Penicuik

Penicuik is situated beneath the south eastern slopes of the Pentland Hills, lying on the west bank of the River North Esk, about nine miles south of Edinburgh. This town’s name means Hill of the Cuckoo, deriving from the ancient Brythonic language.

Once well known for its paper mills, the last of which closed in 1975, the town is now home to Edinburgh Crystal, which offers visitors guided tours of the crystal factory.

The ancient origins of Penicuik can be seen in the grounds of the parish church where you can see the tower and ivy covered ruins of its predecessor, St Kentigern's Church, dating back to the 1600s. This site was originally home to an even earlier St Kentigern's church, which is believed to date back to the 1100s.