: Energy Training Academy, a specialist training centre in Dalkeith, has joined with the Electric Heating Company to offer a six-month renewable installer course. Read more in Midlothian View.
🎭 Puppeteering course: A free puppeteering course for young people in Midlothian aged 8 to 16 is being offered by youth charity Seeds of Disruption. Participants will take part in rehearsals over July and August before a performance at Vogrie Pogrie Festival on 14 September.
📋 Courses for parents: Midlothian Council has highlighted a range of upcoming courses aimed at parents:
Empowering Women - Inspire & Thrive - six week programme launching on 29 July
SIA Security Officer Training - various dates, beginning with emergency first aid on 30 July
Creative Wellness through Cake Decorating - 10 week programme beginning on 19 August
Emergency First Aid at Work - 23 August (one day)
Elementary Food and Hygiene - 10/11 September