MSP sees beyond Capital's expansion woe

A MIDLOTHIAN MSP said today that there is still cause for optimism about an expansion of Edinburgh despite the joint venture behind it being wound up.

The Evening News revealed yesterday that Shawfair Developments Limited - a joint venture between the city council and Midlothian Council - is being dissolved and the two councils will instead look to sell their assets to other landowners in the area to take development forward.

Rhona Brankin MSP said: "It's very important to the Midlothian economy that the Shawfair project succeeds. It's essential for economic development in the area and also meeting the pressing need for affordable housing.

"The project has had its difficulties . . . but with organisations like the Scottish Qualifications Authority choosing Shawfair as a location and it being home to one of the new stations on the Waverley railway line, I think there are grounds for future optimism."