Thursday September 10th 2026
Written by Midlothian View Editor, Phil Bowen
Exactly 100 years since Viscount Chelmsford officially opened the park in the heart of Newtongrange, residents of the Midlothian village were joined by a royal representative for a special tree-planting ceremony.
Organised by Newtongrange Community Council and the local reminiscence group, Newtongrange Village Voices, a symbolic oak tree was planted in the centre of the park on Thursday 10th September 2026 to create a lasting reminder of this special centenary for future generations to enjoy.
Presiding over proceedings was His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Midlothian, Mrs Sarah Barron DL, who was joined by pupils from Newtongrange Primary School, as well as residents of the village from past and present.
Commenting on the significance of the day, Mrs Barron said; “It is terribly important to recognise what a wonderful asset this park is here in Newtongrange”.
Reflecting on the decision to plant a tree to mark the occasion, June Robertson of Newtongrange Community Council and Newtongrange Village Voices said; “This tree is intended to be a living reminder of the park’s first 100 years and of the community’s responsibility to care for it into the next 100.”
And that responsibility will fall, in part, to the pupils of Newtongrange Primary School who were in full attendance. “I’m so pleased the school children were able to be here today and play a role in the celebrations, just as the children did when the park first opened in 1926” said Linda Anderson of Newtongrange Community Council and Newtongrange Village Voices.
The tree-planting ceremony served to officially kickstart the centenary celebrations, and an afternoon of family fun is set to follow on Saturday 19th September. The event programme will include live music from Newtongrange Silver Band and Midlothian Community Concert Band, a performance from Be Happy Performing Arts Company, recitals from Gorebridge Community Choir and entertainment from Black Diamond FM, as well traditional children’s games, face painting and fairground rides from yesteryear. A host of local community groups and businesses will also be there running stalls, with promotions, demonstrations, raffles and giveaways not to be missed.
Opened to the public in 1926, today Newtongrange Welfare Park is a well-used and well-loved recreational space that encompasses football pitches, tennis courts, pétanque pistes, skate park, war memorial, bandstand, sensory garden, floral displays and play equipment. It is also home to The Pavilion Café, a brand-new community café run by the Newtongrange Development Trust.
The Newtongrange Welfare Park centenary celebrations are being organised by Newtongrange Community Council – a voluntary group with a shared vision of celebrating the proud history of the village, protecting its facilities, championing its residents, and planning for its future. Members meet on the last Tuesday of every month, 6:45-8:45pm, at Newbattle Community Learning Centre, 67 Gardiner Place, Newtongrange, EH22 4RT. Meetings are also accessible via Zoom and all are welcome to attend.
For more information about Newtongrange Community Council, please visit www.newtongrange.org.
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