COVID-19 Local Information & FAQs

Newtongrange COVID-19 local information and FAQs for residents and people with family in the village.

Open the sections in this FAQ style guide to find trusted help relevant and available to Newtongrange residents. If you are self isolating and you can't see information to meet your needs, please let us know through the form at the bottom of this page. If you see something that needs to be updated, please email

  • Check my symptoms

If you or someone with you has new symptoms and you want to check if you should get help, see the NHS Self-help guide now.

  • If you have to self isolate...

You should stay at home for 10 days, from the day your symptoms started.
Any household members without symptoms should stay at home for 10 days, from the day your symptoms started.
You can get a note for your employer from the NHS by using the NHS Self-help guide

  • Emergency numbers

Call 999 immediately if you believe someone’s life is at risk.

There are lots of options in this guidance for assistance, please consider if your needs require the emergency services

  • Health Concerns

You do not need to contact your GP if have mild symptoms relating to COVID-19, however, if your health or that of anyone you are in touch with is a cause for concern for any reason, call your GP practice:

Newbattle Medical Practice: 0131 663 1051
Newtongrange Clinic: 0131 663 1051

NHS24 on 111
if the GP is closed.

  • Social Care services

Understandably social services are under extreme pressure, if you haven't been able to get help through the options on this page, please see the social care numbers under "Emergency."

  • Food banks

Not all food banks allow you to turn up if you haven't used them before, what they call "self referral." Ways of being referred are listed but if you do not meet their criteria or you cannot get to a food bank that allows self referral, you can call the Newtongrange Resilience volunteers.

  • Families under stress

Children 1st have a parentline for families under stress
www.children1st.org.uk/parentline
call free 08000 28 22 33
Parentline Leaflet

Midlothian Food and Key Essentials Fund - key essentials support if you are in financial crisis

  • if you live in Midlothian,
  • you are aged 16
    or over, and
  • you are in severe financial difficulty and can’t afford food and other essentials such as fuel

see https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/food-fund


There are a number of ways Midlothian Council can support us temporarily when isolated or in hardship from assistance with shopping to small grants to pay for essential services. They welcome contact for any reason to better understand our community support needs. You can apply online, by email or simply call on the telephone in some cases and if you need any support to do this, the Newtongrange Resilience Volunteers can do this on your or somebody else's behalf, see how to contact the NRV on this page.

If you are in crisis while the office is closed, contact Emergency Social Work Services
- 0800 731 6969

Information to help plan for Winter and where to find emergency support in Midlothian.

  • Hardship:
    MFIN has produced a
    Winter Guide
    on where to refer clients who are experiencing hardship, with a particular emphasis on fuel poverty.
  • Older People:
    Midlothian Older People’s Assembly has produced a
    Winter Newsletter
    with lots of excellent resources for getting through the winter.
  • Disabled People:
    Forward Mid has produced a
    Winter Newsletter, Forward Mid are the representative organization for disabled people in Midlothian.
  • Getting Ready for Winter:
    MVA has produced their annual
    Getting Ready for Winter Newsletter, this newsletter is aimed at third sector organisations and has a lot of useful information about preparing for winter, and what to do if we have bad weather.
  • Flu Information:
    NHS Inform has information about
    Flu
    and the
    Flu Vaccination
    programme in Scotland.

The following information is also on the COVID-19 Information & Resources page and has been included here as it can be used for Winter planning and support.

  • Funding for people in hardship:
    Support is available from Midlothian Council’s
    Food and Key Essentials Fund
    for local people who are in financial difficulty and struggling to buy food, fuel or other essentials.
  • Emergency Food Provision:
    MFIN has produced an
    Emergency Food Leaflet
    containing information about emergency food provision in Midlothian.
  • Emergency Guide:
    Midlothian Health & Social Care Partnership has produced an
    Emergency Guide
    which brings together all the numbers you should need to support vulnerable clients on issues such as money, food, fuel, seeing a GP etc.
  • Emergency Response:
    This
    Winter Response Guide
    details the Council/volunteer response to requests for shopping, prescriptions etc.


The Newtongrange Community Council is supporting a pool of local people by providing appropriate resources and coordination to assist people isolated through COVID-19. The NRVs have had guidance on how to assist people who are unable to find help through their own friends or family with basic needs.

Newtongrange Resilience volunteers carry an "approval" letter, badge and ID to identify themselves. See Police Advice and Scams to stay safe when looking for help.

