This category focuses on Penicuik, a town and former burgh in Midlothian, Scotland.
Penicuik is situated on the west bank of the River North Esk, about eight miles south of Edinburgh, along the A701 road that connects Edinburgh to Peebles. Nearby villages and hamlets include Auchendinny to the north-east, Silverburn to the south-east, and Milton Bridge to the north.
The town is also close to the scenic Pentland Hills, which provides a natural boundary to the west.
Penicuik is pronounced "Pennycook" and is derived from Pen Y Cog, meaning "Hill of the Cuckoo" in the Old Brythonic language, also known as Ancient British.
The earliest record of the town dates back to a poem written in 1296. It appears on a map created by John Adair in 1682, and the ruins of the old parish church dates from the late 17th century.
In 1709, Agnes Campbell established an early paper mill called Valleyfield Mill. It is believed to be one of the earliest paper mills in Scotland. Sir James Clerk expanded The town in the 18th century, patterning it after Edinburgh's New Town.
Historically, Penicuik's economy was driven by its paper mills, with Valleyfield Mill being a significant employer. Today, however, the town is primarily a commuter town for Edinburgh, with many of its residents employed in the capital. Local businesses and services also contribute to the economy, along with some light industries.
Penicuik is home to several notable structures, including the Penicuik House, a historic estate with beautiful gardens and walking trails. The 18th-century Palladian mansion was built on the site of an earlier house by Sir James Clerk. It was destroyed by fire in 1899, and a significant restoration, stabilizing the ruin, was completed in 2014. The town also features the Penicuik Town Hall, originally known as the Cowan Institute, and the ruins of Uttershill Castle, a 16th-century tower house. Additionally, the town has a strong military connection with the nearby Glencorse Barracks, home to the Royal Highland Fusiliers.
There are five primary schools in Penicuik: Cuiken Primary, Cornbank St James Primary, Sacred Heart Primary, Strathesk Primary, and Mauricewood Primary, along with two secondary schools: Penicuik High School and Beeslack High School, although the latter is scheduled to move out of the town limits soon.
Appropriate topics for this portion of our guide include Penicuik businesses, industries, schools, churches, museums, libraries, art galleries, entertainment venues, attractions, and events.
Recommended Resources
The Craigie House, built in 1885 and designed by George Washington Browne, features sixteen guest bedrooms, an on-site restaurant and bar, and facilities for weddings and other events. It was built for James Cossar Ewart, a zoologist who went on to become Professor of Natural History at Edinburgh University. Following his death, the building was converted into a hotel, which was refurbished in 2017. Its location, photographs, amenities, and guest testimonials are featured.
https://thecraigie.co.uk/
The Crystal Cave is a Penicuik shop specialising in crystals and metaphysical items. The store offers a wide selection of alternative gifts, sterling silver sets, crystal jewelery, and holistic therapies such as Tarot reading and Reiki. Operated by a crystal therapist and Reiki practitioner who hand-picks and charges each crystal with Reiki energy, its products are highlighted on the website, and made available for online purchases. Contact information is provided.
https://www.thecrystalcavescotland.com/
Situated in Penicuik, Scotland, about ten miles south of Edinburgh, the Penicuik Estate offers a variety of accommodations, including grand houses, cottages, and lodges. Guests can explore 20 kilometers of trails, enjoy scenic Palladian architecture, and even bring well-behaved dogs and horses along for the adventure. The estate also hosts weddings and corporate events. Photos of the Penicuik House, and its other houses and cottages are provided, and online bookings are available.
https://www.penicuikestate.com/
Located along Carlops Road in Penicuik, Scotland, Penicuik High School is a secondary school that has been at its current site since 1937 and is known for offering a wide curriculum. A school calendar, daily bulletins, newsletters, and an introduction to the school are provided, including a school handbook, policy statements, enrollment policies, and staff listings. Its curriculum, extra-curricular programmes, activities, and contacts are included on the website.
https://penicuik.mgfl.net/
Penicuik Papermaking 300th Anniversary
Created to mark the 300th anniversary of the start of papermaking on the North Esk River, the website commemorates the history of papermaking in Penicuik, Scotland. The website includes information about the local paper mills, the history of the industry, and reports from those who worked in the industry. The paper mills are highlighted, with an overview of the papermaking process, a glossary of papermaking terms, and the history of Penicuik, particularly its role in the paper industry.
http://penicuikpapermaking.org/
The Royal Hotel is a local hotel and bar in Penicuik, Scotland. The hotel was built in the 1790s on the site of an old inn that would accommodate travelling horses and their riders. Opened in 2007, the hotel has welcomed visitors to the Edinburgh area, and its restaurant has served a wide range of food and drinks, including traditional meals, local flavours, and pub classics, on-tap drinks, bottled beers and ciders, spirits, and alcohol-free alternatives. Photographs and contacts are provided.
https://www.royalpenicuik.com/
