New lighting, which has just been installed inside Rosslyn Chapel, will enhance the visitor experience and highlight the Chapel’s commitment to green tourism.
The new lights illuminate twelve of the Chapel’s arches and will help visitors appreciate more of the Chapel’s medieval stone carvings, which were previously in shadow. The LED lights have been specifically made for the Chapel and support Rosslyn Chapel Trust’s aim of working in a more sustainable away.
Ian Gardner, Director of Rosslyn Chapel Trust, said: ‘We hope that this new lighting will really enhance a visit to the Chapel, particularly over autumn and winter, and for evening visits and events. These LED lights are environmentally-friendly and have been specially designed for us by a very local Midlothian company, Stoane Lighting, in Loanhead. Rosslyn Chapel Trust is trying to work in a more sustainable way, as well as providing a high-quality experience for visitors, and this new initiative fits very well with those aims.’
More information on the Trust’s approach to working sustainably can be found here
Among the measures in place, the Chapel has a biomass boiler and rainwater harvester, and visitors are encouraged to use public transport where possible.
Thinking of visiting the Chapel then plan your visit here . It is open daily!
Photo: Guide Jenny Beddoe-Stephens shows off new lighting which has just been installed in Rosslyn Chapel, in Midlothian.
Credit – Rob McDougall
Looking for a night out in Midlothian?
Brilliant fun & fantasic music with your favourite bands and your friends. Lots on through the year in your locale. A couple more before Christmas events take over.
Freddie Mercury @ The Original Rosslyn Inn
Abba Duo @ The Craigie Hotel
See venues for information & tickets and their line up for 2024
The Original Rosslyn Inn, Roslin
The Craigie, Penicuik
The Old Mill House, Dalkeith is at your service every step of the way with its new unique Concierge Service
New for 2023 is their Concierge Service which has played a vital role elevating guests’ experience. Sally (the owner), is dedicated to delivering the service personally. She’s taken on the role of ‘personal wizard’, a genie on speed dial, ensuring every guest’s stay is extraordinary and their needs are met seamlessly.
What’s more, the service is complimentary, yes, you read that right. Sally’s enviable little black book of contacts gives her direct access to her most trusted hospitality partners and suppliers.
The benefits of the Concierge Service for guests are:
Arranging airport transfers in our preferred partners luxury vehicles
Food shopping, sourcing the finest fresh and local organic produce. Managing dietaries and preferences
Confirming the services of Jesse our private chef, including menu guidance and recommendations
Pre-ordering wine from one of Scotland’s premier wine merchants
Recommendations for places to eat and drink for lunch and dinner
Personal itinerary planning
Organising golf trips and whisky tastings.
We’re super pleased to report that guests really value our new concierge service, it’s been extremely well received and is going down a treat!
said Sally Dewaard
MORE DETAILS ON SALLY DE WAARD’S EXPERT CONCIERGE SERVICE
“Looking for the best birthday of the year?”
Choose Ryze, just outside Edinburgh for fantastic trampolining experiences for all ages on their massive trampolines and offering some amazing and memorable party packages and variety combinations.
“With a party host to take care of everything on the day, all you need to do is enjoy watching your little one have SO MUCH FUN! Choose one of the Ryze party packages:”
“Book your bouncing fun birthday on www.ryze.co.uk or contact our events coordinator on 07739 383561 / events@ryze.co.uk”
All you need to know about the party packages and pricing here
* We bring you a little flavour of what’s on offer below*
What’s life without a bounce!
On the last Sunday of every month starting from 27th August – it will be Pizza Sunday at Penicuik Storehouse.
Located just outside Edinburgh on Penicuik High St
Just something new to add to the many activities going on around the Storehouse. Have you been to Penicuik Storehouse? More information here
A community food store, an ethical shop, a gallery, a cafe with delicious coffee, scones and meals aswell as a fabulous community space and more.
Good for Food: Good for people and Good for the planet.
