Latest Blog Post
Business ambassadors raise new Midlothian Food and Drink 'banner' at Good Food Show in Glasgow With an open invitation to 'Savour the difference with Midlothian Food and Drink' this 'brand-new' logo is aimed at boosting trade for local businesses and encouraging inward tourism to the county. |
| Read more... |
- Telephone 0131 663 8118
- www.cousland.net
Directions Cousland is only about 3 miles south east of Dalkeith.
It is easily accessible by foot, cycle, car or Munro's Buses No328.
There are signposts from the A68 and A6094.
Cousland Smiddy
31 Hadfast Road,
, Cousland, EH22 2NZ
On site nowadays there are four main areas of interest:
1. The 18th century Smiddy
The Smiddy is a treasure trove of old tools and agricultural and metal working artefacts, but there is not enough room to show all of them. There are over 300 individual horseshoes, many unique, customised shoes. Almost all of them were made by the incumbent blacksmiths over the years. There are all sorts of interesting tools and jigs. There is a drilling machine (from 1884), an old, belt-driven, mechanical saw and a lathe (also a very old model). An early electrical welding machine is still in working order. A foot driven grinding stone and a huge cast iron disc, used in fitting metal tyres (girds) to wooden cart wheels, can be seen in front of the Smiddy.
2. The 19th century Smiddy cottage
The present cottage building dates from early Victorian times, though remains of a much earlier structure can be seen in the rear walls.
The cottage contains a re-creation of a 1960s rural living room and an exhibition about the life and work of the Cousland blacksmiths and the story of the Smiddy Trust.
3. Other buildings
The but ‘n’ ben was probably built in the17th century. Where there is a lean-to building, to the east of the Smiddy, there used to be a pig sty. At the start of World War 2 (in early1940) it was made into a workshop to help with the upkeep of the many machines needed in the local coal mines.
4. The organic allotments, paddock and orchard
What was once a derelict eyesore around the then dilapidated Smiddy is now a productive and pleasant amenity space. At present there are 13 organic allotments in use by villagers, as well as a paddock, an orchard and areas for walking/general recreation.
On "open days" there are blacksmithing demonstrations at 1130 and 1300.
1. The 18th century Smiddy
The Smiddy is a treasure trove of old tools and agricultural and metal working artefacts, but there is not enough room to show all of them. There are over 300 individual horseshoes, many unique, customised shoes. Almost all of them were made by the incumbent blacksmiths over the years. There are all sorts of interesting tools and jigs. There is a drilling machine (from 1884), an old, belt-driven, mechanical saw and a lathe (also a very old model). An early electrical welding machine is still in working order. A foot driven grinding stone and a huge cast iron disc, used in fitting metal tyres (girds) to wooden cart wheels, can be seen in front of the Smiddy.
2. The 19th century Smiddy cottage
The present cottage building dates from early Victorian times, though remains of a much earlier structure can be seen in the rear walls.
The cottage contains a re-creation of a 1960s rural living room and an exhibition about the life and work of the Cousland blacksmiths and the story of the Smiddy Trust.
3. Other buildings
The but ‘n’ ben was probably built in the17th century. Where there is a lean-to building, to the east of the Smiddy, there used to be a pig sty. At the start of World War 2 (in early1940) it was made into a workshop to help with the upkeep of the many machines needed in the local coal mines.
4. The organic allotments, paddock and orchard
What was once a derelict eyesore around the then dilapidated Smiddy is now a productive and pleasant amenity space. At present there are 13 organic allotments in use by villagers, as well as a paddock, an orchard and areas for walking/general recreation.
On "open days" there are blacksmithing demonstrations at 1130 and 1300.
Opening Times Please visit our website using the link noted at the top of this page for up to date opening hours.
Season Our season is 1st May to 30th September (approx.)
Contact Directly
These details were last updated on Thursday 3 February 2011
