Midlothian Council

Living in Midlothian

Only a short journey from Edinburgh city centre, with all the benefits of a rural location, Midlothian is a perfect place to call home - 93,200 people already do!

Strategic transport links make Midlothian accessible and commuter friendly while diverse heritage and cultural activities, events and access to greenspace ensures there is plenty to explore and enjoy.

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 line. With 4,000 housing units, business and industrial units, formal and informal open space, and a new town centre, it is 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.

Education

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.

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 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.