Forward Mid

16/09/2025

Do you or someone close to you have sight loss or visual impairment?

Come along to a Visually Impaired Support Group at Newbattle Library commencing Wednesday 24th September 2:30 to 4pm.

Call 0131 561 6745 or email newbattle.library@midlothian.gov.uk for more information.

15/09/2025

Have your say: Midlothian Local Housing Strategy 2026/27 - 2030/31

Midlothian Council is consulting with all Midlothian residents on the Local Housing Strategy.

Local Housing Strategy

The Midlothian Local Housing Strategy (LHS) is a five year document covering 2026/27 - 2030/31. This sets out the council’s plans to improve housing in the area.

The LHS covers all types and tenures of housing. Topics covered in the LHS include equalities, engagement and consultation, preventing and addressing homelessness, fuel poverty, energy efficiency & climate change and housing conditions. The strategy sets out a strategic vision for the delivery of housing services in Midlothian.

Consultation

Following phase one of the consultation earlier this year, we are now running the final phase of our consultation. The ideas submitted to us in the spring have been added to the draft strategy and this consultation is your last chance to have your say.

Survey

The consultation includes an online survey for all who live and work in Midlothian. You can access the short survey here:
https://midlothiancouncil.citizenspace.com/housing/local-housing-strategy-2026-27-2030-31-final/

Local Housing Strategy 2026/27 - 2030/31 Final - Midlothian Council - Citizen Space

You still have time to submit any ideas we might have missed during the first consultation. You can find the draft Local Housing Strategy here:
https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/downloads/file/5555/midlothian_local_housing_strategy_202627_-_203031_draft

The consultation is open until Friday 3 October.

Find and participate in activities run by Midlothian Council

11/09/2025

Another date for your diaries.

The wonderful Vogrie Pogrie is back this weekend Friday the 12th to Monday 15th at Vogrie Country Park. The Festival of Creativity and Curious Happenings.
Keep your eyes peeled for a collaborative writing piece included by one of our team!

Experience the magic as a day tripper or adventurous camper with these handy accessibility guides from Vogrie Pogrie themselves!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17FgTC9Gwx/

https://www.vogriepogrie.com/

Accessibility at Vogrie Pogrie 2025

Everyone should feel at home in the woods, and our aim is to keep learning, adapting and adding so Vogrie can be as magical and accessible as possible.

Forest Welcome Hub
Begin your journey here if you have any access needs. You’ll find our friendly team, hot drinks, blankets, sensory activities, an accessible toilet, and info for golf buggies and Beach Wheelchairs.

Getting Around
Two accessible golf buggies are on call – pick up the number at the Hub to arrange transport from anywhere on site. Thanks to Beach Wheelchairs, cross-terrain wheelchairs (adult and child) are available. Pre-book by emailing vogriepogrieaccess@gmail.com

Toilets
Accessible toilets are available across the site, with an Accessoloo (with hoist) near the Twisty Oak on Sunday from 12–8pm.

BSL
BSL will be available at selected events across the weekend. For details, ask at the Forest Welcome Hub or keep an eye on the website.

Quiet Spaces
Take time out at the Forest Sensory Area, the Friends Garden, or one of our Zen Dens – decorated bell tents with cushions and blankets – in Twisty Oak, Woodland and the Dip.

Audio Description
This year, artist Juliana Capes will provide audio description across the weekend. Pre-book by emailing vogriepogrieaccess@gmail.com
, or ask at the Hub.

Campers
Our camping team will help you find the best spot for your needs – nearer to toilets, closer to paths, or in a quieter area. Cars aren’t usually permitted in the camping field, but arrangements can be made where needed. Please note that the stage closest to the campsite goes quiet at 10pm.

For all of your access needs, check out the Access Page at www.vogriepogrie.com/access
or email vogriepogrieaccess@gmail.com

Pogrie is always evolving, and we’ll do our best to support you and make the festival welcoming for all.

