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On Scotland's Side

About our area

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Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale (MSTL) covers a significant area of southern Scotland. By Scottish standards it is quite rural, with a population if about 80,000 and a density about half the Scottish average - which, in itself, is one of the lowest in Europe. Just compare how populated our area - and Scotland - are with the population of England!

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You can see a map of our area here.

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From Broughton in the west to Lauder and Earlston in the east, Gorebridge and Penicuik in the north, and Peebles, Innerleithen, Galashiels and Melrose in the south - we have a diverse area of Scotland. Rich in history, unique natural resources - and great people.

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And whilst a large majority of us identify as Scottish, we are always ready to welcome those from other countries of the UK - or even farther afield.

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This is reflected in our attitude to the rest of Europe - with three quarters wanting us to rejoin the EU and have our Freedom of Movement restored. And for the almost 1,000 who came here in the last five years - welcome!

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Did you know?

  • Penicuik just pips Galashiels as our largest community (13,100 vs 12,900 aged 16 or over accordning to the last Scottish Census).

  • Stow is the smallest "settlement" (as defined by our Census) with 580 living there aged 16 or over - just beating Cardrona.

  • We travel 308,000 km a day to work (an average of 15km for each traveller).

  • More than 22,000 of us say we can speak Scots, and slightly more have a university degree.

  • And whilst 1,900 identify their main focus as looking after home and family, only two claim to be "full-time students, self-employed with employees" - which, given the effort that must take, is fair enough!

Get in touch so I can keep you up-to-date on my proposals for our area.

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