Midlothian is a great, green place to grow.
It’s only a short journey from Edinburgh city centre, with all the benefits of a rural location: a lower cost of living and a high quality of life. Strategic transport links make Midlothian accessible and commuter friendly.
There are diverse heritage and cultural activities and events, and access to greenspace encompassing the Pentland Hills and beautiful Glencorse Reservoir, the North Esk and South Esk rivers.
Housing and town centres
Recent developments have increased the housing offer, catering for different needs and budgets.
The new town of Shawfair is on the Borders Railway. With 4,000 housing units, business and industrial units, formal and informal open space, and a new town centre, it’s set to be the most exciting community development on Edinburgh’s doorstep in recent years.
Ambitious plans are underway to improve town and village centres across the region including Dalkeith, Newtongrange, Penicuik and Gorebridge. This will further boost the local economy and communities.
Education
We have 33 primary schools and six secondary schools. Newbattle is a Digital Centre of Excellence, and a school for primary and secondary age pupils with additional support needs.
Edinburgh College, Midlothian Campus, and Newbattle Abbey College in Eskbank, Dalkeith offer higher education and vocational and non-vocational training. Newbattle Abbey is one of the most advanced technological teaching centres in Scotland. The award-winning Loanhead Centre includes a primary school, health centre, swimming pool and leisure facilities.
Leisure
There are excellent leisure opportunities for all ages and interests throughout Midlothian. Destination Hillend (Midlothian Snowsports Centre) has the longest dry ski slope in Europe, and five of the Council’s parks have Green Flags.
The shopping is excellent at Straiton Retail Park, with multinational brands such as IKEA and Costco, alongside many more stores, restaurants, cafes and bars.
