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The oldest church in the Midlothian hamlet of Bonnyrigg was not in Bonnyrigg when it was built. Carrington Parish Church was built in 1711. When the Carrington congregation merged with that of Cockburn in 1975, the Carrington church was closed. It now contains office space. Cockpen Church, now Cockpen and Carrington, was built in 1820. It is known for its particularly tall tower.
In time the town of Bonnyrigg expanded to the south and encompassed the church's parish, so that Cockpen and Carrington now serves the southern half of the town. No church was built in Bonnyrigg itself until 1842. That building was then called Cockpen Free Church, but it is now a Presbyterian congregation of the Church of Scotland. Its elaborate clock tower dominates the High Street.
The Roman Catholic church building, Our Lady of Consolation, was not built until 1957. Much effort from the congregation went into both fund raising and construction, leading to some interesting anecdotes. When parishioners erected the fence around the church, one man went looking for a bucket to mix cement. He found a suitable container in the vestry, already full of water. He went on with his work, and only later heard the priest wondering aloud where the Holy Water had got to. That fence still stands today.
Activities and Attractions
Walkers and naturalists will enjoy Bilston Wood, one of the few ancient woodlands left in the area. More politically oriented visitors may wish to visit the protest camp that has existed since 2002 to campaign against the construction of a bypass road through the area. The camp remains in spite of the tragic death by fire of one of the protesters in January of 2011. The campaigners are well-behaved and welcome visitors.
Broomieknowe Golf Course lies between Bonnyrigg and the A7. Broomieknowe is a fair challenge for golfers of all levels. Tight fairways lined with mature trees and augmented with the occasional dogleg reward accurate driving, while the short walking distance appeals to golfers with time of mobility constraints.
Dalhousie Castle was the fortress of Clan Ramsey from the time that Simon of Ramsey followed the Earl of Huntingdon north in 1140. He chose a strategically significant spot on the Esk and erected the red sandstone castle. The L-shaped fortress that remains today dates from the fifteenth century, and the remainder of the castle from the seventeenth. King Edward I of England stayed at Dalhousie en route to the battle of Falkirk. Henry IV laid siege to the castle in 1400, but six months later gave it up as a bad job. Dalhousie served as a headquarters when Cromwell invaded Scotland. It remained the seat of Clan Ramsey until the twentieth century.
Access and Places to Stay
While Bonnyrig is comfortably situated for day trips, there is lodging available in the town. A caravan park and campground caters to those seeking closeness to nature, while guesthouses and bed and breakfast establishments are conveniently located and luxury historical home lodging is available. Dining is limited to tea rooms, takeaway and pub grub. The Indian takeaway in Bonnyrigg is unpretentious and quite tasty.
Accommodation in Bonnyrigg
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