Tag: Penicuik

Groundworks begin on new single-storey homes in Midlothian

Scottish housebuilder, Lochay Homes, has commenced groundworks on its latest residential development near Penicuik, Midlothian. The project, set within 6.39 acres of the former Wellington School site, has planning consent for 46 two to four-bedroom bungalows and is expected to see its first completions in Summer 2026.

Offering low-density housing and surrounded by mature woodland, the single-story homes are being planned with modern energy-saving features and will be designed to significantly reduce household running costs.

With bungalows representing just one per cent of current UK housing stock – down sharply from 11 per cent of new home registrations in 1990, and 38 per cent of over 55’s preferring a bungalow for their next move, – the development is expected to attract strong interest, particularly amongst downsizers. The new homes are also positioned as a practical choice for families, close to good schools and offering a fast commute into Edinburgh.

Now in its 15th year, Lochay Homes has built more than 500 homes across Scotland.

Jamie Thomson, Commercial Director at Lochay Homes, commented: “It’s fantastic to see work starting on this exciting development in such a desirable location.

“It is our hope that these stylish new homes will not only deliver genuinely lower energy bills but also provide the flexibility and accessibility buyers are looking for – whether downsizers or growing families. We have only just started on groundworks and have already had enquiries, so we do expect this to be popular development.”

Sustainable by design and in the way they reduce energy consumption, Lochay Homes is planning to incorporate heat pumps, extensive solar panelling, home batteries systems, high levels of insulation and EV charging. The developer will local materials wherever possible, with timber-frame construction and natural stone detailing to reflect the local vernacular. 

Surrounded by mature woodland, the development will also include extensive new planting, with more than 1,000 additional trees to be introduced, alongside orchard areas with apple and plum trees, native hedgerows, shrubs and woodland mix.  

Work on the access to the site has now begun, with full construction due to start in the New Year following detailed planning approval for updated house types.

Finalised designs and details on pricing are expected to be confirmed in early 2026. For further details, or to register interest, visit www.lochayhomes.co.uk

Police appeal following serious crash in Penicuik

POLICE are appealing for information following a serious injury collision on Bog Road, Penicuik yesterday (Sunday, January 19, 2025).

Around 3.20pm, police received a report of a collision involving three children, aged 11, 12 and 13, and a Volkswagen T-Cross on Bog Road, Penicuik.

Emergency services attended and an 11-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl were taken to the Royal Hospital for Children in Edinburgh where medical staff confirmed their injuries as serious. The 12-year-old girl was uninjured.

The road was closed to allow for collision investigators to examine the location.

Sergeant Fraser Mitchell said: “Our enquiries remain ongoing as we work to establish the full circumstances of this collision.

“Anyone with any information or dash cam footage should get in contact, no matter how insignificant it may seem.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1844 of 19 January, 2025.

Penicuik Community First Responders mark 18 years of lifesaving service

Lifesaving volunteers from Penicuik Community First Responders recently celebrated the group’s 18th anniversary.

Penicuik Community First Responders (CFRs) are a group of volunteers trained by the Scottish Ambulance Service to respond to a potential life-threatening emergency in the vital first few minutes before an ambulance crew arrives. 

They cover the EH26 postcode and surrounding areas, and currently have six members who meet up monthly and have been involved in the group for several years.

Yvonne Mitchell, Co-ordinator for Penicuik CFRs said: “We are immensely proud to mark our 18th anniversary. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers and the support from our community.

“We train as CFRs to help others who live in our area, whether it is being first on scene at a cardiac arrest, or providing a listening ear and holding someone’s hand while the ambulance crew is on route.

“We look forward to many more years of serving our community and making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.”

Michael Dickson, SAS Chief Executive, said: “Congratulations to the Penicuik community first responders on this fantastic achievement.

“Our Community First Responders play a vital role in their communities, starting treatment while an ambulance is on route as every second counts, particularly when a person suffers a cardiac arrest. We are thankful to each and every one of them.”

To find out more about becoming a CFR, please visit: Community First Responders (scottishambulance.com)

Police: Have you seen Connie?

POLICE are seeking your assistance in trying to locate a 14-year-old girl, missing from Penicuik.

Connie Cochrane was last seen in Dean Place, Penicuik around 1.30pm on Tuesday, 19 December, 2023. She is around 5ft 2 inches in height with long black hair. When last seen, she was wearing a black, shiny Canada Goose body warmer, a pink jumper and black leggings.

Police are growing increasingly concerned about Connie and just want to know she is safe and well.

Officers have been checking relevant CCTV images and continue to liaise with partner agencies in case Connie is using public transport to get around.

Inspector Cheryl Blanch said: “We are continuing to speak to Connie’s family and friends for any small details that could assist in our enquiries.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have seen Connie or who has any information about her whereabouts to please contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 2905 of 19 December, 2023.

Have you seen Claire?

Police are appealing for the public’s help in their efforts to trace two people who have been reported missing this weekend.

Police are seeking your help to trace a woman reported missing in Penicuik. There are growing concerns for the 45-year-old, who lives in the Ladywood area.

Claire Parkes is described as a dark haired white Scottish female with a local accent.She was last seen wearing a yellow jacket, pink top, and grey/blue tracksuit bottoms.

Claire was last seen in the Nevis Gardens area of Ladywood, Penicuik around 4.30pm yesterday (Saturday).

Anyone who may have seen Claire, or who has any information on his whereabouts, is urged to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting incident number 2798 of 22082020.

MISSING PERSON – ALEXANDER CUNNINGHAM – CRAIGMOUNT

*** ALEXANDER HAS BEEN FOUND SAFE AND WELL ***

Police are also appealing for information to help trace a missing 67-year-old man from Edinburgh. Alexander Cunningham was last seen leaving his home address in Craigmount Drive around 5.30pm on Friday (21 August, 2020).

He is described as a white male, around 5ft 6in tall with glasses, short grey hair and walks slowly with a limp. When last seen, Alexander was wearing a brown jacket with zip and pockets, black boots and grey trousers.

Inspector Caroline Flynn, of Drylaw Response Policing, said: “We are becomingly increasingly concerned about Alexander’s whereabouts and we are looking for assistance to help trace him safe and well.

“He is believed to be in possession of his bus pass and may have travelled, therefore we ask if anyone has seen anyone matching this description that they get in contact with officers.

“If anyone has any information that could help trace Alexander then please get in touch.

“Police can be contacted on 101 quoting incident number 1432 of Saturday, 22 August, 2020.”