It was around about 1980 (none of us can remember exactly) when a number of local Balerno folk first discussed forming Balerno Folk Club.
With the expertise of Alex Hood, then organiser of the Edinburgh Police Folk Club, we began in the Kestrel Hotel. The Kestrel has now gone, with the site having been redeveloped, and we are happily now re-located to Balerno Bowling Club, to whom we owe grateful thanks for an excellent performance venue where folk nights run on the last Tuesday of most months. Details of our scheduled performances can be found in the What’s on section.
Over time, and with the passing of weel-kent and much loved Club members and office-bearers, we are still going strong some 36 or more years later. To all of those and our supporters over the years, a special thank you is due, and to the present committee who give such great support and continue the work started all these years ago.
A variety of artists who have performed in Balerno have gone on to international careers e.g. Dougie McLean, John Martyn, Dick Gaughan and of course the ever- popular (and now retired) McCalmans who also recorded one of their albums “Out of the Heat” at the Club (it was a particularly hot summer’s night – thus the title).
We are essentially a singing club with our audiences enjoying joining in choruses but we do aim to present a selection of artists with different styles and talents. If there is anyone you would like us to book, do let us know.