Monday July 28th 2025
Chancellor Rachel Reeves at the Midlothian Supercomputer
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Last Friday, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves visited the University of Edinburgh’s Advanced Computing Facility in Midlothian to mark the UK Government’s landmark £750 million investment in a new national supercomputer.
The investment, confirmed in the recent Spending Review, will see Midlothian become home to the most powerful supercomputer in the UK – a world class asset that will equip scientists across the country with the computing power they need to deliver cutting-edge research. From personalised medical treatments to sustainable air travel, the supercomputer will drive forward innovations that grow our economy and ensure people are better off.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said:
“Midlothian is the UK capital of supercomputing, which is why the UK Government is investing £750 million for a new national supercomputer, based at the Advanced Computing Facility at Easter Bush. This will create skilled jobs in Midlothian and drive up economic growth, as part of our Plan for Change.
“Midlothian’s fantastic local MP, Kirsty McNeill has campaigned for this investment from the day she was elected and I was delighted to work with her to bring this critical national asset to the constituency.”
Midlothian MP Kirsty McNeill said:
“I’m incredibly proud to see Midlothian at the heart of such a huge milestone for science and innovation in the UK. Folk in Midlothian voted for change and this is what that looks like – major investment in our fantastic scientific and technological talent, who will take the lead in driving the next wave of innovation and discovery.”
Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, said:
“The Chancellor’s announcement to invest in a new national supercomputer was a strong endorsement of our University’s expertise and track record in delivering world-leading technology. Today’s visit gave us a welcome opportunity to showcase our state-of-the-art facility and share how we will continue to play a key role in the UK’s advancement in computing power. We look forward to working with the UK Government and partners on this major national project.”
Professor Mark Parsons, Director of EPCC and Dean of Research Computing at the University of Edinburgh, said:
“It was a great pleasure to show the Chancellor the cutting-edge work that is taking place at our Advanced Computing Facility. Our status as the first National Supercomputing Centre, alongside the new supercomputer, will enable us to push the boundaries of computing and AI and unlock new advances and economic growth for the benefit of society.”
The investment could also strengthen Midlothian’s renewable energy sector, as the University of Edinburgh is currently piloting a groundbreaking system that aims to store waste heat from the Advanced Computing Facility in disused mines and use it to warm homes.
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