Welcome

Welcome to Pencaitland

Pencaitland is a village of around 900 homes, situated 12 miles south east of Edinburgh and mid way between the towns of Haddington and Dalkeith. The Tyne Water runs through the centre of the village, close to the Church, creating two distinct halves, while the focus at the centre is Pencaitland Cross, traditional stone built houses and cottages, a small supermarket and petrol station, post office and the Trevelyan Hall. Popular with dog walkers and cyclists, there are a number of pathways around Pencaitland, beside the Tyne Water, through the Winton Estate and along the old railway track. (See Winton Walks and Pencaitland Railway Walks.) The pub, the Winton Arms, is situated to the east of the village, as is the bowling club, recreation field and a children's play park. If you're new to Pencaitland, or thinking of moving here, we've gathered some information, below, about local amenities and activities that we hope is useful. While we try to keep contact names and numbers current, some may change. Local events are usually promoted on posters attached to lamp posts on the main street. If you're new here, watch out for details of the annual fireworks display (5 November) and the annual family fun day (end of May) which are good opportunities to get to know people. You are, of course, welcome to join us at Church on any Sunday at 10:45am.

Pencaitland Parish Church

The picturesque church, set in the centre of the village, offers a warm welcome to regular attendees and visitors alike. We meet each Sunday at 10.45am and join our sister church in Ormiston for an evening praise service on the first Sunday of each month at 6.30pm. Other groups and activities within the church include Sunday Club for the younger members of the congregation, crèche, Guild, prayer and bible study groups. Many other activity groups also meet in the Carriage House.

Winton House

Many couples who are married in the Church hold their wedding reception at Winton House, an historic venue in Pencaitland, pictured on the left.

Pencaitland Primary School

The school is a modern primary with a special needs class for up to six children, along with a separate pre-school nursery set in the school grounds. Like all other schools in the region, it opens 4 full days, Monday to Thursday, and Friday mornings. The school has an active Parent Council and Parent Teacher Association.

Headteacher Mary McCall (Tel. 340260)

Pencaitland Playgroup

The Playgroup caters for children from age 2 and meets Monday to Thursday mornings from 9.15 to 11.15 in the Sports Pavilion beside the Bowling Club at the east end of the village.

Contact the Playgroup Secretary at pencaitland_playgroup@yahoo.co.uk

Mothers and Toddlers

Trevelyan Hall, Tuesday mornings, Drop in 10:00-11:45am, £1.50 per session.

Village Recreation Activities

Drawing and Painting

Contact Susan Ainslie, Adult Education Admin Assistant, East Lothian Council on 01620 827606

Fishing Club

Contact Hugh Gordon (Tel. 340147)

Body Fit

Carriage House, Pencaitland Parish Church, Tuesday 7–8pm

Contact Marilyn Scholze (Tel. 01620 826160)

Pencaitland Day Centre

Open 10am-2pm every Wednesday in the Trevelyan Hall for the older members of the community. Lunch, entertainment and transport are provided. There is always a need for more helpers to join the all-volunteer staff.

Contact Ann McGowan (Tel. 824778)

Youth Activities

Football

Training sessions and matches are held for children aged 6-11 on Saturday mornings in the park at the east end of the village. Visit Pencaitland Youth Football Club's website here.

Village Shops and Amenities

Old Village Shop
Spar Shop, Post Office and petrol station
Winton Arms Public House
Pencaitland Bowling Club

The shops and amenities, above, are located on the main road (A6093) that runs through the village and their opening times are included in the download, below. There are farm shops within Pencaitland (e.g. Jerusalem Farm) and regular deliveries of milk, fish, fruit and vegetables from various companies. Please see the download, below, for more information. It also contains details of larger shops a short distance away, healthcare/GP surgeries and local pet care.

Community Contacts

East Lothian Council Tel. 01620 827827 (main switchboard)
Community Development Officer at ELC: Lena Hutton Tel. 824138
Pencaitland Community Council Chair: Ralph Averbuch Tel. 341582