How can the NRV help? If you have no one to support your household, you are a resident of Newtongrange and you are currently isolated, the Newtongrange Resilience Volunteers can help by:

  • Picking up prepaid shopping
  • Collecting prescriptions or medication
  • Emergency food - please see Midlothian Council entry first!
  • Dog walking
  • Taking out your bins
  • Help signpost you for support
  • A friendly chat and information
  • They will not give or lend money
  • They will not ask for or accept money
  • They will not ask for your bank cards or PIN numbers
  • They will not approach you or enter your home
  • They will not give professional advice or counselling
  • They will not shop for or pick up non-essential items

Use any the method that suits you:

  • Call 0131 660 5000 - Swift Taxis are working with NRV and will get your request to the right people
  • email nrv@newtongrange.org

Contacting for assistance by email or by telephone: we will only share what we need to ensure our recognised volunteers can assist you. Please be aware that if you contact the NRV or Newtongrange Community Council by Facebook, any information may be seen more widely. Only direct message personal data like address information. Please see our privacy policy.

Call 999 immediately if you believe someone’s life is at risk.

  • COVID-19 symptoms and other health concerns

If your health or that of anyone you are in touch with is a cause for concern, call your GP practice:

Newbattle Medical Practice: 0131 663 1051
Newtongrange Clinic: 0131 663 1051

NHS24 on 111
if the GP is closed.


Emergency food and support - please check the food options listed on this page first, if you are unable to get support contact:

  • Children & Families on 0131 271 3414 (Emergency Out of Hours: 0800 731 6969)
  • Adult Social Care on 0131 271 3900 (Emergency Out of Hours: 0800 731 6969)

Midlothian Food and Key Essentials Fund -

  • if you live in Midlothian,
  • you are aged 16
    or over, and
  • you are in severe financial difficulty and can’t afford food and other essentials such as fuel

https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/food-fund

Local support for low income families (not entitled to school dinners) may be available through Newtongrange Community First, please email
newtongrangecommunity1st@gmail.com

Chief Superintendent David Duncan

“Anyone can be a victim of doorstep crime – it is nothing to be embarrassed about. Criminals can be very clever, and play on your emotions and insecurities. If someone comes to your door claiming to be from a legitimate organisation, always ask for identification.

“Don’t give people money or your bank details if they come to your door and offer to do shopping for you if you don’t know them. And never give your debit or credit card and PIN to anyone.

If you are self-isolating, let friends and family know and if in doubt about anyone offering services at your door, step back and take a few minutes to contact them for advice. You can also visit the Police Scotland website for more information.”

See the Midlothian Advertiser report

Newtongrange Resilience volunteers carry an "approval" letter, badge and ID to identify themselves.

See also HMRC advice on Tax Rebate phishing emails

Please respect the hours made available for vulnerable customers

The Co operative

  • Current Hours :MON-SUN 7AM-8PM
  • Elderly & Vulnerable Customers and Carers Priority: MON-SUN 8-9AM
  • If you have been instructed to self-isolate, you can purchase a gift card by telephoning 0800 029 4592. Friends, family or volunteers can use this card to do your shopping in store.

BEST ONE 8AM-8PM

SCOTMID MON-SAT 6AM-10PM; SUN 7AM-10PM

TESCO DALKEITH

  • MON-SAT 8AM-10PM, SUN 10AM-1PM
  • Elderly & Vulnerable Customers MON, WED, FRI 9-10AM
  • NHS ID ONLY TUE, THU. SUN 9-10AM

PLEASE TRY USING CONTACTLESS £45 MAX SPEND.

The amount you can spend on a card in a contactless transaction is £45.

For transactions over £45, you can pay in the normal way with chip and PIN. Or, if you'd prefer to avoid touching keypads entirely, you may be able to use contactless payments on your smartphone, as these don’t usually have an upper limit.


Delivery slots do still come up for the bigger supermarkets, but many are prioritising services. Keep trying! A number of smaller suppliers and former suppliers to restaurants, pubs and cafés have been doing home deliveries. If you can get a click and collect slot but you are isolating, the Newtongrange Resilience Volunteers should be able to help you - fill the form at the bottom of the page or call 0131 660 5000.

