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
​
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.
​
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

Hooray - the red telephone box is now ours for posterity.
Cousland Local History Project shelled out the £1 to claim it on behalf of the village,
so it will continue to be in it's historic position.
A popular idea for use is as an information point for visitors, walkers, cyclists where they could find walking maps, local historical information, event info. and also a book borrow.
​Defibrillator was an idea, there are plans to possibly locate one elsewhere in the village.

We are delighted to share a video from our recent FAM trip showcasing Midlothian where we educated people working in tourism in #scottishborders #midlothian to ehance their product knowledge. Please share with your colleagues and visitors - more reasons to visit VisitMidlothian

Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World Dalkeith Country Park Cousland
Melville Golf Centre Dobbies Saltire Hospitality Ltd MBTAG - Midlothian Borders Tourism Action Group


YOUTUBE.COM
Discover Midlothian 2 by MBATG
Discover Midlothian - explore Midlothian. Dobbies, Cousland Smiddy, Dalkeith Country Park, Melville Golf, Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect…
​

​Sheena Irving, Chair of the Smiddy Trust was delighted to be invited to present the 3rd annual Tynewater Heritage Trophy to the winning pupils at the last day of term Assembly today.

The winning class were P4 with a well thought out and presented display on Midlothian's Farming Heritage.
​

Well we had a fabulous day on Saturday 9th - the sun shone all day for us and we had over 100 visitors who enjoyed 'retro rural' themed activities, such as Granny's Washing Day, Live Butter Churning, crafts to try, Guess the object and more. We hope to revisit some of these for Doors Open Day 8th September.meanwhile many many thanks to the volunteers and SWRI members who made it possible. Here are some images for you to enjoy!