The official name of the Parish is "Saint Joseph's, Sighthill", even though it's undisputedly in the middle of Broomhouse. But what's in a name?
In bygone days, there existed small farm communities along the Calder Road: Gorgie, Saughton, Stenhouse, Parkhead, Hermiston and Sighthill. From these areas grew the Parish of Saint Joseph's Sighthill.
Sighthill Farm: so called because of the good views of Corstorphine Hill, Arthur's Seat and the Pentlands. Parkhead Farm: situated south of the Calder Road, streets and houses were constructed on former farmlands.
Saughton: took it's name from the old mansion house of Saughton Hall. The gardens and grounds were located on what is now Saughton Park. "Saugh" means willow tree, as willows grew by the Water of Leith. Broomhouse: again a name taken from a mansion house (the Broom House) and farm which was situated at the junction of Meadow Place Road and Broomhouse Road. The broom actually grew all around this area.
From this rural setting the Parish of St Joseph's was established.
The parish is called Saint Joseph's, which is very significant. Little is known of St Joseph: he was a dreamer, - a man of vision, a worker, very practical. He cared for and cherished his family and friends.The qualities of loving and caring dominate the memories of the parish. Maybe little is known about Saint Joseph in his lifetime, but we reflect and recall in the following chapters the human face of St Joseph. The Good News is something alive in the people and priests and active in the events which have taken place in the parish.