Penicuik

Settlement in Midlothian

Scotland

Penicuik

Penicuik is a town located in the county of Midlothian, Scotland. Situated about 10 miles south-west of Edinburgh, it is nestled among the stunning Pentland Hills. With a population of around 17,000 residents, Penicuik is known for its natural beauty and rich history.

The town has a long-standing association with the paper industry, dating back to the 18th century when the first paper mills were established. Today, the paper industry still plays a significant role in the local economy, with the Tullis Russell paper mill being one of the largest employers in the area.

Penicuik boasts a range of amenities and facilities to cater to its residents and visitors. There are several primary and secondary schools, making it an ideal place for families. The town center offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, ensuring that residents have access to essential services and leisure activities. Additionally, Penicuik has a leisure center with a swimming pool, gym, and sports facilities, providing opportunities for health and fitness enthusiasts.

Nature lovers are drawn to Penicuik due to its proximity to the Pentland Hills Regional Park. The park offers numerous walking and cycling trails, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Visitors can also explore the nearby Glencorse Reservoir, which is a popular spot for fishing and birdwatching.

Overall, Penicuik is a picturesque town that seamlessly combines its industrial heritage with its natural surroundings, making it an attractive place to live and visit.

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Penicuik Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.831868/-3.2239521 or Grid Reference NT2360. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

River North Esk at Valleyfield, Penicuik

Looking upstream where the river bends on its way alongside the housing development at Valleyfield, a former mill site.

Jim Barton

Decorated space, path to Penicuik Estate

Brick steps and plant pots on the path by the North Esk from the A701 to Penicuik Estate grounds.

Jim Barton

Path by the North Esk, Penicuik

A path on the north side of the river to the surroundings of Penicuik House.

Jim Barton

River North Esk near Penicuik

The North Esk rises in the Pentland Hills above Carlops. It joins the South Esk, which starts life in the Lammermuir Hills, at Dalkeith.

Jim Barton

Bluebells in Serpentine Wood, Penicuik

Jim Barton

Farmland on Penicuik Estate

South Black Hill is in the background.

Jim Barton

Spear Gate Lodge, Penicuik Estate

A lodge house where one of the estate access roads meets the A766.

Jim Barton

Shopfront refurbishment, Penicuik High Street

The Penicuik Storehouse undergoing renovation as part of a programme to improve the appearance of shops in the town.

Jim Barton

Vaucluse Place, Penicuik

A block of flats in Jackson Street.

Jim Barton

Field, Penicuik Estate

The roadside conifers are long gone allowing a view of the folly.

Richard Webb

Pen-y-Coe Press, Penicuik

A long-established stationery and printing shop with an adjoining museum of papermaking in Bridge Street. In the early 19th century Penicuik became an important centre for papermaking, with mills along the River North Esk.

Jim Barton

Parkend, Penicuik

A striking corner terrace by the architect Thomas Pilkington c. 1860. He also designed the nearby Penicuik South Kirk and terraced cottages in the mill village of Walkerburn - see NT3537 : Millworkers' cottages, Walkerburn.

Jim Barton

Demolition and rebuilding, Penicuik

Old premises on Bridge Street are being demolished and construction appears to be the next step. The flag is flying from the Belgian Consulate on the corner with West Street - see also NT2359 : Belgian Consulate, Penicuik.

Jim Barton

Papermaking Museum, Penicuik

The museum is next door to the Pen-y-Coe Press on Bridge Street. It is currently open on Saturday afternoons or at other times by arrangement for groups and entry is free. See the museum's website at Link

Jim Barton

Making paper by hand (1)

Visitors to the Papermaking Museum at Penicuik have a chance to help make a sheet of paper. Pulp is caught on a rectangular mesh and carefully removed and transferred to the screw press to squeeze out the excess water.

Jim Barton

Making paper by hand (2)

The process of making a sheet of paper from pulp being demonstrated at the Papermaking Museum, Penicuik. The sheet is being separated from its carrying cloth and is ready for drying.

Jim Barton

Printing press demonstration

A small press being demonstrated at the Papermaking Museum, Penicuik. The gear wheel carries the makers name 'Josiah Wade Ltd Halifax Eng.' It can be powered by a belt drive or, as here, by the treadle. Cases carrying the type letters can be seen to the right.

Jim Barton