Bulletin Spring 2022

Spring 2022 | Issue 98 

CONNECT WITH WEST LOTHIAN COUNCIL 

WESTLOTHIANCOUNCIL @LOVEWESTLOTHIAN WESTLOTHIANVIDEOS WWW.WESTLOTHIAN.GOV.UK 

MISSION 

GROWTH 

HOW SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS 

AND YOUNG PEOPLE IS HELPING 

TO CREATE A STRONG ECONOMY, 

JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN 

WEST LOTHIAN: PAGE 4 

Apprenticeships that 

Work for West Lothian 

Council representatives joined apprentices from Housing, Customer and Building 

Services, Operational Services and Planning Services 

Page 3 

Our 

open 

spaces 

Page 8 

BUDGET 

West Lothian’s 

budget explained 

Page 10

2 

Bulletin 


New Anti-Poverty Manager appointed 

Doris reaches her Golden 

Anniversary 

Doris Cefferty, one of the most well-known names within 

West Lothian’s Education Service, recently celebrated her 50th 

anniversary with West Lothian Council. 

Nahid Hanif will oversee the council’s Anti-Poverty Service. 

The service provides 

a range of services to 

help households in West 

Lothian by providing 

comprehensive advice, 

support and assistance 

such as: 

Money , debt and 

housing advice. 

Financial wellbeing to 

improve budgeting skills. 

Energy and fuel poverty 

Benefit advice and 

Income Maximisation 

Advice 

The service is also responsible 

for the administering of 

Housing Benefit, the Council 

Tax reduction scheme and 

the Scottish Welfare Fund. 

It also has the responsibility 

of administrating the uptake 

of free school meals, school 

clothing grants, education 

maintenance allowance and 

blue badges. 

Nahid has taken over the reigns 

following Elaine Nisbett’s 

retiral. Elaine, who worked for 

the council for over 20 years, 

was appointed as a Member 

of the British Empire (MBE) in 

2020 in recognition of 

her work and the work of the 

anti-poverty service to help the 

West Lothian community. 

Donald Forrest, the council’s 

Head of Finance and Property 

Services said: “Nahid knows 

the Anti-poverty Service very 

well and has a huge amount 

of experience and knowledge 

within the work of the Advice 

Shop and the Anti-Poverty 

service. Elaine leaves us after a 

long and distinguished career 

and, on behalf of everyone 

at West Lothian Council, I’d 

like to wish her well in her 

retirement.” 

Doris has accrued 50 years' service within 

West Lothian schools. She started around 

her 16th birthday and has worked in two 

secondary schools Armadale Academy (30 

years) and Inveralmond Community High 

School (20 years). 

During her long career she has become 

an expert in the school database system, 

Seemis, and has supported and trained 

hundreds of colleagues in its use across 

West Lothian. 

Even though Doris went part-time three 

years ago, she still comes into school every 

day (volunteering two days per week) at 

6.30am and does not leave until late. 

Suzie Young, headteacher of Inveralmond 

Community High School, said: “Doris’ 

length of service isn’t just about work, 

but a lovely story of commitment and 

dedication to public service. 

“She has donated her own money to 

Doris (right) is joined by 

collegues from Inveralmond 

Community High School 

benefit some of our most deprived 

children and generally goes above and 

beyond every day. No one who has 

worked with Doris can ever recall her 

being off sick and having worked in 

education for 30 years myself, I have 

never come across a more dedicated, 

kind and loyal employee.” 

Depute Chief Executive Elaine Cook 

added: “I worked closely with Doris for 

many years. She is known by so many 

colleagues and has been an incredible 

support to so many of us. On behalf of 

everyone with Education Services, I’d 

like to congratulate Doris on reaching 

this incredible milestone. 

“She has a wonderful work ethic, 

positive personality, always goes above 

and beyond for pupils, parents and 

colleagues and is full of kindness and 

compassion.” 

Contact the Advice Shop on 01506 283000 or email advice. 

shop@westlothian.gov.uk. Bathgate Partnership Centre, 

South Bridge Street, Bathgate, EH48 1TS. 

New library app to make borrowing easier and safer 

West Lothian Council’s Library Service have launched a 

new app to allow customers to use their smart devices to 

borrow items. 


is printed on 100% 

recycled paper 

Bulletin is delivered to every 

home and business in West 

Lothian and aims to inform 

you about local council and 

community news. 

Bulletin costs 12p per 

edition, per household. That 

is five and a half times less 

than the cost of a second 

class stamp. 

The council is the first in Scotland 

to use the cloudLibrary app, which 

is a fantastic, modern way to 

check out books from the library 

via your smartphone or tablet. 

