Population growth and projections
The 2025 estimate was 0.7% higher than the 2024 figure of 99,720. Over the longer period from 2001 to 2025, Midlothian grew by 24.0%, compared with 9.5% across Scotland.
National Records of Scotland also projects a 14.7% increase between 2022 and 2032, from 97,040 residents to 111,292. That would give Midlothian the highest percentage growth among Scotland's 32 council areas, against a projected national increase of 4.4%.
Towns, boundaries and rail connections
Dalkeith is the administrative headquarters of the modern council area, which covers 354 square kilometers (137 square miles) and ranks 21st in size among Scotland's 32 council areas, according to Wikipedia. Midlothian became a unitary council area in 1996, retaining the name and territory of the district established in 1975. The historic county was also called Edinburghshire.
Population estimates for 2020 cited by Wikipedia put Bonnyrigg first among Midlothian's settlements, with 18,320 residents. Penicuik had 16,150, Dalkeith 14,330, Mayfield 13,690 and Gorebridge 8,040.
The Borders Railway connects Edinburgh and Tweedbank, serving four stations within Midlothian: Shawfair, Eskbank, Newtongrange and Gorebridge.
The Pentlands and Hillend
The Pentland Hills offer hiking, while Midlothian Snowsports Centre at Hillend has Europe's longest dry ski slope. Edinburgh Live has also reported on a peat restoration plan targeting nearly 1,000 hectares in the Pentlands.
The snowsports center celebrated 60 years at its current site on December 8, 2025. According to Midlothian Council, more than 1,000 pupils from Edinburgh and Midlothian learn snowsports there each week.
Hillend is also home to Scotland's first alpine coaster. It opened in September 2024 and, by the council's anniversary report, had recorded more than 300,000 riders.
The Da Vinci Code's influence on Rosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel's association with Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code remains a factor in visitors' decisions to go there. A study conducted for the chapel by Shanks Research Consultancy surveyed 6,677 visitors between March 2023 and March 2024; 49% said the novel and subsequent film had influenced their choice to visit.
The chapel reports that annual attendance increased from 38,141 to 79,916 after the novel appeared, then exceeded 176,000 after the film's release. It recorded 142,211 visitors in 2023.
Community projects and council pressures
Other stories reported by Edinburgh Live include plans for a brass band that saved a village hall to offer free community lessons, and a proposed adventure attraction featuring climbing towers, slides and tunnels.
The outlet has also covered health service debates, planning disputes and road safety concerns. Its reporting on council finances said school transportation cuts saved nearly £1 million, while the council's overspend stood at £4.8 million.
