The club was formed in 1945 from the 1st Battalion 3rd Company local Home Guard Company. The initial meeting included Major Eddison, Captain Grieve, Mr Harper & Dr Sloan together with 15 members of the Home Guard. The instigating Committee consisted of:
On 10 April 1945 the name "Balerno & Currie Rifle Club" was adopted. The initial subscription was set at 2/6 per member. Until 1976 we occupied a nissen hut in Balerno.
When the new bypass road was built round the older part of the village, the Council decreed the hut an eyesore and it was removed. Despite having only £300 and 35 members we had to find new premises. After a long period of indecision, an area of ground was identified and the Club negotiated, with Edinburgh District Council, the 25 year lease for 0.67 acres of land. The land was unsuitable for residential development because a 36" sewer runs directly across it and overhead power lines, at that time, restricted the building height.
Sufficient capital was raised through grants, loans and fund raising activities to build the present premises in Curriehill Road which were opened in 1977. The cost was £21,000 of which £7,000 was raised by the members. Once the debt on the original building was paid, the gunroom was built. At the same time the club room was extensively upgraded and central heating installed. This development was completed in 1981 at a cost of approximately £5000, again largely raised through fund raising and loans from club members.
In 1997 the Club purchased the land, previously on a long term lease, from the local Council. This guaranteed our long term future and afforded the club long term security. In the same year the existing roof was replaced. Interior work has continued since that time, with wallpapering, painting and improvement to the decor and facilities.
BCRC