Scottish Referendums

Midlothian

Electorate: 61,456
Area (Hectares): 35,587

This region lies to the south of Edinburgh in the east Central Lowlands. It used to be centre of the Midlothian coalfield and although mining has declined the area remains industrial in character. New industries include engineering, electronics and printing. The areas in the north of the region are close to Edinburgh, and many of their residents work in the city.

Labour dominate the local political scene holding the parliamentary seat of Midlothian and over three quarters of the seats on the council. The SNP have been gaining support in recent years but this has yet to translate into electoral success at either constituency or local level.

Results of 1979 referendum:

The regions were different in 1979, Midlothian was part of Lothians region.

	Yes	No	Turnout
All Scotland	51.6%	48.3%	63.8%
Lothians	50.1%	49.8%	66.6%

ICM/Scotsman poll published on 22 August 1997:

Question: Should there be a Scottish Parliament?

Yes No Don't know

All Scotland 68% 21% 11%

Lothian, Fife and Central 68% 25% 7%

Question:Should a Scottish Parliament have tax-varying powers?

Yes No Don't know

All Scotland 56% 36% 8%

Lothian, Fife and Central 57% 40% 3%

(Total Sample Size: 1,001, Fieldwork: 19-20 August 1997)