Last Christmas at Highbank

Residents and staff at Highbank Intermediate Care Home in Dalkeith are determined to make this Christmas one to remember, as it marks the final festive season at the home’s current site before a major move to new, purpose-built accommodation.

Moving in spring

The care home ‘family’ is celebrating what will be its last Christmas in Dalkeith ahead of a planned relocation to a modern replacement facility on Polton Street in Bonnyrigg in spring 2026. The move will signal a new chapter for Highbank, which has supported residents in Midlothian for many years.

Special season

Highbank Manager Katherine Malone said the team is going all out to ensure the season is truly special. She said: “We want to make it unforgettable as it’s our last one in our current home before our move to new, custom-built premises on Polton Street in Bonnyrigg in spring 2026.

Making memories

“We’re told there’s a real sense of family at Highbank so, like lots of families, we’re pulling out all the stops from Christmas carol concerts to parties and lots of great, home-cooked food. This time of year has always been special at Highbank but this year it’s extra special. We want to make great memories.”

Midlothian Life Care Facility

While preparations are under way for a festive farewell, excitement is also building around the new facility, which will be known as the Midlothian Life Care Facility. Designed with residents and staff at its heart, the new home will offer a significantly enhanced environment for care and rehabilitation.

Purpose-built

Features will include home-like kitchens and bathrooms, en-suite bedrooms, a sensory room, a purpose-built gym, and improved rehabilitation spaces, alongside enhanced staff facilities. The highly energy-efficient building will meet Passivhaus standards and provide 40 beds in total, including 30 en-suite rooms and ten self-contained “mini-flats”.

Lots to celebrate

Although the name and location are changing, Highbank’s team emphasises that its values, high standards of care and ‘family atmosphere’ will remain unchanged. Familiar colours and zones are also being incorporated to help ensure a smooth and reassuring transition. In the months ahead, residents and staff will be invited to visit the new building as anticipation grows for the first celebrations in its new community space.

In the picture

Staff and residents at Highbank Intermediate Care Home by the Christmas tree