  • Pie Not? order online at https://pienot.co.uk/0131 629 12000 sales@pienot.co.uk
  • John Kerr Fresh Fish 07709197878 www.fishvanman.com
  • Campbell Brothers (deliveries are Mon/Wed/Fri - order day before by 1pm) 01316540060 sales@campbellbrothers.co.uk
  • Roberts Butchers 01314404881
  • Romaine Calm (groceries) orders@romainecalm.co.uk
  • George Andersons (fruit&veg) 01875 616950 direct@georgeanderson.co.uk or online
    https://www.georgeanderson.co.uk/store/
  • Fruits in the city (fruit&veg) 08453131499
    https://www.fruitsinthecityhomedelivery.co.uk/
  • RD Fruit Services 07900912360 or via email ramez53@hotmail.com
  • Charles Stamper (fruit & veg) 01315513636
  • Wilsons Fresh farm produce 01316650772
  • Chris Barratt - Home Fish Deliveries 07808632613
  • John Gilmore Butchers
    https://www.fruitsinthecityhomedelivery.co.uk/
  • LennonsEggs - Organic Eggs delivered direct to your door
    https://www.facebook.com/lennonseggs/
  • You can now order online for Coop in the village - the minimum order is £15 visit
    https://shop.coop.co.uk/
  • Memories of India 01875 820 099 (Just Eat app/website use Topcashback.co.uk first for new customers 26% off)
  • MCs TAKEAWAY 0131 6600300
  • Home Kitchen 0131 6630547 (Home Delivery) on Just Eat
  • Tiger Inn 0131 6602277 (Takeaway & Delivery)
  • Sun Inn 0131 6632456 (Takeaway & Delivery Thursday, Friday & Saturday evening)
  • The Wheelhouse Cafe is currently closed.

How to donate to our local Newtongrange foodbank Storehouse

Use the basket for Storehouse in the Coop, next to check outs, and we pick up regularly.
We also have a collection at the back door of the church hall on Fridays 9.30 -10 30.
Pick up from individuals if they request, email Anthea

Food issues related to poverty: Families with children 0-18

Baby Milk Supplies – see phone number on tin for supplies.
Dalkeith & Newbattle Storehouse & Foodstore@PNK (NOT AVAILABLE during school holiday e.g. Easter/summer as provision already been made for lunch packs) Contact Children & Families - 0131 271 3414

Food Banks - all ages - REFERRAL ONLY (e.g. you must be referred by Social work or a charity - call 0131 270 7500)

Gorebridge (Trussel Trust) - 07789 173 276 or 07597 359 910 Gorebridge Church, Hunterfield Road
Woodburn and Penicuik (Food Fact Friends) – 07507 697109 or foodfactsfriends@gmail.com
MARC building - Woodburn Road, Dalkeith Monday 3.30 -5.00pm - St Mungo’s Church Hall, Penicuik Monday and Friday 10.30 - 1.00pm

Food Banks - All ages – (self referral accepted)

Bonnyrigg and Sherwood Community Trust - 0131 663 2555 or www.facebook.com/BonnyriggTrust/
Bonnyrigg Community Trust Shop, High Street Bonnyrigg
Penicuik Ambassadors (food and other items) - 07990 117700 Part of Sweet Dignity. Can be contacted for drop offs.
Rosewell Community Trust - www.facebook.com/rosewellcoronavirus Rosewell Parish Church Hall - Monday and Thursday 5.30-7.30pm.

Midlothian Food and Key Essentials Fund -

  • if you live in Midlothian,
  • you are aged 16
    or over, and
  • you are in severe financial difficulty and can’t afford food and other essentials such as fuel

see https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/food-fund

Local Taxi companies are reassuring they are working to a high standard of hygiene and may be better option than public transport at discounted rates

  • SWIFT 0131 660 5000
  • ABBEY CABS 0131 357 7444
  • ARROW CABS 07739035479
  • JOHN TAYLOR 07742274936
  • ANDREW COLLINS 07759962390
  • ROSS LEAN 07402072807
  • DALE DENTON 07525493313
  • ALAN STIRLING 07876 595922

Lothian Buses -

Lothian, East Coast buses and Lothian country will operate a network of key routes to maintain essential links in and
around the city. Services listed below will operate every 30 to 60 minutes, with additional early morning and late evening journeys
for key workers. Timetables and Routes below will operate every day until further notice. See Lothian buses website for latest.

  • Service 3 will operate up to every 30 minutes between Clovenstone and Mayfield.
  • Service 29 will operate hourly between Silverknowes and Gorebridge via Western General.
  • Service 48 will operate hourly between Gorebridge and Royal Infirmary.

