Paint & Prosecco at the Power House: Summer Workshop at National Mining Museum Scotland

Set inside the red-brick Power House at the National Mining Museum Scotland in Newtongrange, the Paint & Prosecco (Summer) session is a two-hour, hands-on art social that converts industrial history into a relaxed creative lab. Located at Lady Victoria Colliery on the outskirts of Edinburgh, this workshop pairs bubbly with brushwork as artist Gillian Westland leads participants step-by-step through a beach seascape—no experience required. The Power House’s vaulted interior and big mullioned windows frame your easel, offering raw industrial backdrops that contrast with the soft, coastal subject you’ll be painting. All materials are supplied and one or two glasses of prosecco are included; at the end you walk away with a finished canvas and a sharper eye. The event runs 12.30pm–2.30pm and is held at National Mining Museum Scotland, Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange EH22 4QN—arrive five minutes early to check in. What makes this workshop more than a studio class is the setting. The Lady Victoria Colliery was a working pit that shaped communities across Midlothian; today the Power House is preserved as part of the National Mining Museum Scotland’s effort to interpret industrial heritage. That industrial architecture—the exposed brick, iron fittings, and high-ceilinged bays—gives the afternoon an uncommon character: you’re painting a seaside scene inside a monument to Scotland’s coal geology, where once-coal seams powered steam and industry. The event is fully accessible and aimed at adults (minimum age 18). Class size is intentionally small—just 26 places—so the pace is friendly and Gillian can guide each artist. It’s perfect for visitors seeking a low-key cultural diversion between more active outdoor days around the Lothians: think short hikes, cycle loops, or time in nearby Dalkeith or Edinburgh. Practical notes: bring clothes you don’t mind getting paint on and a curious attitude; materials and prosecco are provided. The workshop is non-refundable, so book only if your plans are firm. The session suits beginners and social creatives who enjoy working in a group, and the museum setting makes it a memorable way to engage with local history while producing something to take home. Whether you come with friends or on your own, Paint & Prosecco at the Power House mixes convivial instruction, a tangible connection to mining heritage, and a chance to slow down and make. It’s an accessible, distinctly local way to spend an afternoon in Newtongrange. Plan to pair the class with a visit to the museum galleries before or after your session; the mine exhibits add context and reward curiosity. Travelers from Edinburgh can reach Newtongrange by car in 25 minutes, or by bus—check timetables. Seats are limited and the class is non-refundable, so book early. Bring a bag for finished work; the museum shop and cafe make a post-class stop.