See website for opening times
19 venues are open to visitors in Midlothian for Doors Open Day this coming September 9th FREE OF CHARGE as always.
Among the places to discover Arniston House, The National Mining Museum Scotland, Dalkeith Museum, and the Pen-y-Coe Press and Papermaking Heritage Centre.
And days out are not complete without something to eat. Check out our FOOD AND DRINK
Keep checking here for the latest updates, or visit the national Doors Open Days website for full details of the event across the country from 16 August – www.doorsopendays.org.uk
So surprisingly close to Edinburgh for great days out
Here’s a flavour of events this August.
Look out for the monthly food, drinks and artisan market at Dalkeith Country Park too.
The Market will be open on the third Saturday of the month from 10:00 to 16:00. Entry to The Market is free. Opening dates include: 17 June, 15 July, 19 August, 16 September, 21 October, 18 November. Something to look forward to on a regular basis.
Events information supplied by Locate in Midlothian
Summer time in Midlothian. Surprisingly close to Edinburgh for great days out.
Now School is out too and the days are longer, here are some of the things to keep everyone busy but check out on our website www.visitmidlothian.co.uk for ideas too for adults, visitors, friends and family.
Meet the Clydesdales at Peggyslea Clydesdales or visit Dalkeith Museum in the restored Corn Exchange or pop in for summer activities and a snack at the National Mining Museum. More to discover here for easy ideas to make the holidays special.
Check out the information from our friends at Locate in Midlothian and their ideas for the month.
Midlothian Council supports Secret Garden Distillery’s Transition to Greener Practices
The Secret Garden Distillery, a prominent local gin producer, is nearing completion of its plans to achieve Carbon Zero status by 2026 and aims to become Carbon-Negative by 2030. As part of their ambitious carbon-reduction goals, the distillery has undertaken various initiatives, including the establishment of a Midlothian Council-funded borehole at their garden site.
Midlothian Council has been actively assisting local businesses in adopting environmentally friendly practices through the Local Authority COVID Economic Recovery Fund provided by the Scottish Government, with a total investment of £80 million.
Imogen Armstrong, one of the Directors of Secret Garden Distillery, emphasized the significance of water usage in their operations, stating, “We use a substantial amount of water for gin production and maintaining our gardens. The energy consumed by the water industry in the UK contributes up to 6% of carbon emissions. Our objective was to reduce our water footprint, and the borehole provides us with a sustainable and self-sufficient water source utilizing natural resources located beneath the ground.”
Although the water source is situated 12 meters below the ground level, the LACER fund from Midlothian Council facilitated the construction of a protective shed for the pumping equipment and the necessary groundwork to connect the borehole to the distillery’s garden site. The high quality of the water extracted from the borehole requires a less extensive cleaning and filtration process compared to mains water. Secret Garden Distillery estimates that this shift will result in an annual reduction of 9% in carbon emissions, contributing to its overall sustainability objectives.
Imogen further added, “Now, both our stills and our 7.5-acre garden are supplied with water pumped from this very shed. We may be biased, but we believe it tastes better than Evian! By reducing our carbon footprint, we have not only achieved our environmental goals but also enhanced the flavour of our gin. It’s a win-win situation.”
To allow visitors to experience the taste difference first-hand, the Secret Garden Distillery Cafe & Bistro, connected to the new water supply, invites individuals to explore the gardens and enjoy their offerings.
Gin tours and tastings available at this unique site.
Midlothian Council remains committed to supporting local businesses in their transition towards sustainable practices. Through the Local Authority COVID Economic Recovery Fund, the council continues to promote eco-conscious initiatives that contribute to a greener and more resilient economy.
To find out more information about The Secret Garden Distillery, please visit secretgardendistillery.co.uk
ENDS
Pentland Cycle Hire has opened in Midlothian.
Opening now for the season is great for the region, offering locals and visitors the opportunity to explore the lovely countryside and peaceful open spaces on two wheels. A healthy and fun way to spend some free time and holidays.
