We are delighted and pleased to announce that, following fantastic and positive reaction to our publication of the Mercer diaries at Dalkeith Show yesterday, we are now making this available for purchase as a printed version. 

With 221 pages of fascinating insight into farming in Midlothian over 100 years ago, the cost is a remarkable £9.00 per copy for collection from Cousland Local History Project. Postage in the UK will be £2.50.

Please contact cousland.localhistory@gmail.com to place your order with us. We will make them available as soon as we can and will advise delivery date.

Downloading the.pdf  version will enable checking of family names & locations before you purchase a reading copy to savour with a wee glass on a winters night!

Cousland Local History Project is delighted to announce that our first publication - in conjunction with Edinburgh University Ethnology Department has just been digitally published online.

​Download book here

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The Diaries written by George Gibson Mercer, belong to the Mercer Family and contain many gems of information about what was grown on the farm when, who was employed - a number of 'weel kent' names feature, and other local businesses etc.
CLHP have a stand at Dalkeith Show on 13th July, kindly donated by the Show Committee as George was their Chair around 100 years ago, where we will launch the publication to the wider farming community, and no doubt hear that some of the descendants of the names are there!
Printed copies available at £9.00 from Cousland Local History Project

We've all been very busy getting the smiddy & cottage 'In the Mood' for our WWII themed Open day on Saturday. From 10am - 4pm we will have themed displays & activities for all the family, a guest Blacksmith will be at the forge, teas, soup & home baking, Digging for Victory in the plots and a bit of 40's dance music. Plant sale . 

Today we welcomed a group from Dirleton & Gullane History Society for the first open day of 2019.

After coffee at the Hall , the group toured the village and were treated to a demonstration
of blacksmithing techniques in the forge, by Pete Hill from Ratho Byres Forge
who kindly volunteered to support the Trust. 

The visitors then saw round the new exhibitions created to mark the beginning of WWII
and the impact on life in Cousland. 

Special whole day Open Days are planned for Saturdays 8th June and 14th September with blacksmithing demonstrations and themed activities.
Saturday 8th June will also host the traditional Smiddy Plant Sale - at the smiddy this time.

Further open days can be found at:

http://www.couslandsmiddy.co.uk/visit-us.html
 

You are welcome to join villagers and their families for our annual
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Community Christmas Carols around the forge at
Cousland Smiddy
on Sunday 23rd  December
from 6pm to 7pm.
It's always invigorating, the singing is enthusiastic, and the company is friendly.
A warming mug of home-made soup and a glass of ‘festive refreshments’ make it extra special.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Wrap up warm. Donations accepted.
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Cousland Smiddy, 31 Hadfast Road, Cousland, EH22 2NZ 

Introductory course to be held at Cousland Smiddy beginning 3rd October

​https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/directory_record/23368574/introduction_to_drawing_and_painting_cousland

We had a lovely day welcoming visitors to Doors Open on Saturday. Please take time to fill in the online survey and let them know about your experiences. 

 http://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/resources/doors-open-days-visitor-survey-2018/

Midlothian Doors Open Day at Cousland SmiddyCousland Smiddy and Heritage Hub
Rural Life in the Past
To celebrate 100 years of 'The Rural' in the village, there will be a Cousland SWRI Centenary Exhibition in the cottage.
Lots of 'retro' activities to try including Carpet Beating, Butter Churning, Granny's Wash Day, Horse Shoe Quoits and more!
Demonstration of Blacksmithing happening throughout the day in the forge.
Soup, tea, coffee and cakes will be available in the marquee and local produce from the organic plots.
Something for everyone, so do drop in for a visit!
Opening times:
Saturday 8 September 2018 - 1000 until 1600 hrs