Welcome to West Lothian

"Situated in the heart of Silicon Glen, West Lothian is a thriving district with a population of around 150,000.

West Lothian was recently rated as the second best place in Britain to live. The independent Quality of Life study praised West Lothian's economic success, attractive environment, low crime rate and cost of living.......

You could say that West Lothian is a modern day success story!"

West Lothian stretches east to west between the districts of Edinburgh and Falkirk and nestles (ain't that an evocative word?) in the valleys that lie between the Forth Estuary (to the north) and the Pentland Hills (to the south).

The land is a mix of the rural and the industrial, the ultra modern and the very ancient.

The lush green of the hills and fields is dramatically offset by the striking red of the shale bings that dot the landscape.

The prehistoric burial mound at Cairnpapple dates from 2800 BC while the industrial estates are filled with factories producing state of the art electronic equipment.

The three main towns in West Lothian are Livingston, Linlithgow and Bathgate.

Livingston is the major town (don't say this if you're in Bathgate though. Passions run high on this matter. Parochial or what?) and the centre of admin. and commerce in the area.

It is one of the 'New Towns' founded in the late sixties to house the overflow population from Glasgow. Although much of the architecture is modern (and ugly) there are some historic buildings dotted about and extensive tree planting has done much to disguise and soften the excesses of drug induced sixties and seventies design.

It is expected that the population of nearly 40,000 will double in the early 21st century.

Bathgate, once the administrative capital of the county, is now home to a busy market (on Wednesdays and Fridays) and the huge, purpose built night-club "Room at the Top".

On the other side of the Bathgate Hills, towards the Forth Estuary, is Linlithgow.

The town, which dates from medieval times, sits beside a picturesque loch and is dominated by Linlithgow Palace where Mary, Queen of Scots was born.

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Historic Sites
I love really ancient places so don't be surprised if I enthuse more about these than other things.

West Lothian is a great place for cyclists (or at least it's getting there). There are cycle routes all over the place - many of them through lovely countryside.

The skateboard park at Almondvale in Livingston is always mobbed and sometimes events are held there. Soon as I hear of any I'll let you know. I am informed that there's a new half-pipe at the Balbardie Sports Centre in Bathgate.

Culture

The Council produces a quarterly events guide called "Arts in West Lothian". This is available, free, in public libraries across West Lothian.

• 12 May: Fiddlers' rally 7.30pm
• 26-29May: a play called Blackfriar's Wynd 7.30pm
• Various dates: Latin American, Samba and Egyptian Belly dance classes.

All of these events take place at the Howden Park Centre, Howden, Livingston, EH54 6AE.
Phone: 01506 433634

For those with an interest in Scottish Country Dancing (I'm sure their must be some), apparently dances are held in the courtyard of Linlithgow Palace. I can't think of a better backdrop to a dance.

There are no commercial cinemas in West Lothian. But fear not movie buffs. I'm currently involved in setting up a film society in a glorious old Art Deco building (once a cinema but now a community theatre). I'll keep you abreast of developments.

The Council's main site contains links to, among other things: The Scottish Tourist Board; Tourist Guides; SPOKES - The Lothians Cycle Campaign; LUCS - Linlithgow Union Canal Society; pubs, restaurants and leisure facilities; Rail and plane info; historic sites.