Friday September 18th 2026
Liz Young, Midlothian Tourism Forum and sponsor Niall Maclean, Hargreaves Land (photo taken by Lee Live Photography)
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Midlothian Tourism Forum (MTF) has been recognised for its contribution to the local community after winning the Best Community Impact Award at the Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Awards.
The award ceremony was held at Eskmills Venue in Musselburgh, where Midlothian’s tourism and hospitality businesses were also represented across a range of categories celebrating innovation, service, community impact and excellence.
There were further Midlothian successes on the night, with Itihaas & Radhuni and Saltire Patisserie also taking home awards.
The region was additionally represented among the finalists, with The Bubbling Toad shortlisted for Best Innovation in Business, Rosslyn Chapel for Retailer of the Year, Pentlands Express Café for Best Family Business of the Year and The Papermill Bar and Restaurant for Service Excellence.
Midlothian businesses were also represented at the regional final of the Scottish Tourism Thistle Awards – Central & East, held in Edinburgh.
The Original Rosslyn Inn took home the Best Bar or Pub award, while Rosslyn Chapel was a finalist in the Inclusion Award category and The Old Millhouse was shortlisted for Best Self Catering or Exclusive Use.
Left to right – Liz Young Midlothian Tourism Forum; Karen Calvert The Papermill Restaurant; Philip Egan Dalhousie Castle Hotel; Alastair Macfarlane Melville Golf; Graham Mackay Rosslyn Chapel.
Chair of Midlothian Tourism Forum, Ian Gardner, said:
“The breadth of Midlothian representation across both award programmes demonstrates the strength and diversity of the area’s tourism and hospitality offering.
“From visitor attractions and accommodation to cafés, restaurants, pubs and community organisations, businesses across Midlothian continue to demonstrate high standards and a commitment to creating memorable experiences for visitors and local communities alike.
“Midlothian Tourism Forum would like to congratulate all the Midlothian businesses and organisations represented at both award ceremonies and celebrate their contribution to putting Midlothian firmly on the tourism map.”
Midlothian Tourism Forum is a business-led membership organisation supporting 44 tourism, hospitality, community, arts and heritage organisations across Midlothian.
The forum provides a platform for local businesses and organisations to work together and promote the area as a destination for visitors.
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