LOCAL MSP WELCOMES INVESTMENT TO TACKLE HOUSING EMERGENCY

Colin Beattie MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh has welcomed the announcement that Midlothian and East Lothian will benefit from additional Empty Homes Officers, supported by £2 million in SNP Scottish Government funding, to bring more privately owned empty properties back into use.

The investment, delivered through the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership in 2025-26, will see councils across Scotland, including both Midlothian and East Lothian take a more proactive and targeted approach to tackling local housing issues.

The new roles are part of the SNP Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling the housing emergency and ensuring every family has access to a safe, secure home. Funding will also be used to train and support new staff and strengthen local authority powers, including through the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders where appropriate.

Figures show that over 43,000 homes across Scotland have been empty for more than six months, with nearly three-quarters vacant for over a year. Since 2010, more than 11,000 homes have been brought back into use thanks to the work of local Empty Homes Officers.

The Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, which is supporting the rollout, has confirmed that nine councils, including Midlothian and East Lothian are on board and recruitment is underway.

Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP said:

“With the housing emergency affecting communities across Midlothian and East Lothian, I’m proud to see our SNP Government delivering vital investment to turn around empty homes for those in my constituency. This investment will directly benefit families here in Midlothian North and Musselburgh where the need for housing is urgent and growing.

“While Labour talks about the housing crisis, the SNP is delivering real solutions. In contrast to Labour’s lack of a credible housing plan, this is yet another example of the SNP putting people first and using the powers of government to make a difference.
 
“By recruiting dedicated officers to bring these properties back into use, we are helping to address the housing crisis head-on and ensure more people have a place to call home.

“This investment from the SNP Government shows real leadership and a commitment to long-term solutions and tackling the housing emergency.”

​ENDS

Colin Beattie MSP has today called on the Chinese State to immediately end its persecution of Falun Gong practitioners.


Falun Gong, a spiritual, peaceful Buddhist practice based on compassion, truthfulness and tolerance that has been subject to repression since 1999 from the Chinese State.  Reports claim that practitioners in China have been tortured and killed for their faith.


Colin Beattie MSP Commented:


"The Chinese State must listen to the international community and end its intolerable persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. This represents a grave violation of human rights and basic dignity. No one should be targeted for their religious beliefs." 

LABOUR POLICY AFFECTS 980 FAMILIES IN MIDLOTHIAN AND EAST LOTHIAN
 
Colin Beattie MSP says SNP action will support 960 families in Midlothian and East Lothian who are impacted by the two-child cap, as the Scottish Government confirms the Labour policy will be scrapped in Scotland from 2nd March 2026.
 
The two-child cap was introduced by the Tories as part of their programme of austerity and has subsequently become Labour Party policy, despite Keir Starmer’s previous promises to scrap it. By ending it the SNP government is ensuring 20,000 fewer children will live in relative poverty next year.
 
In contrast, Labour are not just keeping the two child cap, but will push 250,000 people - including 50,000 children - into poverty with their cuts to support for disabled people.
 
Commenting, SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh said:
 
“Labour’s two child cap has harmed 980 households in Midlothian and East Lothian, but from March next year that will end under this SNP government. 
 
“We cannot afford to wait any longer: 26,000 households across Scotland are impacted by this policy while the UK Labour government refuses to take action. 
 
“By stepping in to mitigate the harm caused by Westminster, John Swinney’s government will lift 20,000 children out of poverty, making progress on the key mission of this government: to eradicate child poverty.
 
“The Labour Party has made their choice to keep the cap, and the SNP has the made the choice to scrap it.  This shows what we can do when we take decisions here in Scotland and put Scotland first.”
 
ENDS

COLIN BEATTIE MSP WELCOMES FUNDING BOOST TO CUT LOCAL NHS WAITING TIMES
 
£22,379,275 INVESTMENT TO TACKLE LONGEST WAITS ACROSS MIDLOTHIAN NORTH AND MUSSELBURGH.
 
Colin Beattie MSP has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement of £22,379,275 of targeted funding to reduce waiting times in NHS Lothian, as part of £106 million new investment across NHS Scotland.
 
The funding will focus on the longest waits for essential procedures and appointments, with investment across Scotland including:
 

• £25 million for trauma and orthopedics

 

• £21 million for imaging services

 

• £14 million for cancer treatment

 

• Over £12 million for opthalmology (eye care)

 
This investment is part of the SNP Government’s £200 million commitment in the Programme for Government to increase NHS capacity, reduce delayed discharge, and improve the flow of patients through hospitals.
 
This will support over 150,000 additional appointments and procedures in 2025-26.
 
Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP said:
 
“This is another clear example of our SNP Government delivering for our NHS, with real action to cut waiting times and get patients in Midlothian North and Musselburgh the care they need faster.
 
“By focusing funding where it’s needed most, like orthopaedics, cancer, and diagnostics, we’re helping tackle the longest delays head-on. This will mean quicker, diagnoses, more procedures, and better outcomes for people in Midlothian North and Musselburgh.
 