Borders Buses form March 27, see updates

  • X95

Check updated Scotrail timetables. Travel only if essential! Tweedbank line is running hourly:

  • 0621 Edinburgh to Tweedbank runs additionally
  • 0726 Tweedbank to Edinburgh

The last trains are:

  • 2029 Edinburgh to Tweedbank
  • 2153 Edinburgh to Tweedbank runs additionally
  • 2153 Tweedbank to Edinburgh
  • 2029 Tweedbank to Edinburgh runs additionally

Local directories

How to donate to Newtongrange Foodbank Storehouse

Use the basket in the Coop, next to check outs, and we pick up regularly.
We also have a collection at the back door of the church hall on Fridays 9.30 -10 30.
Pick up from individuals if they request, email Anthea


Join the Newtongrange Resilience Volunteers -
email nrv@newtongrange.org

Social Care Jobs Morag Barrow, the Joint Director of the Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership in Midlothian Advertiser “You will be helping look after local people with a range of support needs who rely on the care and kindness of our healthcare teams at a time of fear and uncertainty. “Please join us. We know it’s a big ask, especially when the vast majority of others are home self-isolating, but you could really change a life for the better.” Please note that a PVG is required, as this is regulated work.

Care at home jobs If you can provide personal care, search "Care at home" on and
My Job Scotland

Equalities and disability

See Forward Mid correct, relevant and up to date information promoting full equality and an equal life choices for Disabled People living in Midlothian and beyond. See their 2020 Guide.

Midlothian Food and Key Essentials Fund -

  • if you live in Midlothian,
  • you are aged 16
    or over, and
  • you are in severe financial difficulty and can’t afford food and other essentials such as fuel

see https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/food-fund

Scottish Welfare Fund Crisis or Welfare Grant

Call 0131 270 5600
see online application form
The Scottish Welfare Fund offer two types of grant:

  • Crisis Grants may help if you are in crisis because of a disaster, like a fire or flood, or an emergency such as losing all your money or having to visit a sick child in hospital.
  • Community Care may help if you are about to leave care to live on your own in the community, or to help if you are struggling to provide a safe and secure home for your family.
    Advice available from Telephone: 0131 271 3201 or Email: revenues.enquiries@midlothian.gov

Universal Credit – New applicants can get an immediate advance on their benefits

Paying bills

Fuel & Coronavirus - if you can’t afford to top up because you’re using more energy:

  • Tell your supplier if you can’t afford to pay for any extra energy you’re using because you’re having to stay at home.
  • This includes if you're ill with coronavirus or following guidance to stay at home and 'self-isolate'.
  • You’ll find your supplier’s contact details on their website or on your bill.
  • See Citizens Advice on grants and benefits to manage bills

Financial & Legal Advice

HEARING AID BATTERIES

  • Phone 0131 5361637 for posting out
  • Midlothian Hospital for collection (9AM-1PM MON-FRI)

LLOYDS PHARMACY (MAIN STREET)

  • Operating reduced opening hours and limits on entering the store
  • Hours: Monday to Friday 9am-5:30pm; Saturday 9am-12pm
  • Please be patient for prescriptions, can be 7-10 days before ready
  • Telephone 0131 663 2251

LLOYDS PHARMACY (NEWBATTLE MEDICAL CENTRE)

  • Operating reduced opening hours and limits on entering the store
  • Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am-6:00pm; Saturday 9am-1pm
  • Please be patient for prescriptions, can be 7-10 days before ready
  • Telephone 0131 663 0129

If you are self isolating, the Newtongrange Resilience Volunteers should be able to help you collect your medication-
fill form below or call 0131 660 5000.

The PDSA has fantastic guidance for people self isolating with pets available here

If you are isolated and you have a dog, please review this guidance before requesting assistance with dog walking. Please use the contact form at the bottom of the page if you have no one to walk your dog.

Should I keep my pet indoors?

The British Veterinary Association points out that, like any surface, an animal's fur could carry the virus for a time "if a pet were to have come into contact with someone who was sick".

And that is why vets are recommending the advice to stay at home is extended to our pets.

"Treat pets like other people in your household. So if you're feeling sick, it's better not to interact with them," said Dr Almendros.

"I hope pet owners can sleep a bit better with the right advice and information," he added. "It isn't easy these days, I know."


Print this guidance

Issues with this page: please email nrv@newtongrange.org

Ross Anderson

Ross Anderson

I'm involved with the Newtongrange Community Council because I want to help preserve the unique heritage, character & facilities of the village.

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