Midlothian farm workshop dating back 200 years could become café under new plans

A 200-year-old farm workshop could become a haven for cyclists if it gets the go ahead to be converted into a countryside café.

Carrington Mains Farm was built in the early 1800s by the Earl of Rosebery and helped the surrounding the village of the same name grow and prosper.

However the Rosebery Estate has now applied to turn one of its buildings, which it says has fallen into disrepair, into a café to help retain its historic steading and bring it back into use.

In an application to Midlothian Council, representatives from the estate, say it is ideally located to attract visitors and provide locals with a much needed service as well as jobs.

They say: “Due to the proximity to Edinburgh and the wealth of tourist attractions available in Midlothian including designed landscapes and gardens, woodland and riverside walks, the property is in a prime location to change the use to a café.

“Carrington forms part of the Gilmerton to Carrington Circular cycle route and Moorfoot Edge cycle route.

“Additional facilities will provide existing users of the foot and cycle network an opportunity to extend their stay.

“The café will benefit the local community as it will create employment opportunities, support the local economy and be a great facility for the established community.”

They add the building itself is unoccupied and has fallen into a state of disrepair, saying if the deterioration continues the building could be lost.

They say: ”The main considerations driving the current proposal is to prevent the steading from falling into further disrepair and allow the building to return to active use.”

The plans have been lodged on the Midlothian planning portal for viewing.