Bonnyrigg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bonnyrigg
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 Bonnyrigg
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| Population | 18,320 (2020) |
| Council area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Bonnyrigg |
| Postcode district | EH19 |
| Dialling code | 0131 |
| Police | Lothian and Borders |
| Fire | Lothian and Borders |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Bonnyrigg is a town located in Midlothian, Scotland. It is about eight miles (13 kilometres) southeast of Edinburgh city centre. The town sits between the Rivers North and South Esk.
In 2018, Bonnyrigg had an estimated population of 18,120 people. This makes it the largest town in Midlothian. Bonnyrigg is also a twin town with Saint-Cyr-l'École in France. It shares this twinning with its nearby neighbour, Lasswade.
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The History of Bonnyrigg
The name of Bonnyrigg has changed over many years. On old maps from the 1700s, it was called Bonnebrig or Bannockrigg. Later, in the 1800s, names like Bonny Ridge and Bonny Rig were used. Finally, around 1850, the name became officially Bonnyrigg.
In 1865, several small villages joined together. These included Bonnyrigg, Red Row, and Polton Street. They formed the burgh (a type of town) of Bonnyrigg. Later, in 1881, the village of Lasswade also formed its own burgh.
In 1929, the burghs of Bonnyrigg and Lasswade decided to join. They became the burgh of Bonnyrigg & Lasswade. This lasted until 1974, when local government rules changed.
Bonnyrigg was once a mining village. Mining stopped there in the 1920s. There was also a large carpet factory, which was taken down in 1994. In the 1900s, new areas like Hopefield and Poltonhall were built.
Most of the town centre was built in the 1800s. Some buildings at the main crossroads were rebuilt in the 1960s. In 2006, the town centre got a big upgrade. New stone paths and street lights made it look much better.
Getting Around Bonnyrigg
Bonnyrigg is located on two main roads. These are the B704 (High Street/Dundas Street) and the A6094 (Polton Street/Lothian Street). They meet at a place called Bonnyrigg Toll.
Many buses serve the town. The Lothian Buses service 31 is very frequent. It travels from Edinburgh through Bonnyrigg Toll. Other bus services also connect Bonnyrigg to nearby towns like Musselburgh and Penicuik.
Bonnyrigg used to have its own railway station. It opened in 1855 but closed for passengers in 1962. Freight trains stopped running in 1965. However, a new train line called the Borders Railway opened in 2015. This means Bonnyrigg is now connected to the national rail network again. You can catch a train from Eskbank railway station, which is close by.
If you like walking, the Penicuik–Dalkeith Walkway is nearby. For cyclists, National Cycle Route 1 and NCN 196 pass through the town.
Churches in Bonnyrigg
Bonnyrigg has several churches for different faiths. The local Church of Scotland has Bonnyrigg Parish Church in the town centre. There is also Cockpen and Carrington Parish Church to the south. The local Catholic church is Our Lady of Consolation.
Sports in Bonnyrigg
Bonnyrigg is home to the football club Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic. They play in Scottish League Two, which is a professional league. They play their home games at New Dundas Park. The club also has a social club. Bonnyrigg Rose Boys Club has teams for young players from under-7s to under-17s. They play at Staiside Park.
Lasswade Rugby Football Club was started in 1921. They play rugby at their ground in Hawthornden. They compete in Scottish National League Division Three.
The town also has a golf course called Broomieknowe Golf Club. It has 18 holes.
Other Interesting Places
King George V Park in Bonnyrigg has a special monument. It honours Mick McGahey, who was an important leader for miners.
Bonnyrigg in Books
The town of Bonnyrigg is featured in a book called Lawrie Todd (1830). The author, John Galt, based the main character's birthplace, Bonnytown, on Bonnyrigg. The book describes the village and the beautiful Esk valley.
Youth Organisations
- 51st Boys Brigade
- 14th Midlothian (Bonnyrigg) Scout Group
Twin Town
Bonnyrigg is twinned with Saint-Cyr-l'École in France.
See also
In Spanish: Bonnyrigg para niños
