The Parish of Balerno lies in the valley of the Water of Leith at the foot of the Pentland Hills, on the south-western outskirts of Edinburgh, astride the A70 to Lanark and about 8 miles from the centre of the city.

Originally just a small village community, with farming and paper making being the main forms of industry, the last forty years have seen great change in the nature of the village with the building of a number of large and small housing developments, the main estates being built around the local authority housing erected after the two world wars. The population has increased to some 8,600 people and the village has become principally a residential area for Edinburgh in the process.

Although much increased in size, it still retains its identity and village atmosphere while being part of the Edinburgh District. With the demolishing of the mill, Balerno no longer has a major independent industry, but instead, a few small businesses.

There are three schools within the Parish - Dean Park Primary School, Balerno Community High School and Harmeny Residential School for children with serious educational and social problems. The primary school accommodates a large local authority nursery, while the village is also home to a private nursery school.

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