Pits blamed for health blip

ONE of the most treasured parts of Midlothian's heritage could be to blame for a health statistic.

NHS Lothian bosses have said the prevalence of mining in the area might be the reason why people in the area are more likely to suffer from respiratory problems.

Manager of the Midlothian Community Health Partnership Gerry Power made the link because the area performs above the national average on almost every other area of health.

Midlothian's last coal mine closed at Monktonhall in 1998.