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Rural

Definitions of Urban Rural Areas

Scottish Government 6-Fold Urban Rural Classification - this includes the following categories:

1. Large Urban Areas - settlements of over 125,000 people.
2. Other Urban Areas - settlements of 10,000 to 125,000 people.
3. Accessible Small Towns - settlements of between 3,000 and 10,000 people and within 30 minutes drive of a settlement of 10,000 or more.
4. Remote Small Towns - settlements of between 3,000 and 10,000 people and with a drive time of over 30 minutes to a settlement of 10,000 or more.
5. Accessible Rural - settlements of less than 3,000 people and within 30 minutes drive of a settlement of 10,000 or more.
6. Remote Rural - settlements of less than 3,000 people and with a drive time of over 30 minutes to a settlement of 10,000 people or more.

The Scottish Government Urban Rural Classification is updated every two years. Midlothian was categorised as follows in the 2007-2008 figures:

1. Large Urban Areas - 0
2. Other Urban Areas - 68%
3. Accessible Small Towns - 14.9%
4. Remote Small Towns - 0
5. Accessible Rural - 17.1%
6. Remote Rural - 0

In addition, for some purposes, the Scottish Government also produces 8-Fold Urban Rural Classification which is the same as above, plus two additonal categories: Very Remote Small Towns; and Very Remote Rural. (Midlothian has no areas included in either of those categories).

Further information is available from http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/About/Methodology/UrbanRuralClassification

Population Estimates for Localities and Settlements in Scotland

The General Register Offices for Scotland (GROS) produces population statistics for the built-up areas in Scotland and it is made available on their website for both "Settlements" and "Localities". Briefly, "settlements" refer to built-up areas with a population of 500 or more - however, a "settlement" can cover include more than one town or village if they have joined together. GROS advise that "Localities are intended to be more representative of the towns and cities in Scotland" and "some settlements are divided into constituent towns and cities ('localities')". The lists of Population Estimates (in both alphabetical and population size order), together with detailed definitions, are available from http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/publications-and-data/settlements-and-localities/index.html.

Mid-2006 Population Estimates - Localities (see above definitions and Settlements below)

1. Bilston - 1,170
2. Bonnyrigg - 14,080 (settlement of Dalkeith)
3. Dalkeith - 11,200 (settlement of Dalkeith)
4. Danderhall - 2,870
5. Gorebridge - 5,510
6. Loanhead - 6,290
7. Mayfield - 12,950 (settlement of Dalkeith)
8. Pathhead - 990
9. Penicuik - 15,680
10. Rosewell - 1,200
11. Roslin - 1,810

Mid-2006 Population Estimates - Settlements (see above definitions and Localities)

1. Bilston - 1,170
2. Dalkeith - 38,230 (includes Bonnyrigg, Dalkeith, and Mayfield/Easthouses)
3. Danderhall - 2,870
4. Gorebridge - 5,510
5. Loanhead - 6,290
6. Pathhead - 990
7. Penicuik - 15,680
8. Rosewell - 1,200
9. Roslin - 1,810

Other Rural Issues

Scotland: National Rural Network - www.ruralgateway.org.uk/en - portal to a wide range of rural information.

Scottish Government Rural Issues - www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Rural

Tyne-Esk LEADER - www.tyneesk.co.uk - Tyne Esk LEADER Programme provides grants for projects that will benefit the rural areas and communities of East Lothian and Midlothian.

Village Halls - www.scvo.org.uk/VillageHalls/Home/Home.aspx

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