Tuesday June 9th 2026
Midlothian Councillor Derek Milligan
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Midlothian Labour Councillors Derek Milligan and Russell Imrie have called on Lothian Buses to urgently review future bus provision for the communities of Bonnyrigg, Poltonhall and Rosewell, following significant disruption caused by recent service changes.
The withdrawal of the 46 bus service has left many residents without any practical means of accessing essential public services, including the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Midlothian Community Hospital, out‑of‑hours GP services, and major shopping facilities such as Tesco and Morrisons.
Councillors warn that the impact is being felt most acutely by NHS staff and those who rely on public transport for work, healthcare, and day‑to‑day living.
Councillor Derek Milligan said:
“The removal of the 46 has created real barriers for people across Bonnyrigg, Poltonhall and Rosewell. Residents are telling us they feel cut off from vital services, from hospital appointments to visiting relatives or simply getting to work.
“Many NHS staff have told me they have moved home to this area as it had a direct bus service to the RIE and community hospital.
“This situation is not acceptable and must be addressed urgently.”
Councillors Milligan and Imrie have written to Lothian Buses requesting an update meeting and urging the company to consider a series of practical improvements as part of its future service planning. These include:
– Reinstating the 46 service, even on a reduced or targeted timetable, to restore essential connectivity.
– Extending the 39 service beyond Cameron Crescent into Rosewell, with increased frequency to meet local demand.
– Introducing a direct route from Rosewell through Poltonhall and Bonnyrigg to the Royal Infirmary, aligned with staff start and finish times and hospital visiting hours.
Councillor Russell Imrie added:
“These are reasonable, workable proposals that would make a real difference to residents who currently feel abandoned by the recent changes. We want to work constructively with Lothian Buses to find solutions that restore confidence in local public transport.”
The councillors have also requested a clear update on any planned reviews or consultations affecting the Bonnyrigg–Rosewell corridor and have reiterated their commitment to securing improved, reliable, and accessible bus services for local communities.
A spokesperson for Lothian Buses said: “Lothian is committed to delivering reliable, accessible and cost-effective bus services across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
“As a wholly commercial operator, our decision to implement network changes is driven by detailed analysis of data and evolving travel patterns, helping to ensure our services remain viable.
“We will continue to monitor the revised services and listen to community feedback as we consider further improvements to connectivity across the wider bus network.”
Full letter sent to Lothian Buses:
Dear Ben,
Request for Update meeting on Future Bus Provision for Bonnyrigg and Rosewell
We are writing to request an update on Lothian Buses’ plans for future bus services serving the communities of Bonnyrigg and Rosewell. Recent changes to local routes, particularly the withdrawal of the 46 service, have had a significant and detrimental impact on residents, especially those living in Bonnyrigg, Poltonhall and Rosewell.
The removal of the 46 has left many residents without any practical means of accessing key public services throughout the day and in the evenings, for destinations that include the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Midlothian Community Hospital, out of hours GP services and any local shopping outlet such as Tesco or Morrisons. This has created barriers for people attending work, visiting relatives in hospital, accessing healthcare, and participating in community life.
Request for Consideration of Service Improvements
In light of these challenges, We would be grateful if Lothian Buses could consider the following options as part of your future service planning:
– Reinstating the 46 service, even on a reduced or targeted timetable, to restore essential connectivity for Rosewell and Poltonhall residents.
– Extending the current 39 service that terminates at Cameron Crecent so that it continues into the village of Rosewell and increasing its frequency to meet local demand.
– Introducing a direct service from Rosewell through Poltonhall and Bonnyrigg to the Royal Infirmary, ensuring that residents have a reliable and accessible route to the region’s main hospital especially staff start and finish times
These changes would significantly improve access to healthcare, employment, and essential services for a large number of residents who currently feel cut off from the wider public transport network.
I would welcome the opportunity to meet again with you and others from Lothian Buses management to explore workable solutions. I would also appreciate a clear update on any planned reviews or consultations relating to services in the Bonnyrigg–Rosewell corridor.
Thank you for considering these requests. I look forward to your response and to working constructively to improve public transport provision for our communities.
Yours faithfully,
Councillor Derek Milligan
Councillor Russell Imrie
