[2] Gilmerton was owned by the Somervilles of nearby Drum House in the 17th century but in 1685 passed to the Kinloch family who had property on the west side of the village.

[4] The village expanded substantially in the decades following the Second World War as new public housing estates of varying design were constructed,[5][6] connecting Gilmerton with Liberton.

[10] Gilmerton Community Centre has a varied daytime and evening programme of educational and leisure activities as well as support groups.

The Centre is a vibrant and busy place with a large reception area with 4 computers allowing internet access.

[14] Since 2007, The Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland amalgamated Gilmerton with the neighbouring town of Liberton to create the Council ward Liberton/Gilmerton (16) that incorporates Gracemount, Burdiehouse, Southhouse, The Inch and Moredun.

Gilmerton is in the Edinburgh South constituency for parliament in Westminster, and is represented by Ian Murray (British politician) (Labour).