The first new council homes to be built in years will be in Dalkeith

Nine houses are due to be handed over to Midlothian Council in mid-March and a further 18 in mid-May this year.

The homes are part of a new �105m programme of house building across the area which will see 1,000 new homes constructed at various locations.

The first 27 homes are reaching the final stages of construction at James Lean Avenue in Dalkeith.

Adam Montgomery, the council's leader, said he was very proud Midlothian was the first local authority in three decades to build new homes.

I look forward to meeting the first tenants of these new homes Adam Montgomery Midlothian Council leader

He said: "All of the new homes will be built to exceed current standards and will provide extremely comfortable houses for our tenants.

"We have a duty to provide quality housing for council tenants and it is very exciting that the first phase of this ambitious new build project is nearing completion - so that everyone can see the standards we're aiming for.

"I look forward to meeting the first tenants of these new homes and hearing their reaction to their new accommodation."

Midlothian Council now has planning permission for four development sites with more in the pipeline.

The 27 units at James Lean Avenue will be followed by 100 units at Cameron Crescent, Bonnyrigg, 58 units at Suttieslea Drive, Newtongrange and 47 units at Chester View and Stone Place, Mayfield.