'Ghost town' warnings as lifeline shop and Post Office in Dalkeith set to close
Midlothian councillor Margot Russell has expressed concern over the wider impact on Dalkeith
Residents have warned that Dalkeith is ”becoming a ghost town” after it was confirmed that TGJones, which houses the local Post Office, is set to close.
The retailer, previously known as WH-Smith, has said its Dalkeith shop is expected to shut down on January 9, 2027 following a closing-down sale.
The closure comes as part of the implementation of TGJones’ court-approved restructuring plan.
However the announcement has prompted concern over the wider impact on Dalkeith, particularly with the town's Post Office also facing closure.
Midlothian councillor Margot Russell said both businesses are critical to the “well-being of Dalkeith”.
She said the services were particularly important for older residents, with many pensioners continuing to collect their pensions locally and people increasingly using the Post Office for parcel collections and returns.
Councillor Russell also made the point that losing both businesses could reduce the number of people travelling into the town centre.
“Without the Post Office and the Jones shop there will be no need to come to Dalkeith,” she said.
“It's bad enough at the moment with shops and even charity shops closing and no new ventures taking up the empty premises.”
She also warned that independent cafes could be affected if fewer people visit Dalkeith.
She said: “Sadly this will have a knock-on effect on the small independent cafes so there will be more shops closing and more people out of work.”
The Labour Group is set to put a motion to Midlothian council on Tuesday in an attempt to reverse the closure.
On a Facebook post, many locals took to the comments to share their disbelief of yet another closure in their town.
One person commented: “Even the charity shops can’t keep open because of the rates. Very sad to see my town destroyed”.
Another agreed with councillor Russell and commented: “Dalkeith is becoming a ghost town!”
A spokesperson for TGJones said the company was working to secure the “long-term future” of the business.
They said: “As we work to secure the long-term future of TGJones, we have confirmed the Dalkeith store will close.
“We know this will be disappointing news for our colleagues, customers, and the local community. Our focus now is on supporting those affected and continuing to serve customers throughout the closure period.
“We would like to thank all of our colleagues for their commitment and the contribution they have made to TGJones”.
Customers will still be able to shop at nearby TGJones shops and online.