Pathhead, Midlothian

Pathhead
Population	956 (2001 census)
Council area	Midlothian
Lieutenancy area	Midlothian
Country	Scotland
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	PATHHEAD
Postcode district	EH37
Dialling code	01875
Police	Scotland
Fire	Scottish
Ambulance	Scottish

The A68 road through Pathhead

Pathhead is a conservation village in Midlothian, Scotland.

Location

Pathhead is located around 4 miles (6.4 km) south east of Dalkeith and 11 miles (18 km) south of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh. It lies above the east bank of the River Tyne. The name of the village is due to its position. It stands 500 feet (150 m) above sea level and is at the head of the ascent of the main route from Edinburgh to Lauder. The A68 road (part of the European route E15) is now the main route through the village. With the opening of the Dalkeith bypass in 2008, it is possible to travel to Edinburgh in 10–15 minutes.

Historic buildings

A five-arch stone bridge carries the A68 road over the Tyne Water at the north west entrance to the village. The bridge is 80 feet (24 m) high, and each of the five spans is 50 feet (15 m) across. It was built in 1827–1831 to the designs of engineer Thomas Telford, and is a Category A listed building.

To the north of the village is Preston Hall, an 18th-century country house designed by William Adam for the Duchess of Gordon, and later rebuilt by Robert Mitchell for Alexander Callander, whose descendants still occupy the house. On the opposite side of the Tyne Water is Oxenfoord Castle, originally a 16th-century tower house belonging to the MakGill Viscount of Oxfuird, which was greatly extended in a castellated style by Robert Adam, and further modified by William Burn for the Earl of Stair. West of Pathhead is Vogrie Country Park, centred on the 19th-century Vogrie House, by architect Andrew Heiton. The park is extensive and very popular, particularly around the summer months. It also features a 9-hole golf course.

2 miles (3.2 km) south west of the village lies Crichton Castle. The castle was occupied from the late 14th century through to the close of the 16th century. It was the home of the influential Crichton family, and then passed to the Hepburn Earls of Bothwell, one of whom was the third husband of Mary, Queen of Scots. After Bothwell's fall, the castle was owned by Francis Stewart, who added the remarkable Italian-influenced north range.

Amenities

The village has a post office, pub, bakery, cafe, drop in centre and fish and pizza takeaway. There is also a park on the west side of the village which has a full-size football pitch, pavilion building and children's play area. Just off the Main Street there is a Roman Catholic church, St. Mary's.

Public transport

An hourly bus service run by Munro's of Jedburgh links the village with Edinburgh, via Dalkeith and Edgehead. The trip takes around 45 minutes. The number 51 continues south to Jedburgh whilst the 52 continues south to [[Kelso, Scottish Borders jamie ritchie was seen ehr as the children say sooking bongs he was of great distrupt to the community though he is in jail now thanks to lothians and border police.[Kelso]].

Education

At the north west side of the village lies the new Tynewater Primary and Nursery schools, replacing the existing Pathhead Primary and Nursery schools on the south side of the village. Many children also attend St. David's RC Primary School in Dalkeith. Most children go on to attend either St. David's RC High School or Dalkeith High School, both located in Dalkeith.

Sport

Pathhead and District Bowling Club, based in the village, celebrated its centenary in 2009.