Midlothian’s football clubs are setting their goals even higher for the new season thanks to two of Scotland’s leading restaurants.

Itihaas in Dalkeith and The Radhuni in Loanhead, winners of UK-wide awards, have announced sponsorship of five local teams and a bowling club as the latest moves in their widespread support of local and regional sports, cultural and social organisations.

“It’s very important for the club to secure sponsorships such as these as our day to day costs are ever increasing and we have to look at all revenue streams,” said Duncan Purdie, Secretary of Dalkeith Thistle who play in the East of Scotland Football League (EOSFL). “We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship going forward.“ Grant Fitzimmons, Vice-Chairman of Bonnyrigg Rose, said the restaurants’ logos would be on all 3 three strips home and away as well as on prominently sited boards.

The club, narrowly relegated from Scottish League 2 to the Lowland League at the end of last season, relied on local businesses and were looking to bounce back quickly after investing in improvements to its New Dundas Park pitch, he went on.

Penicuik Athletic Chairman Andy Penman said The Radhuni’s name and logo would appear on the back of all its strips across three teams: The Mens’ First team competing in the East of Scotland Premier Division, Mens’ U20’ competing in the East Conference and Women’s team in the Scottish Women’s East Division.

In addition the name would also appear on a selection of match day and training wear across the three teams with enhanced visual advertising around Montgomery Park.

Club President Andy Penman welcomed the deal, commenting: “We hope the support of this award- winning restaurant is matched by a winning team and enhanced facilities at the club. The support allows us to continue develop on all fronts as we strive to continue to be Midlothian’s premier EOSFL club’ His views were echoed by Keith Angus, Secretary of Loanhead Miners Welfare which has been promoted to Division One of the Lothian & Edinburgh Amateur Football Association Sunday section.

He commented: “We feel heartfelt gratitude at the renewal of Radhuni’s sponsorship for the 2025-6 season. This amazing restaurant has played a crucial role in our success, not only gaining promotion in our first season as a football club but we are now able to purchase new training kits.”

Keith went on: “The partnership not only empowers our players to achieve their personal best on the pitch but also strengthens our community as we strive for excellence both on and off the field. We look forward to continuing this partnership and achieving greater milestones together.”

He also thanked his son Blair, who plays for the team, for helping him run the club and Peter Frame who provides changing rooms for free.

Other clubs sponsored by Itihaas and Radhuni are Whitehill Welfare, which also competes in the East of Scotland League, and Loanhead Bowling Club.

Welfare Chairman John Quinn commented: “Itihaas and Radhuni have given us great support for several years. If it wasn’t for their support the club would find it challenging to survive.”

Founder and Executive Chef of both restaurants Matin Khan said he was committed to maintaining long term support of local communities. “Over the past decade or so we have donated around £100,000 to local and regional good causes,” he said. “Itihaas and The Radhuni will continue to do our utmost to help Midlothian be a great place to stay, play – and of course enjoy top quality food and service!”

Habibur Khan, his son and Managing Partner, added: “Sport is part of the lifeblood of many communities in Midlothian and around the world. We are proud to be playing our part in helping these local clubs thrive and wish them all even more successes in the year ahead.”