This two-shop block preserves timber storefronts, an apothecary sign and upper accommodation at the commercial heart of Balerno.
Quick facts
- Date
- Later nineteenth century
- Architect / designer
- Architect and builder not recorded in the designation
- Type
- Two-storey block of two shops with accommodation above
- Designation
- Listed building, Category C (LB27131)
- OS grid reference
- NT 16336 66445
Architecture and continuing use
Honey-coloured sandstone is squared and snecked, with polished dressings, a string course and bracketed eaves. Separate timber shopfronts occupy the ground floor beneath four upper windows. Fluted brackets support raised sills, and a cast-iron pestle-and-mortar sign preserves the visual language of pharmacy trade.
Its story
The building dates from the later nineteenth century and appears on the second-edition Ordnance Survey map. HES listed it for its central position, surviving shopfronts and trade sign. Current operator information confirms a pharmacy at 24 Main Street, but the designation’s historic unit labels are not treated as a complete present tenancy record.
Why it is included
It represents Balerno’s continuing small-scale commerce and shows how business identity was built into both timber shopfronts and metal signage.
What to notice
- The cast-iron pestle-and-mortar sign.
- Different timber treatment to the two shopfronts.
- Fluted brackets beneath the raised first-floor sills.
Reading the surroundings
Use businesses only during their advertised hours and keep entrances clear. Upper floors and non-public parts remain private.
Timeline
- Later nineteenth century A purposeful two-shop block was built at the centre of Main Street.
- 22 January 1971 Its shopfronts and streetscape value entered the statutory list.
- 2026 check Operator information confirmed continuing pharmacy use at 24 Main Street.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
Current pharmacy use is verified at number 24, but the precise use, occupancy and internal division of number 26 and the upper floors are not asserted.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Balerno Hardware and Pharmacy, 24 and 26 Main Street, LB27131 — Current designation status, official mapped location, date, fabric and significance.
- Lindsay and Gilmour: Balerno pharmacy — Current operator information confirming pharmacy use at 24 Main Street.
- City of Edinburgh Council: Balerno Conservation Area Character Appraisal — Local-authority analysis of Balerno’s development, townscape, materials, industry and significant buildings.
Location
OS grid reference NT 16336 66445 · Location confidence: High for the current national designation point; public text separately states access, component-identity and current-use uncertainty. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
Suggest a marker correction
Suggest a more accurate position
The teal marker is the current published position. The orange marker starts slightly to its right so both remain visible; this is only a visual starting position. Tap the correct place on the map or drag the orange marker. Sending this form creates a private review entry only; it does not move the published marker.
Check this area in Google Maps Choose the Satellite layer there if useful.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors. You can also enter checked coordinates below.