“Midlothian North and Musselburgh communities deserve timely access to care, and this SNP Government is making the investment to deliver that. While we know some people have to wait too long for treatment, the SNP is getting on with the job of driving improvements for patients." 

ENDS

Colin Beattie MSP has welcomed significant new funding for Midlothian North and Musselburgh from the SNP Scottish Government to support local communities in tackling the climate emergency.
 
Midlothian and East Lothian Climate Action Hubs are set to receive £291,617 of funding to support grassroots climate projects throughout Midlothian North and Musselburgh. The funding is part of £6 million of funding being delivered by the SNP Scottish Government across Scotland in 2025-26.
 
The hubs encourage and support climate action unique to Midlothian North and Musselburgh. Across the country this ranges from flood mitigation, repair shops and local energy generation to food growing and tree planting.
 
The funding honours a key Scottish Government commitment to ensure that every part of the country has access to support for localised climate action. A total of 24 Climate Action Hubs have now been established.
 
Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP said:
 
“This £291,617 funding is fantastic news for Midlothian North and Musselburgh. This is a vital step in empowering our communities to lead the transition to a greener, fairer future.
 
“Midlothian and East Lothian Climate Hubs are a brilliant example of grassroots action in motion. It’s about enabling people to take meaningful climate action in ways that work for our area, and doing so in a way that brings people together, builds resilience, and strengthens our communities.
 
“With climate change being one of the biggest challenges we face, we need local solutions as well as national leadership, and that is what John Swinney’s SNP Government are delivering for the people of Midlothian North and Musselburgh”
 
ENDS

East Lothian Council have provided First Step with a one-off payment of £28,000 for this financial year which will allow them to provide their invaluable service whilst they work on their sustainability plans.
 
Commenting SNP MSP Colin Beattie said:
 
“I am relieved to hear that First Step have navigated their way out of immediate closure and can continue to provide crucial services in Musselburgh, Wallyford, and Whitecraig. This settlement still leaves First Step in a much tighter financial position than is comfortable.
 
“Throughout my conversations with First Step I have been encouraged by their determination to develop a sustainable business plan to ensure their viability in the long-term.
 
“I would like to thank everyone at First Step and East Lothian Council for working together to ensure this vital service can continue to support some of the most vulnerable families of East Lothian.
 
“The community backing for First Step throughout has been outstanding and I am sure you will continue to support them as they navigate these next difficult steps into the future.
 
“As First Step progress their sustainability plans, I will continue to be in conversation with both them and East Lothian Council to ensure we can keep First Step running”

​ENDS

Colin Beattie MSP has condemned the UK Labour Government for continuing to inflict Westminster’s austerity agenda on Scottish families, as new figures revealed that the SNP Scottish Government was forced to spend £2,728,616 in Midlothian and East Lothian last year mitigating harmful Labour welfare policies, including the widely hated Bedroom Tax.
 
New figures have shown that between April 2024 and March 2025, 141,985 Discretionary Housing Payment awards were made across Scotland, helping households avoid rent arrears, eviction, and homelessness, all caused or exacerbated by Labour’s policies.
 
Despite a full year in power, Keir Starmer’s government has refused to scrap the Bedroom Tax, a Tory era measure which cuts housing support for those with a “spare” bedroom, or reverse the Benefit Cap, which penalises larger families and vulnerable people.
 
Commenting, Colin Beattie MSP said:
 
“Labour’s first year in government has proven one thing, they might have changed the faces in Downing Street, but they haven’t changed a single cruel policy, and have instead continued Tory austerity.
 
“The SNP Government is spending tens of millions every year, including £2,728,616 in Midlothian and East Lothian just to undo the damage done by Westminster. While Labour imposes cuts from Westminster, it’s the SNP standing up for Scotland and delivering real support where it’s most needed, protecting families from the Bedroom Tax and shielding them from the Benefit cap.
 
“The SNP will never stand by while families suffer. We will always act to protect the most vulnerable from Labour’s cuts, and deliver for the people of Scotland.”
 
ENDS

Colin Beattie MSP has highlighted new figures which show the real progress the SNP Scottish Government is making on its key priority of eradicating child poverty in Midlothian North and Musselburgh, and across Scotland, under John Swinney’s leadership.
 
The statistics show that 5,970 children and young people in East Lothian and 6,290 in Midlothian were actively benefiting from the Scottish Child Payment at the end of March.
 
The relative child poverty rate in Scotland is four percentage points lower than it would be without the policy in place.
 
Whilst the SNP continues to take real action to eradicate child poverty by committing to mitigate the impact of the cruel two-child cap policy, the Labour UK government is now reported to have delayed publication of its long-awaited child poverty strategy.
 
Save the Children has expressed its disappointment with the decision, saying that the delay could push a further 20,000 children into poverty.
 
