Thursday February 26th 2026
Penicuik Town Hall
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
A group of residents in a Midlothian town are making a bid for it to be recognised as the UK’s first Town of Culture and win £3million to celebrate.
People from across community groups in Penicuik have come together to prepare to put the town forward for the prestigious title after the competition to win it was announced by the UK Government.
And they are appealing to locals who want to get involved to come forward with their ideas, suggestions and support to help them create a winning bid.
The UK Town of Culture 2028 competition is currently welcoming Expressions of Interest as the first phase but offers the winning community £3million towards hosting events to mark the title over six months.
Two additional finalists will receive £250,000 each to put towards part of their proposals.
Speaking about the Penicuik bid, steering group member Laura Tyrrell said: “We have representatives from Community Arts Penicuik, Pentland School of Music, Penicuik Community Council and Penicuik Community Development Trust on our steering group but we are hoping to include the thoughts, ideas and support of many more groups and organisations in the town.
“This first stage asks towns to set out a compelling vision, demonstrate community support and show they have the ambition and capacity to deliver a transformative cultural programme.
“Our vision is to develop a bid that is shaped by local people, rooted in Penicuik’s culture, heritage and creativity, and ambitious for our future.”
The group is looking to gather ideas and listen to local voices as well as demonstrating the support and readiness of the town and is inviting people to get in touch and share their ideas about how the year of culture could look, activities taking place or which could take place and volunteer to help with the campaign.
There are plans to launch a survey of local groups and social media with the deadline to submit an Expression of Interest March 31.
Anyone wanting to get involved can email Laura at lauratyrrell00@yahoo.co.uk
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