Countdown to Tour de France in Midlothian
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2027 Tour de France in Midlothian
Stage one of the Tour de France, the world’s most prestigious cycle race, will come through Midlothian on Friday 2 July 2027 on the 184 kilometre route between Edinburgh and Carlisle.
The Tour de France attracts more than 12 million in-person spectators across the three-week stage race, with an estimated global television audience of more than 3.5 billion people. The 2027 race is the first time it will travel through Scotland, England and Wales.
The Grand Depart GB Route
The stage one route of the men's race follows the A7 through Midlothian from Edinburgh:
- To the entrance to Dobbies
- On to the Tesco roundabout
- The National Mining Museum
- Onwards to the Fushiebridge depot near North Middleton heading towards Scottish Borders
For full details of the route on the official Tour de France website:
Why this matters for Midlothian
The event creates a unique opportunity to showcase the people, places, businesses and communities that make Midlothian special.
Benefits may include:
- Opportunities for local businesses
- International media exposure
- Greater awareness of Midlothian as a destination
- Increased visitors to towns and villages
- Community celebrations and local pride
What to expect on the day - A festival atmosphere
The excitement starts well before the cyclists arrive.
The famous Tour de France publicity caravan travels the full route ahead of the race, bringing colourful vehicles, music, entertainment and giveaways for spectators.
Many spectators arrive early and stay for several hours, creating a lively atmosphere in communities along the route.
Community celebrations and spectator areas
The Tour de France is expected to attract more than 67,000 spectators to Midlothian, creating an opportunity for communities to come together and celebrate this historic occasion.
Spectator areas
At present, Midlothian Council is not planning official spectator zones along the route. However, communities, businesses and local organisations are encouraged to consider organising their own viewing areas, activities and celebrations where appropriate.
This could include:
- Joint celebrations organised by businesses and community groups
- Cycling-themed events and activities
- Community viewing areas
- Street and village celebrations
- Community decorations and displays
- Activities led by local groups, schools and organisations
The council can provide advice and support to communities and organisations planning local celebrations and will share further guidance as plans develop. The Tour de France will launch a community toolkit in Spring 2027.
Local Business Information
Increased visitors and global attention, supporting local businesses and tourism. When the Tour de France came to Great Britain in 2014, the race generated approximately £130 million for the host region economies (Yorkshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex and London), and was watched at the roadside by 3.5m people. Read the Evaluation report to find out more.
Please be advised that Tour de France branding is strictly managed and policed by the event organisers. Businesses cannot use the Tour de France logo.
The Tour de France presents opportunities for businesses located on and near the route.
Businesses may wish to consider:
- Working with neighbouring businesses on joint activities
- Special promotions and events
- Tour-inspired products or menus
- Window displays and decorations
- Extended or adjusted opening arrangements
An official Tour de France business guide is expected to be available in autumn 2026 and will be promoted through council channels once released.
TDF Together
We have launched TDF Together to help businesses maximise the economic impact of the 2027 Tour de France to develop a collaborative marketing campaign that will increase the visibility of everything that Midlothian has to offer to make it as easy as possible for visitors to stay with us longer and visit more of our local businesses. The Campaign will cover three themes:
- Where to Stay
- Where to Visit
- Where to Eat
To talk through your ideas for involvement and access business support, please email econ-dev@midlothian.gov.uk.
Want to find out more on how your business can get involved? Join our first Tour de France online business information event on Tuesday 10 November (10am-12pm). Find full details and sign up here.
Funding and support
There are currently no dedicated Midlothian Council grants for businesses linked to the Tour de France. If this position changes, updates will be published on this website and shared through council communications channels.
Other ways to support local projects
Businesses, community groups and organisation may wish to explore:
- Joint projects with neighbouring organisations
- Partnership opportunities
- Sponsorship arrangements
- Community crowdfunding initiatives
- Shared community celebrations and events
Working together can help communities maximise the benefits of the event while creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Planning ahead
If your business or family life may be affected by road closures, you may wish to make early alternative arrangements around:
- Staff travel arrangements
- Deliveries and collections
- Supplier access
- Customer access
- Stock requirements
- Business continuity plans
- Deliveries and visitors
Our aim is to help everyone prepare with as little disruption as possible.
Information and support will continue to be provided well in advance of race day.
Get in touch with Midlothian Council's Tour de France team
This is a unique opportunity to see the world’s greatest cycle race in your home county. Spectators will be encouraged to walk or cycle to their chosen viewing points, and closer to the event dedicated spectator information will be available with suggested travel, car and bicycle parking information.
For general enquiries or to find out about road closures, parking and emergency access please visit Tour de France in Midlothian | Midlothian Council or email TDF@midlothian.gov.uk
