Midlothian South is a predominantly rural ward covering a significant portion of the council area's southern landscape. It encompasses several villages, including Gorebridge, Mayfield, and Newtongrange, which serve as the main population centres. The terrain features agricultural land and stretches of open countryside, with the River South Esk flowing through parts of the ward. Settlement patterns are largely characterised by these distinct communities rather than continuous urban development.
The area's history is closely linked to coal mining, with visible reminders in the landscape and local heritage sites. The National Mining Museum Scotland, located at the former Lady Victoria Colliery in Newtongrange, is a central cultural institution. Economic activity includes farming and some light industry, with many residents commuting to Edinburgh for work. The presence of Vogrie Country Park provides a large area of woodland and parkland for recreation.
