What’s On at Newbattle Abbey College

Spring is bringing a wonderful line up of events to Newbattle Abbey College, and we’re delighted to share what’s coming up. From celebrated authors to elegant afternoon teas, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

An Evening with Sir Alexander McCall Smith
Thursday 23 April, 6.30pm

Join world renowned, best selling author Sir Alexander McCall Smith for an evening of sheer delight. The master storyteller will share tales from his much loved series — including 44 Scotland Street and The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency — and celebrate the publication of his new poetry collection, The Kind Company of Others.
Tickets: Adults £15 (plus booking fee) Book your place

James Robertson: Scotland in Every Story – Chronicler of Scottish Lives
Thursday 7 May, 6.15pm
Poet, editor, and acclaimed novelist James Robertson explores the rich tapestry of Scotland’s multilingual past and present. In this thought provoking talk, he reflects on the decline of modern language learning, shifting political and social priorities, and the vital role libraries have played — and must continue to play — in Scotland’s cultural life.
Tickets: Adults £15 (plus booking fee) Book your place

Afternoon Tea in the Drawing Room
Saturday 23 May Sittings at 12pm & 3pm
Indulge in a delicious afternoon tea served in the college’s beautiful historic Drawing Room — the perfect setting for a relaxed catch up with friends or a special family treat. Enjoy a charming afternoon surrounded by the elegance of Newbattle Abbey.
Prices:
• Adults £28
• Adults £35 with Prosecco
• Children £9

Book your table https://www.nac.ac.uk/whats-on/afternoon-tea

DWY – Midlothian Spotlight Sessions

We are excited to announce a series of inspiring career-themed events taking place across our high schools this November for S4 – S6 pupils.

These evenings are designed to showcase the diverse opportunities available to young people and help them explore pathways that align with their passions and strengths.

🎓 Careers That Shape Lives
📍 Dalkeith/St David’s High School
🗓 Tuesday 11th November 4pm – 7pm

🎭 Cultural and Creative
📍 Lasswade High School
🗓 Thursday 13th November 4pm – 7pm

🌱 Creating, Regenerating & Sustainable
📍 Newbattle High School
🗓 Tuesday 18th November 4pm – 7pm

💻 Economic and Tech World
📍 Beeslack High School
🗓 Thursday 20th November 4pm – 7pm

Each event will feature guest speakers, and valuable insights into career sectors that are shaping our world.

If your organisation is interested in exhibiting at one of our Spotlight Sessions, please reach out to us at dyw@edinburghchamber.co.uk.

DYW Autumn Live Opportunities Event

At DYW Edinburgh, Midlothian & East Lothian we are excited to launch our upcoming DYW Autumn Live Opportunities Event on Tuesday 18th November at the Assembly Rooms.

This event is an opportunity for employers and partners who have live and upcoming vacancies to engage with upcoming school leavers and 16-19 year olds who have left school and are looking for their next step.

Regional data on young people’s preferred routes & occupations has highlighted that upcoming school leavers in our area are keen to find opportunities in:

o Construction
o Hairdressing & Beauty
o Education & Training
o Computing
o Animals, Land & Environment
o Design, Arts & Crafts
o Sports & Leisure
o Administration, Business & Management
o Healthcare
o Performing Arts & Media
o Retail & Customer Services
o Engineering
o Hospitality, Catering & Tourism
o Security & Uniformed
o Facilities & Property Services
o Garage Services

Does your organisation have early career and entry-level roles which will be live and available for applications this November?

We’d love to discuss you exhibiting at our DYW Autumn Live Opportunities Event:

When:  Tuesday 18th November 2025 12:30pm – 4:30pm  (set-up from 11:30am)

Where: Assembly Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh  

Aim: To connect school leavers with live jobs and opportunities that are appropriate for their level of qualification, with the opportunity to apply for vacancies on the day.  

Attending employers: Employers from regional growth & demand sectors, aligned to young people’s intended routes, pathways and preferred sectors, with live vacancies and opportunities for young people leaving school/ having left school and looking for their next step.

If you have upcoming entry-level opportunities for school leavers keen to discover their next step, reach out to DYW Edinburgh, Midlothian & East Lothian via dyw@edinburghchamber.co.uk to discuss holding an exhibitors stall.

Mental Health First Aid Training – 26 August 2025

This accredited, practical course is designed to give people the tools and confidence to support colleagues experiencing mental health challenges, and to promote a more open, supportive workplace culture.

It’s ideal for anyone looking to become a Mental Health First Aider, or those working in wellbeing, line management, or any people-facing role — including those who others naturally turn to.

Mental Health First Aid Course Overview

Mental health conditions affect 1 in 4 people in the UK every year, and research shows that workplace stress is a leading contributor. Yet stigma and silence often prevent people from getting the support they need.

While there’s currently no legal requirement to have Mental Health First Aiders, employers do have a duty of care under health and safety legislation to protect employee wellbeing. The HSE recommends that employers consider mental health in their first aid needs assessments — and this course is a meaningful step in that direction.

By equipping individuals with the confidence and tools to respond effectively, we can create a culture that supports wellbeing and enables early intervention.

Course Details

• Date:
  • Monday 26 August – Full-day online session
  • Tuesday 27 August – 20-minute individual follow-up online
• Cost: £215 + VAT

What Course Participants Will Gain

• Confidence to recognise common mental health conditions
• A clear First Aid Action Plan to guide your response
• Tools to support someone in crisis and aid recovery
• A recognised SCQF Level 5 qualification (valid for 3 years)

Any questions, or if you’d like to book a place, please just get in touch.

Ciara McGovern , Managing Director – The HR & HS Dept

M 07976 926 892  T 0131 297 7545 , email : Ciara.McGovern@hrdept.co.uk

Member Events to appear here

If you have a member event you wish to publish here, then get in touch with the team at info@melcc.org.uk.