A short history of Juniper Green Bowling Club
The Bowling Club started in 1887, making it 120 years old in the village's tri-centenary year of 2007. This makes it the oldest sporting facility in the village. Originally, the green and clubhouse sat in the lower area of the village on ground that is now part of the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass.
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The site of the original green before the Edinburgh City by-pass was built
The land was granted by Sir William Gibson Carmichael, Bart and necessary funds were raised by concerts and a bazaar. The turf used was brought down from the Pentland Hills, but was later replaced by Cumberland Turf.
The club had its own newspaper, "The Juniper Green Observer", priced 1 penny, the paper provided by the neighbouring Kinleith Paper Mill. In the second issue of the paper a full account of the opening of the green by E. Erskine Scott Esq of Woodhall is given. The green officially opened on 28th July 1888 with the Juniper Green Pipe Band in attendance, even being permitted to march up and down the green. It was essentially a country club in the early days, members travelling to friendly games at East Calder and Broxburn in horse drawn brake, with further afield Scottish ties being attended in pony and trap. The original clubhouse was a watchman type hut lit by oil lamps.
In 1925 the clubhouse was replaced by a new one gifted by Councillor Milne, a local builder. It was officially opened by Sir John Colville, MP for North Midlothian. An extension was opened in 1954 by the then Lord Provost Herbert Brechin who prepared the plans for the work. Most of the work was done by voluntary labour, the cost being only 900 pounds.
Juniper Green Bowlers in the 1950s standing from the left Bill Tweedie, Alex Gowans, Willie Brown, Bob Fordyce
In 1977 a compulsory purchase order was placed on the club to enable the new City bypass. The club eventually agreed to its present site on the Lanark Road behind Iceland.
The most famous member of the club is Bob Fordyce.
Juniper Green bowlers Willie Brown and (on the right) Bob Fordyce. Winners of Scottish pairs in 1950
Bob was a lifelong member and he brought numerous honours to the club. He became one of Scotland's finest bowlers, representing his country a then record 16 times from 1934 to 1958, albeit his appearance were curtailed due to the outbreak of World War II. He was club champion 13 times between 1924 and 1957, and President of the club in 1938 and 1939. He is recognised as "Mr Juniper Green".
The club has grown since its inception but has strived to maintain its village feel. We offer our function hall to any local people to hold their celebrations there for a modest donation. It takes 80 people comfortably and is home to club social events on a regular basis.