“Pentland Cycle Hire offers cycling for all ages and makes it accessible for all the family with our Kids Go Free offer. We’re encouraging people to explore a new area, try cycling again if it has been a while and get fresh air while enjoying the freedom of cycling”.
says owner and local entrepreneur Jordan Reid
Kid friendly
Ask about summer kids’ club
Jordan is committed to cycling being affordable for families and kids go FREE with adult rentals too.
How to hire a bike with Pentland Cycle Hire
Based at Flotterstone Inn Car Park on the Biggar Road mountain bikes and children’s bikes are available for hire from Friday to Sunday.
Booking in advance is recommended however on the day rentals are possible
Jordan has maps and suggested routes and is on hand to give advice and top tips.
Look for the yellow signs – can’t miss them!
Going forward Pentland Cycle hire is looking to develop E bike options also.
It is a great boost to the Midlothian tourism offering – all so close to Edinburgh for days out too.
For all up to date information and any business developments
Go to Pentland Cycle Hire website
Email – pentlandcyclehire@gmail.com
Inception Art Show returns to Dalkeith Country Park. With an extended programme and impressive collection of sculptors, artists, photographers and painters exhibiting within Dalkeith Palace.
Thursday 4th May to Sunday 14th May
Events include Art & Supper with Richard Demarco, Artist-led Workshops, Curator & Palace Tours and a Charity Auction.
A whole new world for visitors to explore renewable energy and engineering was officially opened on Friday 14th April at National Mining Museum Scotland. The Green Zone, which is aimed primarily at families, connects three adjacent sections within the grounds of the museum into a hub of interactive fun learning and play. The Green Zone consists of an Interactive Zone and Energy Lab, Play Park and new Activity and Events Space. The themes running throughout cover the origins of fossil fuels, renewable energy, climate change, ecology and biodiversity.
Visitors to the museum will have access to the interactive zones as part of their admission ticket. Children can let off steam in the newly refurbished Play Park with new weather and biodiversity activities for all ages to enjoy. Like a scientist, they can investigate new energies and technologies in the Energy Lab and explore engineering and climate change in the Interactive Hub.
Additionally, the new Activity and Events space will be a facility for the museum’s family learning activities and available for hire for community events and children’s birthday parties.
Funding for the new Green Zone has come from Museums Galleries Scotland, the People’s Postcode Trust and the National Mining Museum Scotland.
Lucy Casot, CEO of Museums Galleries Scotland, who officially opened the space, said: “MGS is committed to understanding how to enable our museums and galleries to achieve positive climate action. We know awareness of climate change and the passion to take action is already high amongst our sector. We are delighted therefore to be in a position to provide the financial support needed to ensure steps towards sustainability and climate action is made possible at NMMS.
“For children in particular who are less familiar with the history of coal mining than older generations, the Green Zone will help develop an understanding of the evolution of the energy industry and the increasing importance of renewable energy in Scotland.”
Mhairi Cross, CEO of National Mining Museum Scotland said: “Through our recent involvement in the Climate Beacon project we know that many mining communities feel excluded from climate conversations. Our new Green Zone creates a tangible link from the story of coal to the story of Scotland’s energy transition towards renewable energy that is fun, interactive and memorable. We are extremely grateful to Museums Galleries Scotland for funding this extremely important project.”
The Green Zone is open 7 days a week and is fully wheelchair and pushchair accessible.
Notes to Editors
The wonderfully restored Lady Victoria Colliery is a Five Star visitor attraction and a recognised collection of national significance. First opened in the 1890s, the ‘Lady’ became known as one of the first Scottish super pits and today is home to the extensive collections of National Mining Museum Scotland.
For further information please contact Gillian Rankin, Marketing and Events Manager at National Mining Museum Scotland on 0131 663 7519 or email marketing@nationalminingmuseum.com
Website funded by Scottish Government LACER fund (Local Authority Covid Economic Recovery) & awarded to MTF by Midlothian Council.
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