Monday October 26th 2026
Midlothian Council Fairfield House
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Community organisations, public services and local residents came together at Newbattle Abbey College earlier this month to help shape the future of Midlothian as work continues on the next Single Midlothian Plan for 2027-2030.
Discussions at the Midlothian Community Planning Partnership conference on 1 October were informed by feedback from more than 700 local people gathered through the Midlothian Citizens’ Panel, 17 community engagement sessions, a youth hackathon and other engagement activity.
The newly published Midlothian Citizens’ Panel 2026 Survey report highlights the issues residents want partners to focus on in the years ahead. Feedback highlighted the importance of ensuring housing growth is matched by infrastructure and services, improving transport connections, tackling poverty, supporting children and young people, strengthening community safety and protecting green spaces. Residents also highlighted the importance of belonging, volunteering, health and wellbeing, and vibrant local communities.
View the Citizens’ Panel 2026 Survey Report here.
At the conference, participants heard directly from people with lived experience about the challenges they have faced and the difference that timely support can make. Discussions also highlighted Midlothian’s strong community spirit, with residents describing the area as welcoming, supportive and neighbourly.
Young people shared their views on the future they want to see, outlining the values, needs and aspirations that are important to them as the community works towards its long-term vision for 2050.
The findings from the consultation and conference will help shape the final Single Midlothian Plan, which sets out how partners will work together to improve outcomes for local people. The plan will focus on reducing inequalities, strengthening communities and ensuring more people have the opportunity to thrive in Midlothian.
Over the coming weeks, staff and community planning partners will use the feedback gathered through the consultation and conference to draft Vision 2050: Single Midlothian Plan, 2027-2030.
The draft plan will first be considered by the Community Planning Board, before a final version is considered by Full Council in December.
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