Midlothian Council has welcomed publication of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal annual report, which highlights progress across a diverse range of projects in the area, from robotics and data skills, to employability projects, housing and intensive family support.

The City Region Deal's £1.4 billion programme is a partnership that includes Midlothian and five other local authorities, four universities, six colleges and the Regional Enterprise Council – made up of business, social enterprise and third sector representatives.

At a meeting of Midlothian Council on Tuesday (December 13) councillors heard that £58.1m of government investment was spent on City Region Deal projects in 2021-2022, bringing total UK and Scottish Government investment since the Deal was signed in 2018 up to £226m.

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Out of a total of 23 City Region Deal projects, 21 are in the implementation or delivery phase. This includes junction works for the Edinburgh Food and Drink Innovation hub at Queen Margaret University, and completion of the new National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University.

The annual report also shows that skills and employability projects set up under the Deal have improved the skills of 18,000 people and helped 260 people into work. £82,000 of Data Skills Credits were awarded last year, benefiting 264 learners.

This year's annual report features a series of short videos highlighting the people and organisations behind the projects, their delivery partners across the region, and those who are benefiting.

Councillor Russell Imrie, Convener of the Deal's Joint Committee, said: "It is now four years since the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal was signed, and we continue to make excellent progress. I would encourage anyone who wants to know more about how the Deal is delivering benefits to different groups and sectors across the City Region to watch the short videos."