11/09/2025

Well, the festival might be over but Edinburgh still has some awesome events. Our friends over at Black History Scotland Walking tours are leading a "Wheelchair friendly" Black History Walking Tour through the Edinburgh streets this weekend, Saturday 13th 12-2!!!
Join them to learn about Black History as far back as the 16th century and see Scotland in a new light.

One not to miss.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BMbMZd1WL/

Information and Booking link here.
https://blackhistoryscotland.com/upcoming-tours/ola/services/wheelchair-friendly-black-history-walking-tour-sat-sept-13th-12-2pm

Walking tours exploring Edinburgh's Black history. Led by Lisa Williams, BA African and Asian Studies, MA Arts, Festival and Cultural Management, Honorary Fellow in the School of History, Classics and Archeology at the University of Edinburgh

31/08/2025

Well worth attending to get some great advice

12/08/2025

Part 2 of Accessible Shows at The Fringe. Get your tickets now!

12/08/2025

Here are some accessible shows in the Festival Part 1. It's not too late!

12/08/2025

Midlothian View Loyalty QR Code for businesses in Dalkeith. Get Scanning, earn Loyalty Points and be entered into a prize draw!

12/08/2025

Peers Support for Self-Directed Support on 21st August 2025

05/08/2025

Edinburgh Festival 2025: Accessible Show Guide.

https://www.accessscottishtheatre.com/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwL_agxjbGNrAv9qCWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEekv5DUlFHvwaBzosvUTQDXleShzZSxdf3cp9EJPXTnuop51modCCPmlcy10g_aem_0zhRy2gke5JrGb15CkCT5A

🎭✨ Edinburgh Festival 2025: Accessible Show Guide

We're so excited to see so many Audio Described, BSL Interpreted, Captioned, and Relaxed Performances listed on the AST website this year. You can find the full list of shows in the blog on our website in the

💛

04/08/2025

is upon us. Keep updated using Police Scotland, Transport Scotland, Met Office, Traffic Scotland, Scottish Water, ScottishPower, Midlothian Council and other official social media pages for info on how to stay safe at home and, if you have to leave, to see what public transport is available.

⚠️ is bringing strong winds to Scotland

🟠 An Amber Met Office warning covers a large part of the mainland and Western Isles
🟡 A Yellow warning is also in place
🚔 Follow Police Scotland travel advice
🛣️ Check routes with Traffic Scotland

Read more ➡️ bit.ly/47f6uol

03/08/2025

For all our members please be aware there are Amber and Yellow Weather Warnings covering Scotland from tomorrow. Midlothian Council and Police Scotland are sharing the details. Stay safe all!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19kyUKRMsv/

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for high winds across much of Scotland for on Monday.

Areas affected are:

• Highlands & Eilean Siar (Highland, Na h-Eileanan Siar)
• Central, Tayside & Fife (Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross, Stirling)
• Grampian (Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray)
• SW Scotland, Lothian Borders, East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian Council, Scottish Borders, West Lothian)
• Strathclyde (Argyll and Bute, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Inverclyde, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire)

The amber warning is in force between 10am until 10pm on Monday, 4 August. Further yellow warnings are also in place.

There is a high risk of disruption and travel conditions may be hazardous. Extra caution should be taken by all road users. Plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel. Consider delaying travel until conditions improve. If you are travelling on the roads, prepare yourself and your vehicle for the conditions

• Make sure your mobile phone is charged and plan your journey, including an alternative route
• Have plenty of fuel, warm clothing, food, and water in case you’re delayed
• Do not ignore road closure signs – they are there for your safety
• Congestion caused by vehicles may restrict emergency services and recovery vehicles from providing essential assistance
• Listen to media broadcasts, including radio, for updates
• Follow your local authority for the latest updates in your area via Facebook, X, or their website
• Other information can be found on the Met Office and Ready Scotland websites.
• For public transport information visit: https://orlo.uk/6La3o
• Follow Traffic Scotland on X for up-to-date travel information.

Those in amber alert areas may experience power outages. For advice, visit Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks on X for up to date advice.

The full Met Office warning can be accessed via this link: https://orlo.uk/U5Q5A