Good things come to pass .....

This is my blip of The Cowan Institute (aka Penicuik Town Hall).

It is an ornate, attractive sandstone building dominating the main street in Penicuik and had a history that demonstrates community spirit at its best and local government at its worst.

A wealthy and public spirited papermaker, Alexander Cowan, left money when he died in 1859 for the common good of Penicuik people. By the 1890's enough interest had accrued for the Cowan Institute to be built which was to be used 'for recreation and instruction and the furtherance of all objects affecting the welfare of the Community'.

For many years, the hall was used for many things by the local people. It later came into the possession of the Town Council and then Midlothian Council. When there were plans to close the building in 2005 the local community fought for its survival. The Penicuik Community Development Trust was formed and to this day the building is a thriving centre for many activities and the PCDT works hard 'to achieve the sustainable regeneration of' Penicuik.

It has been very cold today and I'm feeling tired after our busy week. There are now 5 blue tit chicks in the nest box and they look as if they might be ready to leave quite soon.