Dalkeith Digest: Friday 28 March 2025
Bringing the community together
Welcome to the first edition of the Dalkeith Digest, a weekly rundown of the latest news, developments and events happening in and around our community.
This is an idea very much in its infancy so consider this a prototype, and as such any feedback is gratefully received. If it's something people find useful then I will continue to develop the newsletter as I get to grips with Substack and build up sources over time.
If you would like something included in a future edition, or would like to see more or less of particular items, do just get in touch.
Local developments and news
Dalkeith Museum: Dalkeith Museum is seeking views on what people value about Dalkeith's history, with a view to ensuring a Sustainable Future. The Museum is hosting a number of drop-in events between 1 and 3 April, offering an opportunity to meet volunteers, explore the collection and share ideas for exhibitions, events or activities.
Penicuik High redevelopment: Midlothian Council has appointed Morrison Construction Ltd as the preferred main contractor to redevelop Penicuik High School. Planning permission is being sought for the re-use and retrofit of the original B-listed 1930s building. Midlothian View also reports that councillors have unanimously approved plans for a new Beeslack High School.
Community Council: Dalkeith and District Community Council is looking to recruit some new members. The Community Council meets once a month in Dalkeith Library. For more information contact info@dalkeithcc.org.uk.
Young carers: Midlothian Council is inviting young carers to apply for funding through the Time2Chill fund, to be used for anything that will give young carers a break from caring.
New bus service: Timetables are available for the new 800 community bus service, starting on Monday 31 March. The pilot service visits Pathhead - Vogrie - Gorebridge - Dalkeith - Bonnyrigg - Straiton - Penicuik.
School petition: Midlothian View reports on a call for an upgrade to the playground at Newtongrange Primary School. A petition has been signed by more than 460 people and will be considered by the Council’s Petitions Committee next week.
Learning opportunities: Newbattle Abbey College has announced two free courses running this Spring: Discover Woodland Learning and Introduction to Newbattle. An information session will take place on 1 April (3.30pm - 4.30pm).
School meals: Midlothian Council has stressed that applications for free school meals next year (2025/26) will not become available until at least July.
Event Diary
🎸 Live music: Head along to Dalkeith Miners Club this Saturday (29 March) for free live music, featuring The Banned (doors 7pm).
👩🌾👨🌾 Spring Garden Party: Newtongrange Community Garden is hosting its Spring Garden Party on Saturday (29 March) at 10am.
🎨 Dalkeith Arts: A watercolour class with Barbara Mackie will take place at Dalkeith Arts Centre this Saturday (29 March), 10.30am - 12.30pm.
🏛 Council headquarters: Go to Dalkeith Library on Tuesday 1 April (4pm-7pm) if you would like to give your views on proposals for Midlothian Council headquarters. The proposals include a new one stop shop on the ground floor for people to access various services.
🎤 Dalkeith Singers: Join the Dalkeith Singers for a relaxing and enjoyable coffee morning on Saturday 12 April (10am - 12pm at St Nicholas Buccleuch Church). Entrance is £5 and includes refreshments!
📖 Easter library activities: Midlothian Council has highlighted over 70 free children’s events planned at Midlothian libraries over the Easter holidays.
👟 Bluebell Trail Run: Entry is now open for the 2025 Bluebell 1K, 5K and 10K Trail Run. The event will take place in Dalkeith Country Park on 11 May 2025.
🌊 Foxlake: A little further afield but Foxlake Adventures is to reopen for the 2025 season on 5 April, just in time for the Easter holidays. Read about the activities on offer this year in the East Lothian Courier.
👪 Children’s Market: The Little Children’s Market Scotland returns to Dalkeith on 11 May. The event will take place at Dalkeith Leisure Centre and now has space for 80 stalls.
Sport
Football: Bonnyrigg Rose FC recently confirmed they have had their Bronze Licence reinstated following issues relating to the pitch. The club continues to fundraise to further develop the club for the benefit of the local community.
⚽️ Bonnyrigg are at home to Elgin on Saturday 29 March (3pm) as they fight to avoid a relegation play-off come the end of the season.
⚽️ Dalkeith Thistle FC play away at Bathgate Thistle on 29 March (2.30pm) in the league before returning to play Edinburgh College at home on Tuesday 1 April (7.30pm) in the 2nd round of the League Cup.
Rugby: Dalkeith Rugby Football Club is on the lookout for passionate and committed coaches to help develop the next generation of Dalkeith players.
🏉 Dalkeith RFC 2nd XV are at home to Leith 2nd XV on 29 March (3pm).
Petanque: Dalkeith Petanque Club (DPC) played their first league game last week, losing 4-2 to Newtongrange. Next up in the league is Rosslyn Rhinos.
DPC is also advertising badges available to buy for £1, with all proceeds going to Dalkeith History Museum.