Visit Midlothian

'Meet in Midlothian', a Midlothian Tourism Forum led initiative supported by VisitScotland, brought together Newbattle Abbey, the Scottish Mining Museum and Dalhousie Castle, to hold an exciting open evening on Tuesday 19 January. Guests in attendance included Councillor Adam Montgomery, Provost of Midlothian, and representatives of VisitScotland’s Business Tourism unit.

The open evening gave Newbattle Abbey, the Scottish Mining Museum and Dalhousie Castle the opportunity to showcase their excellent, competitively priced conference facilities. The event also gave the partners the chance to demonstrate how their unique venues, all within a three mile radius of each other, can meet the conference needs of a corporate audience. Guests were escorted around all three facilities throughout the evening by a local Blue Badge Guide.

Newbattle Abbey is also currently Scotland's only adult education residential college, and is equipped for both day and weekend conference hire. Steeped in Scottish history, the 16th century building was gifted to the people of Scotland by Philip Kerr, the 11th Marquis of Lothian, as an adult education facility in 1937.

On the evening, guests to Newbattle were given a tour of the historic building, ancient grounds, conference, and accommodation facilities. The College's Principal, Ann Southwood, said: "In the current recession every pound counts, and the competitively priced conference facilities on offer at Newbattle, the Scottish Mining Museum and Dalhousie Castle are worth serious consideration. At Newbattle, our conference guests can explore the ancient parkland during breaks and enjoy activities, such as guided tours of the building or short treasure hunts, which are often included within conference packages. Our medieval Chapel and Crypt is also the perfect atmospheric backdrop for wedding ceremonies.

"Over 2009, demand for our conference hire increased dramatically and we look forward to similar successes throughout 2010. We are pleased to be part of 'Meet in Midlothian' and are delighted to be involved in a project showcasing the unique venues that Midlothian has to offer." The Scottish Mining Museum, recipient of the 2009 Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions Best Visitor Experience award, also welcomed guests on the night, giving visitors a complimentary dram on the pit head. The Scottish Mining Museum is made up of interactive exhibitions, a hands-on operations centre and offers the opportunity for visitors to put on a helmet and tour the Pithead, where miners descended into the darkness of the underground mine and coalroads.

The open evening kicked off at Dalhousie Castle, recently named Scottish Castle Hotel of the Year 2009. Set within acres of wooded parkland on the picturesque banks of the river Esk, the fascinating 13th century fortress is one of the most iconic sights in Midlothian.

On the evening, guests were given a tour around the Castle's impressive Spa facilities, luxurious guest rooms, and the AA accredited dining area. Visitors were also taken to the Castle's five conference rooms, which can accommodate parties from 10 to 100 guests, all set out to the audience's preference.

Amanda Clark, Marketing Manager at Dalhousie Castle said: "We are thrilled to be part of 'Meet in Midlothian' and the recent open evening gave us the perfect opportunity to demonstrate what types of facilities we can offer businesses. It was also wonderful to have influential figures, such as Midlothian's Provost, Adam Montgomery, present at the open evening. Everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves."

Councillor Montgomery, Provost of Midlothian, added: "It is hoped that by working with these tourist providers, offering special deals and discounts, value will be added to the corporate 'meeting experience' encouraging business delegates to stay a little longer in the area, or make a return visit with friends and family to fully make the most of what Midlothian has to offer.

"With our partners in the private sector, we're committed to promoting Midlothian's tourism assets as we play our part in achieving the national expectation of growing revenue from tourism by 50% - in real terms - by 2015."