The new app is ideal for customers 

who only borrow a few items at a 

time and would prefer to use their 

mobile device to do so. Current 

methods of checking out items, 

such as self-service kiosks, and 

handing to library staff, can still be 

used. 

This new library app complements 

the library service’s new physical 

self-service kiosks and RFID pads, 

seamlessly bridging the physical 

and digital self-service offer to our 

customers. 

To download the app, please 

visit your Appstore and search 

for cloudLibrary by bibliotheca. 

More information is available 

at www.westlothian.gov.uk/ 

booksandreading 

Executive councillor for culture 

and leisure Andrew McGuire said: 

“I’m delighted to help launch the 

new cloudLibrary app for West 

Lothian libraries. 

“This innovative digital approach 

will make it easier for customers 

to borrow books using a mobile 

device. It also gives an option 

for anyone who forgets their 

card to borrow books using their 

smartphone or tablet. 

“It also allows those who wish 

to avoid touching communal 

touchscreens or interacting with 

Councillor Andrew McGuire with Neighbourhood Manager Anne-Marie 

Vance, left, and Customer Service Assistant Rachael Ferguson, right. 

library staff access to books, which 

is especially useful during the 

pandemic.” 

Key features of the new app 

include: 

manage library account online 

renew physical books 

provides interactive receipts for 

physical items borrowed 

providing a clear list of 

borrowed items and return due 

dates 

check your borrowing history 

notifications of up return dates 

view and cancel reservations 

add multiple cards to their 

accounts, so parents can have 

their children’s card on their 

account for example 

customise their app using 

engaging genre-based avatars 

and colour themes


3 

Trade Mission 

West Lothian Council has a proud tradition of providing training 

and employment opportunities via its Apprentice Programme. 

The council has created 326 Modern Apprentiships over the past 

10 years. 

The council currently employs 

150 apprentices. 

The team receive training via 

practical and theory learning, 

with all apprentices completing 

college work which is combined 

with on-the-job training with 

experienced staff. 

Apprentices work across a 

variety of roles including roads, 

horticulture, fleet mechanic, 

electricians, plumbers, joiners, 

plasterers and roofers. 

The council also employs 

Modern Apprentices in officebased 

roles such as Accounting, 

Customer Service, the Advice 

Shop/Financial Inclusion and 

Planning Services. 

Pictured are: Apprentice 

Electrician Seren 

Simpkins; Joiners 

Megan MacDonald and 

Hannah Cockburn; 

Plasterer Keris Simpkins. 

Apprentice Painter 

Dionne Gillon is not 

pictured. 

New faces in construction 

Women are massively under-represented within 

the construction and trade industry. 

Five women are currently part of the council’s 

trade apprenticeship programme. They are 

currently learning their trade within the council’s 

Housing, Customer and Building Services 

Providing training opportunities for women via the apprenticeship 

programme is very important as women are under-represented 

within the construction sector. West Lothian Council is 

committed to improving employment and training opportunities 

for women within our apprenticeship programme. 

Cathy Muldoon, Executive Councillor for 

Development and Transport. 

It is inspiring to see so many young women take up these 

opportunities with us and I wish them the very best for 

the future. I certainly hope that more women join our 

apprenticeship programme and that they follow their career ambitions 

and follow the career path they want to have. The opportunities are 

there and I certainly hope to see more women apply for roles within the 

apprenticeship programme. 

Julie Whitelaw, Interim Head of Housing Customer 

and Building Services 

Finishers 

Many apprentices stay on to work for the council 

once their training is complete. 

This year, 17 apprentices have completed their apprenticeship and have joined the council on 

a full-time permanent basis: Gary Weir, Ciaran Reid, Jack Neill, Liam Page, Connor Campbell, 

Matthew Paul, Lewis Pearce, Callum Sutherland, Scott Gallacher, Sandy McDougall, Nathan 

Daly, Flynn Horribine, Sean Graham, Robert Young, Duncan Coyle, Kyle O’Kane and Robert 

Young. 

Pictured above are Gary Weir, Ciaran Reid, Sean Graham, Jack Neil and Sandy McDougall.

JOBS 

ECONOMY 

GROWTH 

THE WEST LOTHIAN POSITION 

West Lothian continues to 

outperform many other areas 

of the country when it comes to 

economic growth 

West Lothian continues to have 

high employment and a strong 

economy, and attracts inward 

investment from small, medium 

and large companies. This creates 

jobs for local people and helps 

improve the standard of living for 

people who live and work in West 

Lothian 

There are a number of factors that 

impact upon a local economy but 

improving the employment 

position in West Lothian is one of 

the council’s priorities 

Our Economic Development 

team is on hand to support local 

businesses. Contact them to 

discuss what support packages 

are available for your business. 

