Forward Mid

22/02/2026

This is handy to know. I think I need to get my ears checked! How about you?

22/02/2026

Don't forget to come along.

22/02/2026

Well done Colin!! Keep writing!!

"I would absolutely love to show them my achievements now."

20/02/2026

So many folk in Midlothian are already struggling to get to healthcare appointments and stay connected with loved ones because of a lack of public transport - and this will only get worse with the recent cuts announced by Lothian Buses.

Scrapping the number 46 and rerouting the 48 will remove the only direct bus links from Rosewell, Bonnyrigg and the top of Mayfield to the Royal Infirmary - as well as leaving the whole top side of Poltonhall and Rosewell without a bus to the Community Hospital, out of hours services or a major supermarket.

These changes will also remove vital direct connections between our communities - between Rosewell and Dalkeith, as well as from Mayfield to Newtongrange and Gorebridge.

Midlothian deserves better. Join me in calling on Lothian Buses to reverse these cuts by adding your name to the petition below.

https://kirstymcneill.com/bus-cuts/

20/02/2026

1,400 people and counting have called on Lothian Buses to reverse the scrapping of the 46 and the rerouting of the 48.

I’ve written to their Chief Executive urging them to reverse these cuts - and that they engage directly with the people affected through a public meeting, which I’m ready to organise.

📄 Read my letter in the comments.
✍️ If you haven’t already, please sign and share my petition: https://kirstymcneill.com/bus-cuts/

20/02/2026

17/02/2026

It starts tomorrow night.

Bring your family for some scran and chat with the wonderful organisations present.

17/02/2026

Employability in Scotland has published their first edition 'Employability in Scotland' 2026 E-bulletin.

"Please find below the link to the first edition of the Employability in Scotland E-bulletin for 2026.

https://sway.cloud.microsoft/y9QZKe3Ue5JRRjQu?ref=email

This edition has been published using Microsoft Sway, which enables us to make the bulletin more accessible for our readers.

You can view the accessible version by selecting the three dots in the upper‑right corner of the screen.

You can also access this edition and all previous editions on the Employability in Scotland website.

https://www.employabilityinscotland.com/"

We are delighted to share with you the first edition of the Employability in Scotland e-bulletin for 2026. We hope you all had a lovely break over the festive season and are feeling refreshed for the

17/02/2026

Please make sure your aware of the new Lothian buses changes.

📢 Customer Information

From Sunday 22 February, a service change will take effect on our network.

In west Edinburgh and Midlothian, changes will introduce better connectivity for new housing developments and local communities. Additionally, routine improvements will be introduced to enhance reliability across our services.

Key changes include:
🔹 New links between Shandon, Slateford, Chesser and Edinburgh Park, Gyle Centre.
🔹 Direct link between Rosewell and Edinburgh city centre, all day, 7-days a week.
🔹 New local links in Midlothian for Bonnyrigg, Hopefield, Cockpen, Brixwold and Dalkeith.
🔹 The addition of West Craigs to the bus network when infrastructure becomes available.

For full service change information, please visit 👉 https://bit.ly/feb-service-change

***

Fares will also be revised across Lothian, Edinburgh Trams, Lothian Country and East Coast Buses from Sunday 22 February.

With all fares revenue reinvested into the running of our business, this review is necessary to continue to prioritise investment in our fleet, our people and our wider customer offering.

The fares review will see increases to our fares with the Adult SINGLE increasing by 20p and Adult City DAY tickets increasing by 50p.

For fares revision information, please visit 👉 https://bit.ly/fares-revision

17/02/2026

Here's a chance to have your say and help influence the decisions in our community.
I have joined and hope to meet you there too.

Want to influence decisions in your community?

The Midlothian Citizens’ Panel is one of the ways the Midlothian Community Planning Partnership hears directly from local residents.

Take part in one or two brief surveys each year and help shape the next Single Midlothian Plan and local services.

➡️ Register here: https://ow.ly/OMNa50Y0A6X
For residents aged 16+.

12/02/2026

VOCAL Midlothian runs a social enterprise called Treasure Tree which buys and sells second hand mobility and accessibility equipment.

Treasure Tree is on ebay or in their shop on the first floor in Ocean Terminal. For more information or help please contact Vocal.

We run a social enterprise called Treasure Tree, which buys and sells second-hand mobility and accessibility equipment. All the money we raise through Treasure Tree is invested back into VOCAL's support and services for unpaid carers.

Treasure Tree aims to reduce the cost of caring while encouraging a circular economy, by re-selling mobility equipment (which cannot be recycled) at affordable prices.

You can access Treasure Tree on eBay or in person at our shop in Ocean Terminal. Find us on the first floor, near the lift (you can also access this floor by parking in car park level C).

Our opening hours are Monday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm. Find out more at vocal.org.uk/treasure-tree

28/01/2026

Looking to Volunteer? Then this is the event for you!

Get the date in your diaries and come along to join in!

Wednesday 26th Feb
St John's & King's Park Church in Dalkeith
10am-2:30.

🌟 Join Us at the Midlothian Volunteer Recruitment Fair! 🌟

Looking to make a difference in your community? Want to meet inspiring local groups and discover volunteer roles that suit you?
Come along to our Annual Volunteer Recruitment Fair!

📅 Thursday 26th February
📍 St John’s & King’s Park Church, Dalkeith
⏰ 10:00am – 2:30pm

We’ll have over 20 stalls from a wide range of volunteer‑involving organisations from across Midlothian — all ready to chat, answer questions, and help you find the perfect opportunity.

Whether you’re passionate about helping people, supporting local projects, gaining new skills, or simply giving back, there’s something for everyone.

✨ Free entry
✨ Drop in anytime
✨ Everyone welcome

Come along, get inspired, and discover how you can make a positive impact in 2026 and beyond! 💙