Juniper Green

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Juniper Green
Midlothian
The main road at Juniper Green - geograph.org.uk - 1245955.jpg
Juniper Green Parish Church
Location
Grid reference: NT195685
Location: 55°54’12"N, 3°17’13"W
Data
Post town: Juniper Green
Postcode: EH14
Dialling code: 0131
Local Government
Council: Edinburgh
Parliamentary
constituency:
Edinburgh South West

Juniper Green is a village in Midlothian, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, six miles south-west of the city centre. It bridges the city bypass, and extends along the foothills of the Pentland Hills.

The village is centred on Lanark Road, the main road leading out south-west of Edinburgh south-westwards. The village stands on an elevated ridge above the Water of Leith to its south.

History

Juniper Green's earliest mention is in the Kirk records of Colinton in 1707. However, it is largely called Curriemuirend up until the end of the 18th century and the area only really developed as a village from around 1810. Indeed Adair's map published in 1735 shows no sign of the village, nor does Laurie's more accurate map of 1766. Only one house in the village (Gowanlea) appears to predate 1810.

Traditionally, Juniper Green's major industries were paper and snuff set in the river valley of the Water of Leith. Only with the building of the Balerno line with a railway station in Juniper Green did the village begin to prosper. Its closure in 1955 re-distanced the village from the city centre.

The 300th anniversary of Juniper Green was celebrated throughout 2007 and the community supported many social and environmental improvement projects. The opportunity was also taken to record locals' reminiscences about Juniper Green and collect photographs, which have been archived on the Juniper Green Village Association website.

About the village today

Today it is primarily a dormitory suburb of Edinburgh with its own shops, computer repair centre, chemist, pubs, fish and chip shop, restaurant, bowling club as well as a large selection of hairdressers.

Much of the village forms the Juniper Green Conservation Area, centred on the historic core of the village. A recognisable village character still remains here.

Culture and attractions

Leisure facilities include a golf course, bowling club and tennis club.

The village is served by Juniper Green parish church.

Local newspaper

The Currie and Balerno News[1] is Juniper Green's community newspaper which also includes coverage of nearby Balerno, Baberton and Currie. It is published monthly.

Outside links

References