Tour de France in Midlothian
Stage one of the Tour de France, the world’s most famous cycle race, will come through Midlothian on Friday 2 July 2027 on the 184 kilometre route between Edinburgh and Carlisle.
The Tour de France attracts more than 12 million in-person spectators across the three-week stage race, with an estimated global television audience of more than 3.5 billion people. The 2027 race is the first time it will travel through Scotland, England and Wales.
The Grand Depart GB Route
The stage one route of the men's race follows the A7 through Midlothian from Edinburgh:
- To the entrance to Dobbies
- On to the Tesco roundabout
- The National Mining Museum
- Onwards to the Fushiebridge depot near North Middleton heading towards Scottish Borders
For full details of the route on the official Tour de France website:
Why this matters for Midlothian
The event creates a unique opportunity to showcase the people, places, businesses and communities that make Midlothian special.
Benefits may include:
- Increased visitors to towns and villages
- Opportunities for local businesses
- Greater awareness of Midlothian as a destination
- Community celebrations and local pride
- International media exposure
When the Tour de France came to Great Britain in 2014, the race generated approximately £130 million for the host region economies (Yorkshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex and London), and was watched at the roadside by 3.5m people, the official event impact review found.
Tickets
The Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift are free-to-attend events. However, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will stage and produce the opening ceremony celebration to begin the Grand Départ, including the official Presentation of Riders Ceremony for the 2027 Tour de France, on the early evening of Wednesday 30 June. Tickets will go on general sale on Friday 30 October.
What to expect on the day
A festival atmosphere
The excitement starts well before the cyclists arrive.
The famous Tour de France publicity caravan travels the full route ahead of the race, bringing colourful vehicles, music, entertainment and giveaways for spectators.
Many spectators arrive early and stay for several hours, creating a lively atmosphere in communities along the route.
The race passes quickly
While the riders themselves pass by in a short space of time, the wider event lasts much longer and attracts people from across the region and beyond.
Race timings
Exact timings for the race have still to be confirmed.
Typically, stages begin between 11am and 2pm and finish between 4pm and 5pm, depending on the length and profile of the stage.
Closer to the event, we will publish detailed timetables showing:
- Race start and finish times
- Estimated times the publicity caravan will pass through each location
- Estimated times riders will reach points along the route
Road closures and travel information
Hosting an event of this scale will require significant traffic management measures.
Current expectations include:
- Full closures on roads along the race route for up to eight hours
- Additional restrictions on surrounding roads
- Parking restrictions in some areas including towing arrangements
- Increased journey times
- Changes to some council services
Emergency services will continue to have access throughout the event.
Detailed arrangements are still being developed and will be confirmed closer to the race.
Community celebrations and spectator areas
The Tour de France is expected to attract more than 67,000 spectators to Midlothian, creating an opportunity for communities to come together and celebrate this historic occasion.
Spectator areas
At present, Midlothian Council is not planning official spectator zones along the route. However, communities, businesses and local organisations are encouraged to consider organising their own viewing areas, activities and celebrations where appropriate.
This could include:
- Community viewing areas
- Street and village celebrations
- Cycling-themed events and activities
- Community decorations and displays
- Activities led by local groups, schools and organisations
- Joint celebrations organised by businesses and community groups
The council can provide advice and support to communities and organisations planning local celebrations and will share further guidance as plans develop. The Tour de France will launch a community toolkit in Spring 2027.
Information for businesses
The Tour de France presents unique opportunities for businesses located both near the route and across Midlothian.
Our economic development team is holding an online, informal event to discuss how your business can benefit from the Tour de France. The event is on Tuesday 10 November from 10am to 12pm.
Businesses may wish to consider:
- Special promotions and events
- Tour-inspired products or menus
- Window displays and decorations
- Extended or adjusted opening arrangements
- Working with neighbouring businesses on joint activities
An official Tour de France business guide is expected to be available in autumn 2026 and will be promoted through council channels once released.
Our economic development team will also be sharing updates on Locate in Midlothian.
Funding and support
There are currently no dedicated Midlothian Council grants for businesses linked to the Tour de France. If this position changes, updates will be published on this website and shared through council communications channels.
Other ways to support local projects
Businesses, community groups and organisation may wish to explore:
- Joint projects with neighbouring organisations
- Partnership opportunities
- Sponsorship arrangements
- Community crowdfunding initiatives
- Shared community celebrations and events
Working together can help communities maximise the benefits of the event while creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Planning ahead
If your business or family life may be affected by road closures, you may wish to make early alternative arrangements around:
- Staff travel arrangements
- Deliveries and collections
- Supplier access
- Customer access
- Stock requirements
- Appointments and bookings
- Business continuity plans
- Holiday clubs
- Work journeys
- Medical appointments
- Caring responsibilities
- Deliveries and visitors
- Trips
Our aim is to help everyone prepare with as little disruption as possible.
Information and support will continue to be provided well in advance of race day.
We'll keep you updated
Over the coming months we will share:
- Details of community and business drop-ins where council officers will answer any questions you may have on the Tour de France local arrangements
- Interactive road closure maps
- Access arrangements
- Parking information
- Diversion routes
- Service updates
- Opportunities to get involved
- Information for communities and businesses
We'll also continue to work with householders living near or on the route, local businesses, community organisations and partner agencies to help everyone prepare for the event.
Volunteer
Applications are now closed for 9,000 'Joy Makers', volunteers across Scotland, England and Wales who will help create a welcoming, exciting atmosphere for spectators and support the smooth running of the event.
Anyone aged 16+ could apply by Tuesday 1 September. No prior volunteering experience was necessary. Organisers will respond to those who applied by late 2026.
For some of those aged 18-25 who volunteer, there was also an opportunity to get involved in the Readiness to Work Programme which will offer young people a chance to get career-ready with employability skills training and mentoring while being part of a major sporting event.
Visit Midlothian
From Rosslyn Chapel, made famous in the Da Vinci Code, to the Pentlands, Midlothian has lots to offer visitors and tourists. Come for the cycling and stay for the warm welcome, green spaces and numerous attractions.
The JOY Social Impact Programme
The JOY Social Impact Programme sits at the heart of the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027, ensuring communities benefit from this world-class event with lasting opportunities for people, places and businesses.
What this means for Midlothian
-
Get active
More opportunities for people—especially young people—to take part in cycling and physical activity, including targeted programmes such as girls’ participation. Walking and cycling in Midlothian -
Skills and employability
Training, mentoring and work experience linked to the event, helping young people build confidence and career pathways. This includes the Tour de France Readiness to Work programme, offering 18–25-year-olds who volunteer valuable skills, training and industry insight. -
Schools and learning
Resources and activities to support confidence, teamwork and physical literacy in schools. A Tour de France Digital Schools Programme will launch in autumn 2026. -
Communities and culture
Support for local events, celebrations and creative projects that showcase Midlothian’s identity. -
Local economy
Increased visitors and global attention, supporting local businesses and tourism.When the Tour de France came to Great Britain in 2014, the race generated approximately £130 million for the host region economies (Yorkshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex and London), and was watched at the roadside by 3.5m people, the official event impact review found.
Further details of local opportunities will be shared as the local programme develops.
Tour de France branding
Tour de France branding is strictly managed and policed by the event organisers. Businesses cannot use the Tour de France logo.
Find out more
We will continue to update this page with guidance and opportunities to get involved,
Email: TDF@midlothian.gov.uk