Towns

Midlothian's county town, with a busy high street, the Country Park and plenty of independents.

At the foot of the Pentlands, with a strong community of makers, cafés and family businesses.

A growing town with a friendly high street and independents worth crossing the river for.

Small, close-knit and home to more good local businesses than you'd expect.

On the Borders Railway, with a village feel and a handful of gems.

Mining heritage, a proud community, and a high street coming back to life.

Famous for the chapel, loved for its walks, cafés and country pubs.

A pretty village on the North Esk, between Bonnyrigg and Loanhead.

Leafy and quiet, around the abbey and the river.

An old village and a brand new town, side by side on the edge of Edinburgh.

A close community between Dalkeith and Mayfield.

A friendly community with local businesses that look after their own.

A small village on the way to the Pentlands.

Best known for the retail park, but with independents nearby too.

A quiet village in the Glencorse valley.

A village on the old A68 with more going on than it lets on.

Small village, big community spirit.

Businesses in the smaller villages and the countryside in between.