Our Story
So Far
Shawfair began as a long term plan for new homes, green space and strong connections on former industrial land. Since its launch in 2014, the vision has steadily moved from paper to place, with streets, parks and neighbours now shaping everyday life.
The Shawfair Story
Shawfair is located to the south east of Edinburgh in Midlothian, on land once occupied by Monktonhall Colliery, which closed in 1998. What was once industrial ground has gradually been reshaped through a landscape led masterplan designed to balance homes, open space, infrastructure and community facilities.
The development was officially launched in 2014, with Shawfair railway station opening the following year on the Borders Railway. From the outset, connectivity formed part of the foundations, linking the new community directly to Edinburgh and the wider region.
The development was officially launched in 2014, with Shawfair railway station opening the following year on the Borders Railway. From the outset, connectivity formed part of the foundations, linking the new community directly to Edinburgh and the wider region.
Growing with Purpose
The long term vision sets out a town of around 4,000 homes, comparable in scale to established Scottish towns such as Cupar, Dunblane or Linlithgow. Growth has been phased carefully, with homes delivered in clusters surrounded by parkland and water features, allowing infrastructure and services to develop alongside new neighbourhoods.
More than 1,000 homes are now been delivered, and green space has been woven through the masterplan, with over 80 acres of parkland forming part of the setting. Contributions have supported local education, sports facilities and transport improvements across Midlothian, helping ensure Shawfair grows as part of the wider community.
More than 1,000 homes are now been delivered, and green space has been woven through the masterplan, with over 80 acres of parkland forming part of the setting. Contributions have supported local education, sports facilities and transport improvements across Midlothian, helping ensure Shawfair grows as part of the wider community.
Nature Built In
Sustainability has also shaped the approach from the beginning. A low carbon district heating network, delivered in partnership with Vattenfall, serves new homes and public buildings. Biodiversity and landscape planning form part of the design, with native species and connected green routes supporting long term environmental goals.
A Living Town
Public consultation has played a role in shaping the town centre and public spaces, ensuring the emerging character reflects local priorities as well as long term planning objectives.
Today, Shawfair continues to grow steadily. What began as a masterplan is now a lived in place, with families, routines and community life taking root.
Today, Shawfair continues to grow steadily. What began as a masterplan is now a lived in place, with families, routines and community life taking root.
Key Milestones
Shawfair’s progress can be traced through a series of milestones, each marking a step from early planning to the community taking shape today.
Masterplan & Progress
Shawfair is guided by a landscape led masterplan that sets out how the town will grow over time. It balances homes, green space, schools, transport and employment, ensuring development happens in a coordinated and considered way as new neighbourhoods take shape.
The People Behind Shawfair
Shawfair has been shaped by many hands. Planners, designers, housebuilders, local partners and community voices. From the earliest plans to today’s growing neighbourhoods, it’s a shared effort built on long-term commitment and collaboration.
Sustainability Built In
Sustainability forms part of the masterplan from the outset. A low carbon district heating network, landscape led design and integrated walking and cycling routes are built into how Shawfair grows. Biodiversity, energy efficiency and long term resilience guide development as each new phase takes shape.