Dalkeith Digest: Friday 18 April 2025
Bringing the community together
A quieter week news wise but plenty going on for the diary in this upcoming week and beyond. Plus a nod to Dalkeith Ladies RFC after their historic win at Murrayfield.
Enjoy and thanks for reading.
Local news and developments
⚠️ Arrest: Police Scotland Midlothian has notified that a 24-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with an incident that took place in Bonnyrigg early on 6 April. The man is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.
🛣️ Road safety: The Police also highlighted that this summer’s Motorcycle Safety Campaign has been launched, with patrols along the A6094 near Leadburn.
✍️ Volunteer survey: Volunteers are invited to respond to the Midlothian Volunteer Satisfaction Survey by 2 May. The survey, led by Midlothian Third Sector Interface, is designed to understand the experience of volunteering, help organisations demonstrate impact and to improve and volunteer support and development.
🚸 Dad’s survey: Dalkeith Library is currently hosting an exhibition on ‘how dads can be carers too’, running until the end of April during World Autism Awareness Month.
👷 Banner on display: A banner created for a Newtongrange Village Voices group is on display at Midlothian Council HQ. The banner, featuring historical photographs of miners, was featured in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery exhibition Before and After Coal, Images and Voices from Scotland’s Mining Communities.
🏠 Bid rejected: A new application to build homes on land in Penicuik has been rejected by planners, Midlothian View reports. The bid for permission to build three split level homes next to a former mill lade follows a similar proposal rejected two years ago over safety concerns.
🐝 Beekeeping: Newbattle Abbey College has launched a Beekeeping Course, running on Wednesdays from 7 May to 11 June.
🏳️ Military children: Penicuik Town Hall, Lasswade High and Mauricewood Primary will fly the Military child flag in April as Midlothian Council celebrates Month of the Military Child. The flag was designed by P7 pupil Sophia Pang.
🌱 Garden contest: Midlothian’s tenant garden contest is back, with entries open in two categories: Best Overall Garden and Tallest Sunflower (under 15s). The deadline for entry is 8 August, with vouchers for Pentland Plants Garden Centre up for grabs.
Event and activity diary
🍰 The Market: The Market returns to Dalkeith Country Park tomorrow (19 April), offering goods from a large selection of traders. The market runs from 10am to 4pm in front of Restoration Yard.
🌻Spring fair: KIC Studios are holding their Spring Fair tomorrow (19 April) at their Ironmills Park base. The event begins at 10am, with stalls showcasing a number of local small businesses.
🐣 Easter extravaganza: It’s Middleton Village Hall tomorrow (19 April) for the LCA Easter Extravaganza! Tickets are £5 per child (adults go free), with activities (from 2pm) including a bonnet parade, mini disco, crafts, baking, games and egg hunt.
🔓 Bowls Open Day: Dalkeith Bowling Club is among 14 Midlothian clubs opening their doors on 26 April as part of Roll into Bowls 2025 (10am - 2pm). The Bowls Midlothian Open Day offers an opportunity for anyone to visit and give bowls a try.
🕺 ABBA night: It’s an evening of ABBA hits at Pathhead Village Hall on Saturday 26 April. ABBA CADABRA kicks off at 7.30pm, tickets £10.
🚸 Families project: Hear the stories of Midlothian families at a special event led by the Midlothian Family Poverty Research Project on 28 April. The event starts at 12pm and features interactive exhibits, a children’s play corner and light refreshments.
♻️ Litterpick: Join Forth Rivers Trust as they lead a litterpick on 2 May from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. The event, part of the Upstream Battle campaign, will concentrate on the South Esk upstream of Dalkeith Country Park, with hot drinks and biscuits provided.
🥳 VE Day: Midlothian Council is encouraging the public, volunteer networks and community groups to join together ahead of VE Day (5 May) in preparation for VE Day 80 celebrations and street parties.
🎲 Casino night: Esk Valley Rotary are hosting a Casino night on 9 May to raise funds for a project with the Rotary Club of Hermanus in South Africa. The event will take place at Newbattle Golf Club, with tickets at £12.50 (including £20 of chips).
🎶 Choir concert: Serenata Women’s Choir hold their Spring Concert on 9 May (7.45pm) at St John’s and King’s Park Church. Tickets are £10/£6.
📖 DIY publishing: Midlothian Library Service is hosting a DIY Publishing evening at Loanhead Library on 8 May (6.30pm). The evening will feature special guests talking about their publishing journeys and offering easy-to-use, practical tools.
The Library Service runs a number of Braw Blether events across Midlothian throughout the month, seeking to spark connection through words.
🎊 Dalkeith Festival: Planning has started for Dalkeith Festival, which takes place every year on the first Saturday in August. Contact Dalkeith Festival if you would like to be part of the parade or support any part of the day.
⏰ Previously listed events happening this week:
Easter holiday activities at Midlothian libraries - various (but be quick!)
Mayfield Community Club’s Easter Funday & Barbecue - 19 April (12pm - 4pm)
Sport
🏉🏆 Huge congratulations in order for Dalkeith Ladies RFC, who were victorious in the final of the 2024/25 Women’s National Bowl. After a narrow defeat in the final last year, Dalkeith prevailed this time with a 43-12 win over Strathaven. Scottish Rugby has posted key moments from the match as well as a behind the scenes video.
Dalkeith RFC has congratulated the 10 Dalkeith players selected to represent Midlothian Select against South District Union in Kelso tonight (18 April).
⚽ Dalkeith Thistle fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Vale of Leithen last weekend but followed that up with a vital 4-2 victory over West Calder at King’s Park on Tuesday night, leaving things incredibly tight in the league. No game this weekend, with an away trip to Bathgate in the league coming up on 26 April.
⚽ Bonnyrigg Rose lost 2-0 at home to East Fife, conceding two second half goals either side of a sending off for Ryan Porteous. The Rose now sit six points adrift at the bottom of the William Hill League 2 with three fixtures remaining. Next up is Forfar Athletic away tomorrow (19 April) at 3pm.
🤝 Dalkeith Petanque Club congratulated Rosslyn Rhinos and welcomed the experience after DPC lost all six games to their accomplished counterparts.
DPC has announced plans to visit Jarnac, Dalkeith's twin town in France.
Brilliant local news outlet. Very refreshing. Good luck.