Dalkeith update: 20 January 2026

We wanted to keep you informed about a possible blockage in the Old Fordell tunnel, which helps drain water from the historical mine workings beneath part of Dalkeith into the River South Esk.

Our investigations and actions

We are currently investigating the cause and have paused our works at the site while we undertake this. Underground mine water levels and the surrounding area are being monitored for any changes and we are implementing plans to pump the mine water.

To manage the underground mine water, we intend to start pumping into a new above-ground pipe along Lauder Road to the construction site adjacent to Newmills bridge. The water will then be discharged into the River South Esk.

Once in place, the pumping equipment will operate 24 hours a day. To limit disruption to residents, we’ve put in place mitigation measures to ensure any noise from the pumping is minimal.

Road closures and restrictions

The pumping equipment will be located off Woodburn Court and will be delivered to site on Tuesday. To enable us to safely install the pumping equipment, we have restricted parking on Woodburn Court and have liaised directly with residents who will be affected by this.

We have also worked with Midlothian Council to put in place a temporary lane closure which starts at the end of Newmills Bridge (adjacent to our mine water treatment site) and ends at Lauder Road before its junction with Bruce Gardens. The closure will mean there is no access to James Lean Avenue from Newmills Road, and Woodburn Road from Lauder Road. Appropriate signage and diversions are in place. This will mean that parking along this section of road will be suspended temporarily. Pavement access will not be restricted and there are pedestrian crossings in place to allow residents to cross the road safely. The road closures are temporary until we can put an alternative solution in place, which we are currently investigating. We will keep residents updated and ensure they can still reach their properties. If there are times when access needs to be more limited due to ongoing works, we will give as much notice as we can and work directly with residents to support their needs.

We will try and minimise disruption as much as possible but appreciate that carrying out these essential works will cause inconvenience to residents and we’re sorry for this.

If you have any questions or concerns, would like to share feedback, or would like more information, please email our customer services team at customerservice@miningremediation.gov.uk or call 01623 637000.

We’re working with partner organisations to resolve this as quickly as we can. Local people know their area best, so if you notice anything unusual, like water collecting where it shouldn’t, dips in the ground, or odd noises coming from underground, please call our 24-hour hazard line straight away on 0800 288 4242.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we investigate this issue and manage the mine water levels. We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide a further update once we know more.

Key contacts

Please contact us if there is anything you wish to discuss. The reference number for this project is I-391638.

Customer Services Team

If you have any questions about our work please call our customer services team on 0345 762 6848 or 01623 637 000 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm or email us at customerservice@coal.gov.uk.

To report an emergency, please contact: 0800 288 4242 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) For more information about the Mining Remediation Authority, please visit www.gov.uk/mining-remediation-authority.