Thursday September 10th 2026
Written by Midlothian View Editor, Phil Bowen
The Edinburgh & South East Scotland region, which Midlothian is part of, is set to receive a £37.8 million share of the UK Labour Government’s Local Growth Fund.
The first wave of this funding, totalling £14.1 million, was released this month.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said:
“The UK Government is committed to empowering local communities by spreading power throughout the country. These funds will support local leaders throughout Scotland to create skilled jobs, help start up businesses and revive our local high streets.
“After months of close working directly with regional partners across Scotland, the UK Government is now releasing £52.1 million directly to regional leaders who know their communities best so delivery can begin.”
This investment is expected to create high-skilled jobs, support local businesses and boost living standards for working families.
The UK Government says that the funding will deliver regional skills and employability programmes, as well as helping to set up Housing and Net Zero Accelerator Hubs to train workers in green construction.
Funding has been allocated at regional level, via Regional Economic Partnerships (REPs). The Edinburgh and South East Scotland REP is made up of 6 councils: City of Edinburgh, East Lothian, Fife (also in Tay), Midlothian, Scottish Borders (also in South of Scotland), West Lothian.
Kirsty McNeill, MP for Midlothian, said:
“For too long the Scottish Government has centralised power in Holyrood, taking away decision making from local councils and local communities. Our Labour Government is doing the opposite.”
“Through the Local Growth Fund, money is going straight to local decision-makers, so regions can plan and deliver the infrastructure their communities need most, deliver skilled jobs and lift living standards for families.”
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