Community organisations, public services and local residents gathered at Newbattle Abbey College to help define Midlothian’s priorities as work advances on the Single Midlothian Plan for 2027–2030.

Deliberations at the Midlothian Community Planning Partnership conference were guided by input from more than 700 residents via the Midlothian Citizens’ Panel, 17 community engagement sessions, a youth hackathon and other outreach activity.

The newly published Midlothian Citizens’ Panel 2026 Survey report sets out the issues residents want partners to prioritise in the years ahead. These include ensuring housing growth is matched by infrastructure and services, improving transport links, tackling poverty, supporting children and young people, strengthening community safety and safeguarding green spaces. People also stressed the importance of belonging, volunteering, health and wellbeing, and vibrant neighbourhoods.

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Participants heard directly from people with lived experience about the challenges they have faced and the impact that timely support can have. Discussions also highlighted Midlothian’s strong community spirit, with residents describing the area as welcoming, supportive and neighbourly.

Young people outlined the values, needs and aspirations they want to see reflected as the community works towards a long-term vision for 2050.

Findings from the consultation and conference will shape the final Single Midlothian Plan, which will set out how partners will collaborate to improve outcomes for local people. The plan will focus on reducing inequalities, strengthening communities and enabling more residents to thrive in Midlothian.

In the coming weeks, council staff and community planning partners will use the feedback to draft Vision 2050: Single Midlothian Plan, 2027–2030.

The draft will be considered first by the Community Planning Board, before a final version goes to Full Council in December.