Wednesday September 30th 2026
Restoration Yard, 2016. Exterior view of the courtyard following the completion of the stableyard restoration, looking towards the historic Clock Tower.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A popular destination at the heart of Dalkeith Country Park is celebrating a decade since opening its doors to visitors.
Restoration Yard marked its 10th anniversary this year, celebrating the history of its historic stableyard, the community around it and its plans for the future.
The story began in 2014, when plans were developed to breathe new life into the stableyard at the heart of Dalkeith Country Park.
Designed by renowned Scottish architect William Adam in the 1740s for Francis, 2nd Duke of Buccleuch, the Category A listed buildings had been largely unoccupied for a number of years.
A new commercial use was identified as a way of securing their future, with the vision for Restoration Yard centred around food, shopping, wellbeing and events.
The name was inspired by the idea of restoring both the historic buildings and the mind, body and soul of visitors.
Lord Damian Scott, one of the key founders of Restoration Yard, said the project was driven by a responsibility to secure the future of the historic buildings.
He said: “The stableyard is Category A listed and had been largely unoccupied for a number of years, so finding a sustainable new use was essential to preserving it for generations to come.
“The idea of Restoration Yard was always about more than simply restoring the buildings. The name reflects the original ambition to create a place where the restoration of the historic fabric sat alongside the restoration of mind, body and soul.”
Restoration Yard officially opened on July 25, 2016, creating a destination where visitors could eat, shop, gather and spend time together.
Over the past decade, it has grown from its original Store and Kitchen to include a wider range of independent brands, events and experiences.
The Coffee Bar has recently doubled in size, while The Store has been refreshed to make room for new brands.
The Restoration yard years before refurbishment
Two new car parks have also been added to support growing visitor numbers.
Today, visitors can enjoy food and drink at The Coffee Bar and The Kitchen, take part in Pilates and yoga at The Wellness Space, browse The Store or visit Soul Water Sauna.
Ross McGregor, Commercial Director at Dalkeith Country Park, said reaching the 10-year milestone was a “special” moment for everyone involved.
He said: “What began as an ambitious project to restore this incredible historic stableyard has grown into a destination that means something different to everyone who visits.
“We’ve seen Restoration Yard evolve enormously over the past decade, but what makes me most proud is the community that has grown around it.
“From our loyal regulars to those discovering us for the first time, our customers have played a huge part in shaping what Restoration Yard is today.”
He also highlighted the number of staff members who have remained with Restoration Yard since it opened.
He added: “Their commitment and passion have been a huge part of the journey.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the support and enthusiasm we’ve received over the last ten years, and we’re excited about what the next chapter will bring.”
The anniversary celebrations are also being used to thank the customers, visitors and wider community who have supported Restoration Yard since it opened.
Looking ahead, the team is exploring ways for visitors to spend more time at the destination, including plans to bring new life to some of the stableyard’s existing spaces.
New experiences, events and collaborations are also being planned, while the team will continue developing its own house and home collection inspired by the Buccleuch Collection.
The development comes as Restoration Yard looks towards its next decade at Dalkeith Country Park.
Ross added: “The story of Restoration Yard has always been about people, and we’re incredibly grateful to our partners and suppliers for their continued and valuable support over the past ten years.
“We’re looking forward to creating many more reasons for people to visit, stay, celebrate and make memories with us.”
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