Do I need painting experience?

No—this workshop is designed for beginners and experienced painters alike; guidance from Gillian Westland is step-by-step.

What is included in the ticket price?

Price covers all art materials, a glass of prosecco, and the finished painting to take home.

Is the event accessible?

Yes. The event is fully accessible; if you have specific needs contact the museum through their booking page before arrival.

What is the minimum age?

Participants must be 18 or older to take part in this event.

What is the cancellation policy?

This event is non-refundable, as noted in the booking details.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least five minutes before the 12.30pm start time to check in and get settled.

Paint & Prosecco (Autumn): Sip, Paint, and Explore the National Mining Museum Scotland | Paint and Sip | Workshop

At the edge of Newtongrange, under the brick profile of Lady Victoria Colliery, Paint & Prosecco (Autumn) offers a low-pressure creative afternoon inside the Power House at National Mining Museum Scotland, Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange EH22 4QN. Artist Gillian Westland guides participants step by step through an autumn tree scene, so no painting experience is required. The class runs 12.30pm–2.30pm and includes all materials, a glass (or two) of prosecco, and the finished canvas to take home.

The setting is as much part of the draw as the painting. The National Mining Museum occupies a working colliery complex where cast-iron structures and stone buildings frame large interior spaces; the Power House in particular has high windows and industrial character that make it an unexpectedly atmospheric studio. That industrial architecture sits on top of coal-bearing strata that shaped local life for generations—visitors often find the mix of mining heritage and creative practice quietly compelling.

This two-hour session is sized for social connection without feeling crowded: groups top out at 26, and the workshop is fully accessible. You’ll be coached through composition, brushwork, and colour choices to render autumnal branches, layered foliage, and moody skies. Practical touches—pre-stretched canvases, ready-to-use palettes, and stepwise demonstrations—mean the focus stays on making and enjoying the process rather than overcoming technical hurdles.

Why book this experience when you visit the area? For one, it’s a way to lean into place: you’re painting autumn trees in a building that hosted the machines that powered real outdoor industry here. It’s ideal for solo travellers who want to meet people, small groups celebrating a weekend, or museum visitors looking for a different way to engage with local history. The museum’s location keeps you close to Midlothian walking routes and easy rail connections to Edinburgh, so you can combine an arts afternoon with longer outdoor exploration.

Practical notes: the event is non-refundable and adults must be 18 or older. Arrive five minutes early to check in. Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind splattering; aprons and materials are provided. Tickets are limited and the event typically fills fast across autumn weekends.

Tickets cost £35 per person, which covers materials and that welcome glass of prosecco; spaces are capped so book ahead through the museum’s booking page. The minimum age is 18, the session lasts two hours, and the experience is designed to be light-hearted and social—perfect for trying something new while soaking up the honest history of Scotland’s coalfields today.

About National Mining Museum Scotland

National Mining Museum Scotland, located in Newtongrange, Scotland, preserves and interprets the nation’s coal-mining heritage at the former Lady Victoria Colliery site. The museum offers multiple ways to explore mining history: guided tours led by former miners, a 16-stop audio tour, exhibition galleries with interactive displays, and a chance to descend into recreated underground tunnels. Visitors can see the museum’s giant winding engine, explore the Power House setting, and view artifacts and personal stories that reveal miners’ lives and the region’s industrial community.

Seasonal and specialist events complement regular tours. Family-focused experiences include Halloween Family Ghost Tours, Santa’s Grotto visits, and the Snow Queen pantomime. Adults-only and evening events range from ghost tours with live actors to craft and social workshops such as festive wreath making, Paint & Prosecco painting sessions, and live storytelling evenings like An Evening with Eric Davidson. The museum’s programming blends history, hands-on activities, and community performance in purpose-built industrial spaces.

Practical visitor information is delivered alongside interpretation: friendly expert guides, accessible exhibition galleries, and curated audio content provide layered options for different interests and mobility needs. The museum emphasizes authentic voices through former miner guides and tangible artifacts. Group bookings, family visits, seasonal events, and educational visits are supported by staff experienced in heritage presentation. National Mining Museum Scotland presents coal-mining history with immersive exhibits and events designed to engage visitors of all ages, preserving local memory while offering meaningful, educational experiences. Accessible facilities, a museum shop, and on-site parking support visitors throughout the year comfortably.