Updated June 2012
On the first Monday of the month, 8pm-11pm in the back room of Stagg's bar (also known as the Volunteer Arms), which is across the lane from the Brunton Halls. This is very easy to reach and get back from by public transport. The room is large, quiet and comfortable, and Stagg's has been the CAMRA Real Ale Pub of the Year recently. The session has so far been an equal mixture of singing (Scots, English, French and Gaelic traditional, singer-songwriter, C&W) and instrumentals (almost all Scottish).
Yes I know Musselburgh isn't in Midlothian, but it's easier to get to on a bus from Dalkeith, Newtongrange, Easthouses, Mayfield, Gorebridge or Danderhall than any of the towns on the western side of the county.
Photos from this session are here.
Last Monday of the month in the winter (September to March), Dean Tavern, Newtongrange, 7.30pm - 11pm. Each night has a main act and a number of floor spots (if you do a floor spot you don't pay to get in).
Every Thursday all year, Dean Tavern, Newtongrange, 8.30pm - 11pm. Featured guests on the first Thursday of the month, sing/playaround other nights. More information at www.nittenfolk.co.uk
These have an overlapping core of players and take place in a different town each week. The only one with a significant amount of traditional music is on the fourth Friday of the month at the Anvil, Bonnyrigg. For more information about these, see Bruce Hogg's Loanhead Guitar Club site
The Roadhouse, 136 John Street, Penicuik, every Tuesday, one guest night each month and sing/playarounds on the others. Phone 01968 678 610. More at www.penicuikfolk.org.uk/
Roy Hunter's page on folk in the Borders
Events in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife when I get round to it. For starters, one in East Lothian:
Every Tuesday during the winter, 7.30pm in the Dean Tavern, Newtongrange.
Second Friday of the month, in the Dean Tavern (used to be in the Morris Club). Phone 0131 663 6022. Again, autumn and winter only.
Meets on the second Friday of the month, I think, in Bilston Miners' Club. I haven't been to this; contact 0131 660 1276.