Life in Midlothian

Midlothian is proud to have a blend of heritage cottages, farm steadings, affordable housing and innovative new build homes catering for all needs and budgets. Midlothian Council also has the largest Passivhaus programme of development in Scotland, all for affordable Council rent.

Midlothian's newest town, Shawfair, is adjacent to the City Bypass and has a direct rail link to Edinburgh city centre. With 4,800 quality new homes, business and industrial units, a new town centre, plus a new community campus with nursery, primary and secondary education, swimming pool, theatre, sports pitches and vocational training facilities for use by the wider community, it is the most exciting community development on Edinburgh’s doorstep in recent years.

Ambitious plans are underway to regenerate town and village centres across the region including Dalkeith, Newtongrange, Penicuik and Gorebridge.

Midlothian has 33 primary schools, six secondary schools and a school for primary and secondary age pupils with additional support needs. Our forward-thinking schools include Newbattle High School, the first Digital Centre of Excellence in Scotland, and Roslin Primary, a pilot for smart technology, bringing the Internet of Things into the classroom. This data driven innovation harnesses technology to maximise learning opportunities for pupils.

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.

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 has funding to develop the site into an all-year-round, multi-activity leisure facility. Five of the Council’s parks have Green Flags while the Pentland and Moorfoot Hills provide adventure and an abundance of green space on Midlothian’s doorstep.

Perhaps Midlothian’s most famous sight is the late-gothic Rosslyn Chapel which featured in The Da Vinci Code. An impressive landmark with centuries old history and mystery. You can see the scale of Midlothian’s industrial heritage at the National Mining Museum or, enjoy the abundance of activities available at Dalkeith Country Park. From adventure playgrounds to shopping, relaxing walks to exhilarating experiences at Go Ape, there’s something for all ages.

The towns and villages of Midlothian feature an array of unique independent retailers, cafés, restaurants and tourist attractions. Shopping at Straiton Retail Park offers multinational brands such as IKEA and Costco, alongside many more stores, restaurants, cafes and bars to suit all tastes.