Midlothian’s New P1 Pupils Have Started School with a Special Handmade Friend

More than 1,000 children who started Primary 1 across Midlothian this August brought a very special friend with them on their first day – their very own “Mid Mouse”, lovingly handmade by knitters and crocheters from across the county and even as far away as Australia.

Kindness and creativity

The Mid Mouse project began during the Covid pandemic in 2020 and has continued to grow thanks to the kindness and creativity of volunteers like Julia Cunningham, who has made between 300 and 400 mice over the years. Julia is pictured above with Emma Scafe, who organises the Mid Mouse project and Wendy Johnston, of Midlothian Council's library service at Newtongrange Library.

First child to crochet mice

This year also marks a special milestone: Burnbrae Primary pupil Sophie, now in Primary 7, became the first child to contribute to the project. Despite only learning to crochet last September, Sophie created three beautiful mice, each with a little heart inside. She’s especially proud that her younger sister Lily received a Mid Mouse as she began her own school journey at Bonnyrigg Primary this August. Both are pictured below.

Many thanks

Principal Teacher Emma Scafe and Sally Ward, Quality Improvement Officer for Early Years, shared their gratitude: “Thank you so much to Julia, Sophie, and everyone who made a Mid Mouse. These mice mean the world to our new P1s. They never start school alone – they always have a little friend to cuddle and keep them company.”

1,300 mice collected

A big thank you also goes to Midlothian libraries and LASC Childcare Services at The Link in Loanhead. Libraries served as collection points this year, and their knitting groups helped create over 1,300 mice. During the summer, library staff, including Wendy Johnston, have also been hosting special Mid Mouse storytelling sessions, where children are encouraged to bring their mice along.

Family affair

Staff at The Link, including Operations Manager Shelley Martin and Debra Stout, also helped collect donations. Shelley’s own daughter Rachel is starting P1 this year and is thrilled to receive her mouse – which she’s already named Cheese, both are pictured below. Her grandmother even knitted mice for both LASC Early Learning and Childcare centres.

Helping children feel loved

Emma added: “It’s so special that Shelley and her team get to see the real impact of these donations – they’re helping children feel loved, safe, and excited about school.”