Just outside the City Centre lies one of Edinburgh’s gems. Balerno is a historic and rural village set at one of the main gateways to the Pentland Hills and the start of the Water of Leith Walkway, where you might be lucky enough to spot a beautiful kingfisher!
Its name derives from the Scottish Gaelic Baile Àirneach, meaning "townland/town of the hawthorns". The earliest written records of Balhernoch or Balernach are found in the late 13th century.
The 18th Century brought substantial development to the area, with many new flax, snuff and paper mills springing up around the Water of Leith and its tributary, the Bavelaw Burn (evidence of flax production can be seen at Malleny Mills). The largest of these mills, Balerno Bank Paper Mill located near the centre of the old village closed in the early 1980s. After the First World War house building began in earnest in the area. There was a short loop railway running over what is now the Water of Leith Walkway.
There’s something for everyone whether you’re interested in outdoor pursuits, a day out with the family or just spending time relaxing and enjoying good food.
Its name derives from the Scottish Gaelic Baile Àirneach, meaning "townland/town of the hawthorns". The earliest written records of Balhernoch or Balernach are found in the late 13th century.
The 18th Century brought substantial development to the area, with many new flax, snuff and paper mills springing up around the Water of Leith and its tributary, the Bavelaw Burn (evidence of flax production can be seen at Malleny Mills). The largest of these mills, Balerno Bank Paper Mill located near the centre of the old village closed in the early 1980s. After the First World War house building began in earnest in the area. There was a short loop railway running over what is now the Water of Leith Walkway.
There’s something for everyone whether you’re interested in outdoor pursuits, a day out with the family or just spending time relaxing and enjoying good food.
