Welcome to Newbattle Abbey College Daily Delegates
Newbattle Abbey’s remarkable journey—from its founding as a prosperous 12th-century Cistercian monastery, through its transformation to a stately home, to its current role as a vibrant adult education college—mirrors the sweep of Scotland’s religious, political, and cultural evolution. Its architecture, historical relics, landscaped grounds, and enduring educational mission make it a truly unique heritage site in Midlothian.
Founded in 1140 by King David I and settled by Cistercian monks from Melrose Abbey, Newbattle Abbey quickly grew into a powerful religious and economic centre. It played a pioneering role in coal mining, sheep farming, salt production, and local trade—deeply shaping the region’s development. Following the reformation, the Abbey became the home of the Earls of Lothian in the 16th Century.
Today, Newbattle Abbey continues to contribute to the wider community—locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. The estate offers a variety of spaces for meetings and events of all sizes, supporting businesses, organisations, and community groups alike.
In 1937, Philip Kerr, 11th Marquess of Lothian, gifted the estate to be used as a residential adult education college. Although requisitioned during World War II, the Abbey returned to educational use in 1950 and remains a centre for lifelong learning.
The college, in its current form, provides a safe place for adults of all ages to take up the opportunity of education. Our role is to provide routes back into further or higher education alongside a supportive environment. Our focus on wellbeing is important as subject knowledge and skills. We have specialist staff within our team who provide study and pastoral support on a personal level.
Income from events and conferences plays a vital role in sustaining its educational mission, helping ensure this historic site continues to serve future generations. The college reinvests all profits from events, venue hire, and conferences directly into delivering inclusive learning opportunities.
This income helps fund programmes for adult returners, support services for learners facing barriers to education, and the ongoing preservation of our historic buildings and grounds. By choosing Newbattle Abbey for your event or stay, you are not only enjoying a unique and inspiring venue—you are also making a direct contribution to lifelong learning and the safeguarding of aremarkable piece of Scotland’s heritage.
This unbelievable venue certainly raised our profile. It's great when potential customers were left open mouthed before we even started our event, simply stunning venue.
