By the time this is read, villagers might have already noticed that building works have started at The Smiddy. Funded by Tyne Esk Leader and Historic Environments Scotland the chimney, windows & doors and interior sleeper flooring are amongst the restorations taking place. Over the next 2 months there will be strictly no through route for vehicles past the front of the smiddy buildings. Access to the plots will be advised by Keith.
This is a very exciting project for the Smiddy & Hub, ensuring the survival of the fabric and the viability of the working forge for generations to come.
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The Smiddy & Hub re-open to the public on a programme of Open Days from May – September.
Blacksmith Sean will still be operating at the forge as much as possible throughout but if you need to contact him, his details are on the smiddy website.  

Blacksmith Sean has been creating unique decorations & gifts featuring horsehoes............on sale at Tynewater School Fair on Saturday 7th December or from the forge on Saturdays.

With this lovely calendar you will be able to remember the Milday ponies in the village for another whole year!
Packed full of Cousland locations, in every season - a great gift or for yourself! 
On sale at Cousland Post Office, Village Cafe from this Saturday
​or by emailing cousland.localhistory@gmail.com.  £4.50 each.

Cousland Smiddy Trust are delighted to announce that last night we held 'the ceremony of the keys' passing the tenancy of Cousland Smiddy forge to Sean Broadfoot, farrier and blacksmith. Sean's tenancy begins on 1st November so you will probably see him around before then so say hello & Welcome to Cousland.                                                    Sean says " I’m extremely honoured and Proud to say that I’ll now be working out of Cousland smiddy. A historic Scotland building which dates back to 1703. My plan is to start making shoes again and make some decorative iron work. And hopefully inspire somebody to get into farriery or blacksmithing through the open days that we’ll be having.".  Seans contact details will be posted on our Blacksmith tab once he is ensconced.

We had a wonderful, if a tad breezy day at Doors Open 14th September. Welcoming over 150 visitors throughout the day, squeezing over 50 into the 2 fascinating talks by Dr Alison Sheridan, ( watch this space for more on this!) and our 2 guest blacksmiths Juliette & Maisie turning on the expertise at the forge - not to mention fabulous teas & lunches & produce to buy , all made for a really great event. Lots of super feedback from visitors who came from far and wide - including Japan!  We were all exhausted but enjoyed the day as much as the visitors. Massive thanks to everyone who helped out before, on the day and after, not even going to try to name you all, it is much appreciated!

Trip Advisor visitor review 5***** August 2019


"A hidden treasure with cart loads of history"

Wartime in a rural community
To commemorate 80 years since the start of World War II and how it affected life in a country village there will be displays showing how residents coped and what they did to help the war effort.  Using the actual words of villagers drawn from oral history projects and BBC broadcasts, the exhibition will reveal how wartime brought the community together.


There will also be demonstrations of Blacksmithing throughout the day in the 300 year old forge.


Talk
As part of East Lothian Archaeology Fortnight, Dr Alison Sheridan of National Museum of Scotland, will present a talk about 2300 BC Early Bronze age skeletons discovered in Cousland over 100 years ago: 11.30 hrs and 13.30 hrs lasting 35 minutes on a first come basis.


Soup, refreshments and cakes available all day, and local produce for sale.  

Today the lovely folks at Lothian Broadband brought us right up to date by donating & installing a new, fast broadband system in the cottage, along with the rental. It will help immensely with our work to preserve & document the smiddy & village history, and enable it to be easily shared with other archives and stored securely in digital format for generations to enjoy in the future. Great swift & neat job lads, taking great care with the listed status of the buildings - thanks!

https://www.lothianbroadband.com/

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!