Tuesday February 17th 2026
Photo by Leesa Tulloch Photography
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Midlothian is celebrating a major milestone as two local schools have reached the national finals of the Growing Future Assets Investment Competition — the first time the region has ever had a finalist, and now it has two.
Senior pupils from Lasswade High School and Penicuik High School have been named among the top teams in Scotland in the 16 to 18 age group of the competition, which encourages young women to explore careers in financial services and develop vital skills in research, analysis and confident communication.
The Midlothian finalists will compete for the top prize against teams from Holy Rood RC High School in Edinburgh, George Watson’s College in Edinburgh, and Kingussie High School in the Highlands.
Throughout the competition, students have researched potential investment opportunities — including Scottish media company STV Group plc and global technology leaders such as Uber Technologies Inc — before pitching their recommendations to a panel of financial professionals, mirroring the role of real-world investment managers.
Future Asset, which reaches schools in all 32 council areas, has highlighted this year’s Midlothian breakthrough as a powerful example of what happens when young women are supported to explore industries they may not typically consider.
More than 120 volunteers from the financial services sector, including professionals from Baillie Gifford and Franklin Templeton, have given their time to mentor the students. Teachers across Scotland have also played a key role, providing exceptional extracurricular support.
The finalists will deliver their concluding presentations on 20 March at the headquarters of NatWest Group in Gogarburn, Edinburgh, where both junior and senior winners will be announced.
Judges include Sally Greig, Head of Global Bonds at Baillie Gifford, and Jen Mair, Strategic Initiatives Lead at Franklin Templeton and Scottish Chair of Women in Banking and Finance.
Prizes:
– Senior winning team: £1000 for the school and £200 in vouchers per student
– Junior winning team: £800 for the school and £150 in vouchers per student
– Runners‑up also receive cash prizes and vouchers.
Future Asset CEO, Helen Bradley, said:
“This is a fantastic achievement for Midlothian. Having two schools reach the national finals for the very first time is an outstanding achievement and something the entire community can celebrate.
“The talent, determination and imagination shown by pupils from Lasswade and Penicuik has been exceptional. They have earned their place among Scotland’s most promising young leaders, and their success shows what can happen when girls are supported to aim high and explore new opportunities.”
For more information, visit: www.futureasset.org.uk
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