An unusual A-listed former church on the right bank of the River North Esk, a quarter-mile (0.4 km) south of the centre of Penicuik in Midlothian, the South Church was built as Penicuik Free Church, opening in 1863 although the foundation stone had been laid some 19 years previously. It was the work of Edinburgh-based architect Frederick Pilkington (1832-98) in a heavy Gothic style at a cost of £2050. It was endowed through the generosity of several local men, including John Cowan of Beeslack and Charles Cowan of Valleyfield. While there is a substantial tower, which turns from square to octagonal as it rises, the spire was not built due to lack of funds, with the intention of adding it later but that never happened. Other features of the building include an unusual steep roof with overlapping sections, pointed arches and stubby columns with massive leafy capitals. Inside, the roof is of remarkable complexity, maximising the usable space for the congregation. The organ was by Hamilton of Edinburgh in 1901, restored in 1976. Having suffered from dry rot, the church was subject to a major restoration in 1991 at the cost of £250,000, which included the stained glass that was originally paid for by the ladies of the church.
The church united with Howgate Church in 1979, and then with St. Mungo's Parish Church in 2022 to become Penicuik Trinity Community Church. The South Church building was no longer required and was sold later the same year. It is now privately-owned and used as a training centre by a company specialising in working at height and rope access solutions.
