Thursday October 1st 2026
Herbertshaw Farm, near Penicuik, Midlothian
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
The next generation of an historic Midlothian farm have launched a bid to secure its future by building their own home on the land.
Craig and Nicole Borthwick say the new home at Herbertshaw Farm, near Penicuik, will allow them to support Nicole’s parents who have reached retirement age as they oversee their 1300 sheep flock.
And they say it will mean they are on hand to help with the care of the couple as they grow old on the land which has been in the family for generations.
The Borthwicks, who currently live on a farm holding in Galashiels say they are actively involved in the running of Herbertshaw farm which dates back to the early 19th century.
In a supporting statement to planning they say: “The construction of the dwellinghouse is regarded as essential at this location to support the efficient operation of the agricultural business and future expansion plans – the applicants are proposing to increase the livestock numbers significantly by the
transfer of sheep from their Galashiels location.
“The proposed dwellinghouse is pursued for succession and the continuation of agriculture at Herbertshaw Farm.
“The new proposals will enable the applicants and their young family to live on-site. Their current separation from Herbertshaw Farm results in significant travel time – a two hours round trip – when attending livestock, particularly during lambing periods, adverse weather conditions and other emergency situations.”
The application is for a new four bedroom house on the farm which the statement says will take up a ‘very small area’ of the farm.
It says the plan is “intended to position the house immediately adjacent to the existing farm unit to ensure that it will remain closely related to the operational centre of the farm whilst minimising its visual impact on the wider landscape.
“The site will also allow the new dwellinghouse to oversee the welfare requirements of the livestock on the holding in the nearby buildings and, secondly, oversee the access drive to the farm, thus reducing the risk of livestock machinery and equipment theft.”
The application is available to view on the council planning portal.
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