Over six years, the Penicuik Heritage Regeneration Project has repaired and restored 28 historic buildings, improved 20 shopfronts, brought two empty buildings back into use, improved public spaces and completed around 600 community engagement, training and education initiatives.

Midlothian Provost Debbi McCall, the chair of the Penicuik Heritage Regeneration Project Team, said: “It’s fantastic to read Midlothian Voluntary Action’s evaluation report concludes the project has exceeded its original aims. I think we’d all agree, the now completed six-year project has achieved a great deal.

“Thanks to investment of £5.1 million, the shopfront improvements are helping boost the economy, while the public realm work on the High Street and Bridge Street to widen and repave footpaths makes shopping in the area safer and more comfortable for pedestrians.

“The project will leave a lasting legacy we can build upon. We need volunteers to help run and manage the new heritage trail and to make best use of the newly restored Hearse House in St Mungo’s churchyard as a base for the trail. Meanwhile, the final phase of the public realm work, repaving adjacent to nos 2-4 The Square will start in the spring, completing the transformation of the town centre.

“Many thanks to everyone involved, including our funders.”

The Penicuik Heritage Regeneration is funded by Midlothian Council, the National Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and is supported by Penicuik Community Development Trust, Penicuik and District Community Council, Penicuik Arts Association, the Penicuik Alliance and the Penicuik Historical Society.