Area Programmes

There has been a working Smiddy in Cousland since 1703.  When the local blacksmith retired in 1989, the Cousland Smiddy Trust was set up to save the Smiddy,  as one of the last in Scotland.  In 2001 the Smiddy complex and its gardens were purchased by the Trust and are now open to the public regularly throughout the summer months with group bookings welcome.  Funding from The Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland enabled the restoration of the smith's cottage which now provides an interpretation space and a recreation of the smith's sitting from the 1960s.  James Fleming operates a blacksmith's business from the building and 13 organic allotments in the grounds are let to villagers.

www.cousland.net

On Doors Open Day there will be 30 minute blacksmithing demonstrations at 10.30, 11.30, 14.00 and 15.00.

Teas, home-baking and local produce will also be available all day.

Some assistance may be required for disabled access.

Built in the late 14th century as the lordly residence of the Crichtons and later home to the Earls of Bothwell, this castle, currently in the care of Historic Scotland is home to a variety of bats, such as pipistrelle, brown long-eared and Natterers.  If you have ever visited Crichton Castle by day, you may only have been a few feet away from some of these interesting creatures that spend the daylight hours hidden away, but who come out at night to hunt for flying insects. 

www.midlothian.gov.uk/biodiversity

THIS TOUR IS NOW FULLY BOOKED. 

BOOKING IN ADVANCE IS ESSENTIAL.  Please telephone the Midlothian Ranger Service on 01875 821990 to reserve your place.

Join Midlothian Council's Biodiversity Officer and one of Midlothian's Rangers to see and hear, with the use of bat detectors, which bats are inhabiting Crichton Castle and also to experience this wonderful historic building during twilight hours. 

The event starts at 1900 hrs and finishes at 2030 hrs approximately.  Please leave enough time to walk from the car park to reach the castle for 19.00 hrs.

Some assistance may be required with disabled access.

The Dalkeith Estate is bounded by a wall first built by Charles I, but later extended and raised by Napoleonic Prisoners of War. It is a lovely Estate, with ancient oaks, and lies sbetween the Rivers North and South Esk, just outside Edinburgh city boundaries.

We keep a few rare breeds of cattle, sheep and pigs and you can get up close and personal with a Gloucester Old Spot or pat a Wensleydale or maybe watch the shearing in the summer - there is always something going on!

The woodlands are carefully forested for hardwood timber for furniture makers (specialising in oak) but also produce firewood, wood chip bio fuel and charcoal.  The old buildings on the Estate are used for a variety of purposes from offices to a restaurant. 

The Estate is home to a huge variety of animals and birds. Deer, foxes, badgers and buzzards can be seen, by even the most inexperienced nature watcher.

Please note that both the coffee shop and toilets are fully accessible but that some of the trails are unsuitable for buggies, wheelchairs and the infirm.

For more information please visit our website at

www.dalkeithcountryestate.com

   

Dalkeith Fire Station opened on 9 November 1970, providing a high quality firefighting and rescue service in response to fires and other emergencies; educating and advising the general public on fire safety matters; enforcing fire safety legislation and advising local authorities and other agencies with respect to their own legal obligations.

www.lbfire.org.uk

On Doors Open Day the fire station opens its doors to members of the public. Visitors have the chance to see inside a working fire station. In the afternoon there will be an equipment demonstration (14.00-15.00 hrs).
Very limited on site parking. Car parking is available close by in Dalkeith town centre (nearest public car park is adjacent to Fairfield House).

Please note that the fire station is in operation throughout the day.  Please do not park in front of fire appliance bay doors.

There will be guided tours of the house every half hour commencing at 10am with the last tour at 3pm.

Booking is essential. Please e-mail dalkeithhouse@uwrf.edu in order to book your place, stating your top 3 preferred times.

The Lodge was completed and consecrated in 1766 by the local order of Freemasons and is reputedly the oldest purpose-built lodge room in the world. The Freemasons are the only surviving trade guild in Dalkeith and the lodge room continues to be used to this day. The lodge room contains many historical Masonic artefacts and features, including a statue of St Andrew by Sir John Steele. This lodge was one of the founder lodges of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. 

There will be guided tours and the Lodge will be set out as if for a Masonic Meeting. Members will be on hand to assist with any enquiries. 

Complimentary tea and coffee for visitors. 

Some assistance may be required with disabled access.

Various family activities throughout the day including:-

*  Beat the Goalie
*  Kid's Face Painting
*  Police Horses
*  The Role of the Wildlife Officer
*  Tour the Cells and have you Fingerprints taken as a  Souvenir 
*  Delicious BBQ by John Anderson Butchers in aid of Riding for the Disabled
*  Police Bikes
*  Reliance Cell Vehicle
*  Rugby with Doddie Weir
*  Army Assault
*  Archery
*  Golf

Disabled access to ground floor only. Assistance for visitors with sight/hearing difficulties.

Built in 1885 to a design by Sir Rowand Anderson, leading church architect. The four storied saddle roofed tower (unique in the Lothians at the time) was added 10 years later. The Bell of 1702 and the old font were taken from Glencorse Old Parish Church at Erncraig, a quarter of a mile beyond the present Kirk. The old Kirk remained in use until 6 December 1885, when the last sermon was preached. Alterations to Glencorse Kirk were completed in 2007 to comply with the European Disabled Access Bill. Glencorse Kirk has a long association with the army and Glencorse Barracks.

LRT Services 37 and 47 from Edinburgh - bus stop at Glencorse Golf Club
First Bus Services 62 from Peebles - bus stop opposite Glencorse Golf Club

Enjoy a visit to this beautiful listed building in its rural setting, a short journey up Kirk Brae from Milton Bridge.

Public Transport

• First Bus Service 62 from Peebles - bus stop opposite Glencorse Golf Club
• LRT services 37 and 47 from Edinburgh - bus stop at Glencorse Golf Club  

The church was opened in 1830 for the Lasswade Congregation in the United Presbyterian Church. In 1894 the Church was completely overhauled and several alterations carried out. Amongst the gifts which came to the congregation at that time were the present handsome pulpit, the stained glass windows at each side of it, the entrance porch, and the bell. In 1929 the UP Church united with the Church of Scotland.

On Saturday 22 April 1956, the congregations of Lasswade Old Parish Church and Lasswade Strathesk united to form the present congregation of Lasswade Parish Church, and have continued to use this building for worship every Sunday morning since then.