Meanwhile the Department of Work and Pensions own analysis has said that Labour’s decision to cut disability benefits will push 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, into poverty.
 
Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said:
 
“Under John Swinney’s leadership, the SNP has made eradicating child poverty its number one priority – with Scotland the only part of the UK where child poverty is expected to fall as a direct result of SNP policies.
 
“These latest figures show the real difference that the Scottish Child Payment is making to families in Midlothian North and Musselburgh.
  
“In sharp contrast, the UK Labour Government’s continued dithering on child poverty, and political decision to punish the most vulnerable in society by cutting benefits for disabled people is pushing thousands of more children into poverty.
 
“Labour has been in government for nearly a year and has delivered absolutely nothing to tackle child poverty. Hints given to Sunday newspapers that they may like to scrap the cruel two-child cap at some stage mean nothing to voters who need action now rather than yet more empty rhetoric.
 
“Whilst Keir Starmer’s focus is on keeping up with Nigel Farage, the SNP is laser-focussed on delivering on what matters most – and nothing matters more than ensuring that no child starts their life living in poverty.”
 
ENDS 

Over the last few months, I have seen a marked increase in the volume of correspondence regarding anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Musselburgh. From the outset, I would like to be clear that this is across all age groups; youths, young adults and older adults. None of it is acceptable, and all leads to a community living in fear. No one should have to deal with ASB, whether in their own home or whilst out and about. I stand beside all those effected and will continue speaking with the police and East Lothian Council to look for ways to reduce the high level of ASB we are currently experiencing.

There can be many reasons for this, one of which is the longer days and warmer weather. More people congregate outside, and some claim there is little for them to do. I don’t claim to have all of the answers, but there are some things we can all do to help tackle this ongoing situation. One of these is to report each instance of ASB that you see to the police – whether it directly impacts you or not. This helps the police to build a true picture of both the number of incidents, and the locations that are common.

The areas around Fisherrow and the High Street are two of the problematic areas. These are both areas of heavy footfall, with both locals and visitors to the town spending time. This is a poor advert for the area and is also having a detrimental impact on shops and business as some people choose to shop elsewhere. This could become a long-term issue and have a serious impact on the local economy.
There are many things to do in the Honest Toun, from joining a sports club (football, rugby, running and tennis to name just a few) as a participant or volunteer, to visiting Musselburgh Museum, Newhailes House or the Library which has all sorts of events going on including Dungeons and Dragons sessions.  You can download a copy of the Arrow Trail Map and learn about the history of the Musselburgh Archer. There are also indoor clubs such as Musselburgh Cook Club, Musselburgh Art Club, or the Camera Club. And if none of these pique your interest, why not start your own group focusing on something that interests you?

There is also support available for anyone who may be struggling with debt, addiction, their mental health or issues at home. Citizens Advice Bureau, Changes, StepChange, MELDAP, Bridges Project and many more organisations are there to help. If you feel you need some support, please reach out and ask, and if you are unsure where to go just get in touch and I can point you in the right direction.

Problems at home can often escalate into problems outside the home. That’s why the Scottish Government have invested £500 million in the Whole Family Wellbeing Funding (WFWF). Holistic support should address the needs of children and adults in a family at the time of need rather than at crisis point, so looking at prevention rather than cure. East Lothian Council have invested in family outreach workers for families who needed additional help but aren’t already being supported by statutory services, such as a social worker, through the creation of the Families Together programme. For information or advice, contact East Lothian Council for further details.
​
As we approach the summer holidays, and (hopefully) warm, long summer evenings, please remember to report any ASB you see to the police on 111. If there is a crime in progress, a risk to life, or immediate threat of violence, always phone 999. Together, we can help make our communities safer and enjoyable for all.

 The boundaries for the 2026 Scottish Parliament Elections are being revised, resulting in Musselburgh, Wallyford and Whitecraig becoming part of the new Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent constituency. 
 
Commenting Midlothian North and Musselburgh MSP Colin Beattie said:
 
“As I stand for re-election in the new Midlothian North constituency in the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections, I will be sad to leave the people of the Honest Toon and the vibrant communities of Wallyford and Whitecraig but unfortunately, I will have to say goodbye next year. I have always personally believed that I should stand for election only in the constituency within which I live – and I live in Midlothian North.
 
“It has been an honour to to have been trusted to represent the folk in these communities since 2011. I have been fortunate enough to meet countless wonderful people and fantastic organisations who make this area so special. I am grateful for the many kindnesses and friendships I have had the privilege to have during my three terms of office here. 
 
“There is still roughly a year to go until the 2026 elections and up until then I will continue to support my constituents and to represent the communities’ interests as I have over the past fourteen years. After May 2026 Holyrood Elections there will be a new MSP who I am sure will be diligent in his/her support for our residents.
 
“I may no longer be your MSP next year, but I will continue to enjoy everything I have encountered that Musselburgh, Wallyford and Whitecraig has to offer.”
 
ENDS