This portion of our guide focuses on the small town of Bonnyrigg, in Midlothian, Scotland.
Bonnyrigg is about eight miles southeast of the Edinburgh city centre. It lies between the Rivers North and South Esk, providing a picturesque setting with easy access to the Scottish capital. Bonnyrigg is surrounded by several notable localities. To the west, it is bordered by Loanhead, and Dalkeith lies to the north-east. Lasswade, a historically significant village, is directly adjacent to Bonnyrigg. Other nearby areas include Eskbank, Hopefield, and Polton.
The geological landscape of Bonnyrigg is characterised by its underlying sandstone formations, which have historically been significant for local construction. The town's terrain is relatively flat, although the Rivers North and South Esk contribute to the area's beauty.
Bonnyrigg's history dates back to at least the 18th century. Its name appears in various forms, such as "Bonnebrig" and "Bannockrigg," on early maps. The town's development accelerated in the 19th century, particularly with the establishment of the Peebles Railway in 1855, which facilitated coal mining and other industries. The mining industry was crucial to the town's early economy and growth.
Historically, Bonnyrigg was a mining village, with coal mining being the primary industry until the 1920s. The town also became known for carpet manufacturing, with the Henry Widnell & Stewart carpet factory being a major employer until its demolition in 1994.
In recent years, Bonnyrigg has transitioned into a residential community with a steadily growing population. Its proximity to Edinburgh has made it attractive for commuters, leading to new housing developments in areas like Hopefield and Burnbrae. Retail, education, and healthcare services also contribute to Bonnyrigg's economy.
Bonnyrigg and the immediate surrounding area are home to several historical buildings and attractions.
Dalhousie Castle, in nearby Cockpen, overlooks the River Esk. The oldest part of the current structure dates back to the mid-15th century.
Lasswade Parish Church dates back to the 13th century, although its current structure was built in 1793.
The Bonnyrigg War Memorial is in King George V Park in Bonnyrigg. The structure commemorates the soldiers from Bonnyrigg who lost their lives in World Wars I and II. King George V Park also includes a monument to Michael McGahey, a Scottish miner and founding member of the Communist Party of Great Britain.
Bonnyrigg is home to the Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic, a football club playing in Scottish League Two, as well as the Lasswade Rugby Football Club, competing in Scottish National League Division Three.
Governmental entities, industries, businesses, schools, places of worship, libraries, museums, art galleries, organisations, sports teams, recreational facilities, activities, and events are appropriate topics for this category.
Recommended Resources
Bonnyrigg Flowers is an Interflora florist in Bonnyrigg, Scotland, offering flower delivery throughout Edinburgh, Midlothian, and the surrounding areas. The florist carries a full range of sympathy and funeral flowers, as well as flowers for birthdays, anniversaries, and other occasions. A catalog of its products is provided, and orders may be placed online for local delivery. Its delivery policies and area are featured on the site, and contacts are provided.
https://www.bonnyriggflowers.co.uk/
The Church of Scotland congregation is situated in the centre of Bonnyrigg. Included on its website are a statement of beliefs, a history of the church, information on its pastoral care services, and hall booking policies, along with its address, a map showing its location, telephone number, and other contacts. Worship service schedules, a calendar of events, activities, and groups, video services and a sermon archive, and leadership introductions are provided.
https://www.bonnyriggchurch.co.uk/
Located at 1 Cockpen Road in Bonnyrigg, Scotland, it enrolls pupils aged 4 to 12 and covers primary education from Primary 1 to Primary 7. Its curriculum, handbooks, staff, and a virtual tour of the facilities are provided, along with an introduction to its classroom learning programmes, support systems, and emergency closure programmes, including remote learning programmes for each primary level, transitions from ELC to P1, from P7 to S1, year-to-year, new students, and those who are leaving.
http://bonnyrigg.mgfl.net/
Boomtown Barbers is a popular barbershop located along Eskdale Drive in Bonnyrigg, Scotland. They offer a variety of grooming services that include haircuts, beard trims, and skin fades, serving both children and adults. Its location, days and hours of operation, and telephone number are published on the website, and services may be booked online. Weekly special offers are announced on the website and may also be booked online. Appointments are available and walk-ins are accepted.
https://www.boomtownbarbers.com/
Surrounded by eleven acres of countryside and wooded alleys, Dalhousie Castle has been hosting royalty, celebrated poets, and other guests since the 13th century. Today, the facility includes guest rooms, with options known as Castle Classic, Castle Superior, Castle 4 Poster, Suites, Family Rooms, Lodge Rooms, and a Lodge Suite, each of which is highlighted here through photographs, descriptions, and a list of amenities. Accommodations for weddings, meetings, and other events are also available.
https://www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk/
LCR is a no-kill cat shelter and registered charity that helps abandoned, ill-treated, and unwanted cats and kittens. The organisation successfully rehomes around a thousand cats and kittens each year. The rehoming process is highlighted, and cats in need of homes are spotlighted, including some feral cats ideal for farm situations. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities and various cat-care information and advice are featured, and contacts are provided on the site.
https://lothiancatrescue.org/
Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School
Situated on Polton Street in Bonnyrigg, Scotland, the school emphasizes what it terms the 5Css: Care, Courtesy, Commitment, Cooperation, and Consideration. Affiliated with the Catholic Church of Our Lady, the school moved into a new building in 2020. The school uses a House system, with all children placed in either Saint Margaret's or Saint Andrew's House. Nursery and school handbooks, a registration form, parent council, class information, and contacts are provided.
http://stmarys.mgfl.net/
