Beltane Gathering Comes to National Mining Museum Scotland
National Mining Museum Scotland is inviting the local community to come together this spring for a special evening marking the arrival of summer with a relaxed, community-led Beltane celebration.
Taking place on Saturday, 23 May from 6pm–9pm, this unique pilot event offers a gentle alternative to large-scale festivals — focusing instead on connection, creativity and shared seasonal traditions.
Visitors can expect an atmospheric evening shaped by local contributors, featuring traditional musicians including Borthwick and District Pipe Band, storytelling, and hands-on heritage activities. Crafts will include willow weaving, whittling, bannock making, mini maypole altar decorations, and flower crown making using foraged materials from the museum grounds, alongside herbal elixirs and informal demonstrations.
Outdoor fire pits, a relaxed bar, and Scottish food will add to the welcoming, unhurried feel of the evening, with indoor spaces available for seating and shelter if required.
Rather than a polished festival, the event is designed as a small, low-key gathering, offering space for people to slow down, share time together, and celebrate the changing season in a historic setting.
The event is proudly sponsored by George Cleland of Cleland Roofing Solutions, whose contribution is helping to make this community-led pilot possible and support the development of future outdoor programming at the museum.
Kerry-lee Dymond, Commercial and Audience Development Manager at National Mining Museum Scotland said:
“This is something a little different for us — a quieter, more reflective way of marking the season and bringing people together. We’re really interested in creating something that feels authentic and community-led, where people can connect with traditions, creativity and each other.”
“As this is our first year, we’re also inviting visitors to help shape what this could become in the future. We’d love to grow this into an annual event that belongs to the community.”
Tickets are £10, with all proceeds supporting the development of future events as the museum works towards a more sustainable future. The ticket price includes entry, entertainment and access to craft activities. Food and drink will be available to purchase on the evening. Tickets can be purchased online at www.nationalminingmuseum.com .
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Gillian Rankin
Marketing and Events Manager
National Mining Museum Scotland
0131 663 7519
marketing@nationalminingmuseum.com
