David Hamilton

David was born in Dalkeith in 1950. Upon leaving Dalkeith High School he went to work in the coal mines near where he was brought up. He continued to work for the National Coal Board until 1987 when he became the Mineworker Employment Training Scheme Supervisor for Midlothian council.

David remained in this role until 1989 when he moved to become Placement and Training Officer with Craigmillar Festival Society. He then became the Chief Executive of Craigmillar Opportunities Trust. Whilst in this role David was also a member of Midlothian Council and held the position of Convenor of the Strategic Services committee and then Strategic Services Cabinet Member. He remained in this role until he was elected to Parliament in 2001. 

Since being elected David has been a member of several parliamentary groups ranging from foreign affairs to economic development.

Colin Beattie

Colin was born in Forfar the son of a hospital porter. He entered the financial services industry and rose to a senior level. In October 2006 he gave up his career in order to focus on something which is of immense importance to him – raising the quality of life for people in Midlothian . He is totally committed to the campaign to oust Labour from power in Midlothian and is confident that the residents of Midlothian are prepared to make a fresh start.

Colin has been the SNP's National Treasurer for nearly three years during which time he has reformed the party finances in a way shows how imagination and drive can bring about a fresh start in Midlothian itself.

He has been involved in many local issues including petitioning against the closure of the Bryan 's post office in Newtongrange and fighting the developments in Suttieslea.

He is married and lives in Dalkeith. Of the candidates for major Midlothian political parties he is the only one to actually live in the constituency.

James Callander

James is currently the managing director of the recruitment firm FreshMinds Talent where he has worked since 2003.

Born and raised on the family farm near Pathhead he is passionate about the countryside, rural issues and business. On leaving school he started up a clothing business with the support of the local Business Gateway in Dalkeith and in the same year also joined an aid mission with Scottish European Aid which took much needed supplies to post-conflict Bosnia.

He studied geography at Edinburgh University graduating in 2002 and while he was at university he helped to raise well over £30,000 for the Sick Kids charity in Edinburgh.

In 2007 he stood in the Scottish Parliamentary Elections in Hamilton North and Bellshill where he increased the vote and helped to secure the local councilor in his seat.

He enjoys cycling, walking and running.

Ross Laird

Ross Laird lives in Midlothian with his family, working in nearby Edinburgh as the Director of a communications consultancy. He is strong campaigner on local issues and brings his political experience as a former Councillor and consultant to help people in the local area. Ross has worked on a wide range of issues from social services and refugee problems, to working extensively with Scotland's business community. He formerly played a leading role on Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and helped resolve the city's transport problems.

Ross was formally a councillor in Haringey from 2000 until 2004. He was the Liberal group leader on the council from, 2000-04.