Thursday June 25th 2026
Midlothian Councillors and Lothian Bus staff in front of the new bus route
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Midlothian Council has secured £245,000 to improve bus links to key employment opportunities, including Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, aiming to fix transport issues caused by the scrapping of Midlothian bus services
The funding, awarded by the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran), aims to support new and improved bus services until 31 March 2027.
As part of the plans, Lothian Buses will introduce two new early morning and evening routes and add an extra journey to an existing service will be extended.
These changes come after Lothian Buses scrapped a direct bus route from the village of Rosewell to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary as part of a shake up of service in February.
After introducing the service only three years ago, the route played an essential role in travel through Midlothian and to the hospital, allowing elderly members of public, workers and anyone needing to access hospital services, simple travel to the infirmary.
The decision caused frustration in the area with many Midlothian residents and local politicians making call to reverse the cuts.
The changes implemented include:
– New service (Service 37A): Penicuik – Roslin – Loanhead – Royal Infirmary
Two morning journeys and one return journey in the evening, seven days a week
– New service (Service 39A): Rosewell – Bonnyrigg – Dalkeith – Royal Infirmary
Two morning journeys and one return journey in the evening, seven days a week
– Improved service (Service 48): Gorebridge – Newtongrange – Mayfield – Dalkeith – Royal Infirmary – Fort Kinnaird – Musselburgh
One morning journey, Monday to Saturday
The new journeys are set to be introduced in Autumn 2026.
These aim to reverse issues created by the scrapping of essential routes, improving access to jobs, training and the wider public transport network, particularly in areas where options are currently limited. The services are aimed at supporting residents who face barriers to travel, including cost and availability, and will help parents and jobseekers reach new opportunities.
Improved links to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, a major regional employer, will also support NHS recruitment and retention.
The funding runs until 31 March 2027, with the aim of establishing services that can become financially self-sustaining in future.
Councillor Colin Cassidy, Midlothian Council Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
“We know that limited public transport options can make getting to work, especially for early or late shifts, more difficult for some residents.
“Therefore, I’m delighted that Midlothian Council has secured funding to deliver two new bus services and an extra journey on an existing service.
“These new and improved bus services to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary will make journeys more reliable and affordable, helping residents access jobs, training and vital services. Just as importantly, they support families to increase their incomes and opportunities for the future.
“This is a practical step that helps to connect our communities, encourages more people to use public transport and supports our local economy too.” \
Ben Ritchie, Commercial Manager, Lothian said:
“We are delighted to be working with Midlothian Council to introduce these journeys, benefiting employees at the Royal Infirmary at key shift times as well as the wider local community. This funding enables us to operate these journeys alongside our existing network, strengthening connectivity and improving access for those who rely on public transport.”
Brian Butler, Partnership Director at SEStran, said:
“We are delighted to support these new bus routes to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and Edinburgh Bioquarter through our Transport to Employment programme, supported by Scottish Government funding to tackle Child Poverty.
“Transport plays a vital role in tackling child poverty. When parents and carers cannot afford or access reliable transport, it can prevent them from taking up work, training or education, even when opportunities exist. This can reduce household income, increase living costs and keep families trapped in poverty.
“By funding services like this, we are helping more people in Midlothian access employment opportunities while also improving connections to essential healthcare. These new routes will make it easier for residents to get to work, training and appointments at the Royal Infirmary, opening up opportunities and improving access to essential services.”
Tweet Share on Facebook
