Home Report Pencaitland

Pencaitland, East Lothian, is a small, quiet but desirable town with a population of about 1,500 residents. It is roughly 15 miles from Edinburgh, about 9 miles from Musselburgh, 6 miles from Haddington, 4 miles from Tranent, and just 2.5 miles from Ormiston. Pencaitland is an historic town; in 1505 Pencaitland was made a burgh of barony which allowed it certain rights and privileges including a twice-yearly fair, and from 1695 a yearly mercat (market). The town is divided in two by the Tyne Water, which for locals separates the town into east and west Pencaitland, crossed by a three-arched stone bridge dating from the 16th Century.

Today, Pencaitland is seen as a desirable location for those who want a scenic rural home but is still close to things in larger towns such as Musselburgh and Haddington, and the City of Edinburgh. Many residents are commuters though heavily reliant on car, as the town has no railway line of its own. The closest ones would be in Prestonpans and Longniddry on the North Berwick line. Residents can connect to major trunk roads by use of the A6903 connecting to the A68 to the west, and the B6355 which will let commuters reach the A1 to the north through Tranent.

In terms of amenities and things to do, the town has the usual array of shops and services you would expect in a town of its size. Residents benefit from being able to reach larger towns in a relatively short span of time and the extra amenities and interests therein. The Glenkinchie distillery and visitor centre is a key industry in the town which does attracts some tourism to the town. Likewise, the grand Winton Castle also feeds into local tourism and hospitality, while also being a private home.

As for local schooling, the town is served by a single primary school: Pencaitland Primary. When of secondary age, pupils would attend Ross High School in Tranent.