Monday July 20th 2026
Colin Beattie MSP for Midlothian North
Colin Beattie MSP, Midlothian North, writes his monthly column for Midlothian View.
I hope you are all enjoying your summer and the great weather we have had recently. Whilst there is plenty to enjoy about the summer, it can bring about emotional and financial stress for many families with kids to entertain. I hope the Scottish Government funded under 22 bus pass helps alleviate some of the stress this summer. Fortunately, Midlothian has a variety of cheap and free activities for families and children of all ages to enjoy.
As the country has been enjoying the world cup the Scottish Government have invested £40 million to deliver the Summer of Sport. Removing barriers to accessing sport meaning more opportunities to engage in sport and physical activity for children and young people aged 3 to 26. In Midlothian families have access to free family badminton and pickleball sessions at Gorebridge Leisure Centre, Danderhall Hub, Newbattle Community Hub and Lasswade Leisure Centre throughout the summer.
Libraries across the constituency are also holding free events for children of all ages. They are running a Summer Reading Challenge awarding kids with stickers for reading to highlight their progress. They are also running a variety of music-themed activities including instrument making, music labs, world cup beats and escape rooms.
We are incredibly fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country with plentiful nature trails and country parks. This summer Vogrie Country Park are running a free Midlothian Ranger Service offering a range of experiences where you can join a park ranger for a bat walk, or an afternoon at the bee sanctuary and more. You can find more information on these at the Midlothian Council website here – https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/info/200283/parks/394/midlothian_ranger_service/3.
I hope the above encourages you to take advantage of all Midlothian has to offer this summer with free or low-cost activities for everyone.
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