Penicuik shops , a talk

16th March 2023

At a meeting on Monday 27th February, Penicuik Historical Society’s speakers were Pam Snell, secretary, and Rod Lugg, the PHRP project manager.

Pam gave a snapshot of the retail and commercial activity in Penicuik through the years, focussing on the types of shops that existed in the 1830s, 1850s and early 1900s. Old photographs, adverts and archive records were used to illustrate the town’s development through time until the construction of the pedestrian precinct. Penicuik Co-operative Association had a strong presence in the town for many years.

The growth of the paper making industry, the coming of the railways and other factors influenced both retail and services. In the past Penicuik had most of the services and shops that one could wish for locally.

Rod talked about the shop improvement grant scheme which aims to work with local businesses to improve the attractiveness of the town centre for residents and visitors. He focussed upon the architectural elements of shopfront design and how the new shopfront designs have evolved taking account of both historical elements and the modern needs of individual businesses. The photograph of Bridge Street shows Park End when the ground floor was shops – Mr James Abernethy was a baker and confectioner. In the adjacent building can be seen the shop belonging to the Wilson family who were decorators, plasterers and painters – their business was established in the late 18th century.