History, culture and modern amenities
Midlothian lies immediately south of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city. It distinguishes itself through its variety and beautiful tourist attractions. Its boundaries are the Moorfoot Hills and the Pentland Hills. Some of the main towns in Midlothian are Penicuik, Bonnyrigg and Dalkeith.
Midlothian has a vibrant and competitive local economy. Previously dominated by traditional industries such as coal mining, it has been radically transformed in recent years into a key centre of Scotland’s knowledge economy. Indeed, Midlothian has emerged as a UK, European and international centre for the developing biotechnology and life sciences sector and has a world-famous reputation for research, development and production.
For further information view the website at www.midlothian.gov.uk
Regional Selective Assistance (RSA)
RSA is the main investment grant scheme for businesses in designated areas throughout Scotland. Midlothian is within a Tier 3 area and qualifying businesses (SME’s) could potentially receive up to 7.5% of capital expenditure if they are a medium sized company (up to 250 employees) or up to 15% if they are a small company (up to 50 employees). Further information is available at www.rsascotland.gov.uk.
Surrounding Occupiers
New Rail Link
Demographics
- In 2001, the resident population within a 35 minute drive of Shawfair was approximately 680,000.
- Housing projections up to 2012 suggest this resident population will rise by 21,400.
- The 35 minute Shawfair catchment area contains an above average level of people in 15-24 & 35-44 age groups.
- The Shawfair catchment scores 110 (compared to UK average mark of 100) in the number of people within the highly skilled labour group.
- The Shawfair catchment has a below average level of unemployment at only 4.25%
- There is a large resident student population, both economically active and inactive, scoring 130 and 147 on an index where 100 equals the national average.
- There is a highly qualified catchment population with a greater proportion of the resident population obtaining a first or higher degree or professional qualification, than the national average.