Coordinates: 55°53′07″N 3°20′15″W / 55.88518°N 3.337526°W
| Balereo | |
  Balereo
Balereo shown within the City of Edinburgh |
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| Population | 6,031 (2001 Census) |
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| OS grid reference | |
| Council area | City of Edinburgh |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | EDINBURGH |
| Postcode district | EH14 (part) |
| Dialling code | 0131 |
| Police | Lothian and Borders |
| Fire | Lothian and Borders |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament | Edinburgh South West |
| Scottish Parliament | Edinburgh Pentlands |
| List of places: UK • Scotland • • Edinburgh | |
Balerno is a suburb of Edinburgh, Scotland situated 12 kilometres south west of the city centre, next to Juniper Green and Currie. Administratively, Balerno falls within the jurisdiction of the City of Edinburgh Council.
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History
Its name derives from the Scottish Gaelic Baile Airneach, meaning "hawthorn farm" [1]. The earliest written records of Balhernoch or Balernach are found in the late 13th century.
The 18th Century brought a splurge of development in the area, with many new flax (evidence of flax production can be seen in Harlaw Woods), snuff and paper mills springing up around the Water of Leith. These mills were a prominent feature of village life until fairly recently. After the First World War house building began in earnest in the area and since then residential pressures have almost overwhelmed commercial and industrial ones.
Education
Balerno Community High School (school website) was founded in 1983. Dean Park Primary School is the local primary school, and it is split over two locations in Balerno.
Culture & Attractions
Sport
Balerno is home to Currie RFC, who play at Malleny Park. Currie won the Scottish Rugby Union Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership Division One in 2007.
Malleny House & Gardens
The 17th century Malleny House and its surrounding gardens are owned by the National Trust for Scotland. While the house is not open to the public the gardens are and consist of a 3-acre (12,000 m2) walled garden set in approximately nine acres of woodland. The gardens feature four hundred year-old yew trees known as the Four Apostles and is home to Scotland’s National Bonsai Collection.
Churches
Balerno has two churches: St. Mungo's Church (Scottish Episcopal Church) and Balerno Parish Church (Church of Scotland). St Joseph's Catholic Church closed in August 2006, with the building purchased by Balerno Parish Church and renamed "The St Josephs' Centre" [2].
Farmers Market
A farmers' market is held in Balerno Main Street on the first, second, third and fourth Saturday of each month. Usually some great entertainment is on show including local bands Hold The Suspect and Jakil and performances from musician Randall 'Randy' Prichard with some choir singers from the local Dean Park Primary.
Music Festival
2008 saw the launch of Balerno's music festival with events held at Balerno Parish Church, Balerno Bowling Club, Balerno Parish Church New Hall, the Grey Horse Inn and the St Joseph's Centre [3].
Red Moss Wildlife Reserve
One of only four raised bogs of sphagnum moss surviving in the Lothians and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Local Newspaper
The Currie and Balerno News[4] is Balerno's community newspaper which also includes coverage of nearby Currie, Baberton and Juniper Green. Published monthly the paper features local news, a monthly police neighbourhood watch update, an SSPCA appeal and coverage of local planning applications and developments.
Transport
- See also Transport in Edinburgh
Historical
The Caledonian Railway built a spur line from Slateford, via Colinton, which connected Balerno railway station to the centre of Edinburgh. The line saw an upsurge in housebuilding in Balerno. The last passenger train to run on the line was in 1943, and a High School was placed on the site of the goods station in 1983.
Present day
The A70 runs near the town. The town is serviced by the 44 bus route, which is operated by both Lothian Buses and First Edinburgh. There is a 44a bus route that goes in a different direction up the Johnsburn Road. The route connects Balerno to Currie, Slateford, the City Centre, Brunstane and East Lothian. On a Sunday the First Edinburgh service is called 66. The town is also served by the Prentice Westwood 424 bus route, which connects it to Juniper Green in one direction and East Calder and Livingston, however this only runs every two hours Monday to Friday.
Famous residents & Balerno High School Alumni
- Neil Alexander - Scottish Footballer (Goalkeeper)
- Craig Gordon - Scottish Footballer (Goalkeeper)
- Graham Moodie - Scottish field hockey player
References
- ^ Bòrd na Gàidhlig - History of Gaelic
- ^ Balerno Parish Church - The St Josephs' Centre
- ^ Best of Balerno Music Festival
- ^ Currie and Balerno News
External links
- Balerno Community Council
- Malleny Gardens
- Balerno Music Festival
- St Mungo's Church
- Balerno Parish Church
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