Juniper Green

Nestled amidst the Pentland Hills, Juniper Green beckons. Juniper Green is more than just a suburb. It’s a village brimming with a rich history. Juniper Green stands proudly on an elevated ridge, overlooking the tranquil Water of Leith. Its story begins in the whispers of time, with its earliest mention tucked away in the Colinton Kirk records of 1707. For many years, it was known as Curriemuirend. Only around 1810 did Juniper Green truly blossom into the village we see today. Old maps, like Adair’s in 1735 and Laurie’s in 1766, offer no glimpse of the vibrant Juniper Green we know. Only one house, Gowanlea, seems to have stood the test of time, predating 1810. The Water of Leith valley cradled Juniper Green’s early industries: paper and snuff. The arrival of the Balerno railway line, with a station right in the heart of Juniper Green, marked a turning point. The village thrived. But the line’s closure in 1955 created a distance from Edinburgh’s city center. Juniper Green officially became part of Edinburgh in 1920. The year 2007 was a special one for Juniper Green. The village celebrated its 300th anniversary with a flurry of community projects. Locals shared their memories and old photographs. These treasures are now carefully preserved on the Juniper Green Village Association website. Juniper Green is a blend of old and new. It’s a dormitory suburb, yet it retains its village charm. You’ll find a variety of shops. There’s a bike repair centre, an optician, a pharmacy, a cozy pub, a fish and chip shop, and an Indian restaurant. Juniper Green even boasts an impressive selection of hairdressers. And for leisure? There’s a golf course, a bowling club, and a tennis club. The Juniper Green Conservation Area protects the historic heart of the village. It ensures Juniper Green’s unique character endures. Famous figures have graced Juniper Green’s streets. Thomas Carlyle and his wife Jane Welsh Carlyle once rented Mount Pleasant on Lanark Road. The village also witnessed the birth of David Henry, a New Zealand industrialist and philanthropist. Juniper Green is a village of stories. A village of community. It’s a place where history and present intertwine.