Visit investinwestlothian.com/ 

contact 

West Lothian Council’s Job Task 

Force has also played an 

important role in supporting and 

growing the local economy 

A WEST LOTHIAN CONSTRUCTION FORUM HAS BEEN SET UP 

The Forum will aim to: 

improve collaboration across the 

sector 

encourage school leavers to join 

the industry 

improve training and skills 

increase supply chain opportunities 

and; 

support or sustainability & our 

environmental goals 

Archie Meikle, Managing Director of 

Ashwood Scotland recently agreed 

to initiate and Chair a West Lothian 

Construction Forum. 

Archie will chair the Construction 

Forum which will consist of four groups: 

Education – school engagement 

from primary to secondary 

Employability and Training 

developing a pathway into 

construction, encouraging 

employers to recruit a young 

workforce, by promoting upskilling 

and developing transferable skills 

Construction and Local Economy 

promoting collaboration and 

opportunities for local businesses 

Sustainability and 

Environmental 

supporting companies to achieve 

carbon-reduction objectives and 

fair work practices. 

Archie Meikle commented: 

“Having worked in construction 

for nearly 45 years and being 

deeply passionate about both the 

industry and the local West Lothian 

economy, I therefore feel it an 

honour and privilege to have been 

asked to take on this role.” 

The Construction Forum will be 

instrumental in shaping the future 

opportunities the industry has 

to offer in both the professional 

and trade disciplines and also a 

closer collaboration between West 

Lothian based construction related 

organisations. 

Since its launch in 2018, West Lothian Council’s Job 

Task Force (JTF) has created over 700 high-value 

jobs and helped local businesses with financial 

support totalling over £2 million. 

Key economic sectors in West Lothian are: life 

sciences, technology, engineering, manufacturing, 

construction, and food & drink. 

Companies that have received support from the JTF 

employ over 1,800 staff and have annual sales of 

almost £410 million. 

Promoted by West Lothian Council, the West Lothian’s 

Jobs Task Force is a partnership which includes the UK 

and Scottish Governments, Scottish Enterprise and 

West Lothian College. 

£ 

The Jobs Task Force has been a major success and 

has supported firms across West Lothian. Creating 

employment opportunities and supporting local business 

are key priorities for West Lothian Council and working with our 

partners we have provided much needed support and assistance to 

many firms looking to move to West Lothian, or expand and grow 

their businesses in West Lothian. West Lothian continues to be a 

place that retains and attracts successful businesses which provide 

high-value jobs and opportunities for training and growth. Our 

Economic Development team is on hand to support local 

businesses and I’d encourage any business to contact 

them to discuss what support packages are available.” 

Executive Councillor for Development and Transport, Cathy Muldoon 

The Jobs Task Force has 

made 56 grant awards to 

West Lothian firms and 

financial grants have helped 

secure six firms relocating to 

West Lothian. 

THE JOBS CREATION GRANT 

JOB CREATION FUND 

West Lothian Council's Economic Development Service has committed to supporting 

more local businesses through the Job Creation Fund to create sustainable 

employment opportunities. There are two possible business grants available with more 

information on the criteria scan the QR code below. 

VOLUME JOB GRANT 

West Lothian Council is making £1 million available to viable local firms to create at 

least 300 new jobs. Each new role must be permanent and pay a starting salary of 

approximately £21k pa. The new recruits do not have to be previously unemployed to 

qualify. Council and its partners can help firms with recruiting. 

STEPSN2WORK 

West Lothian Council is offering wage subsidy positions, this is a grant aimed at 

small and medium-sized businesses in West Lothian. Funding is available for local 

businesses to create 100 new jobs for 16-24-year-olds. Where possible young people 

being supported through the Wage Subsidy programme will have access to Modern 

Apprenticeship opportunities. 

For eligibility criteria and information on 

how to apply, scan the QR code with your 

phone camera. 

WWW.INVESTINWESTLOTHIAN.COM 

is packed with resources to help businesses achieve greater profitability, 

create more high-value jobs and strengthen their balance sheet. There are 

also dedicated sections which promote the latest economic indicators, and 

provide sector updates and details of specialist events on key topics such as 

leadership development, social media, exporting and procurement. 

To find out how we could help support the growth of your business 

visit www.investinwestlothian.com or follow us on Linkedin.

WEST LOTHIAN IS WORKING 

SUPPORTING WEST LOTHIAN’S BUSINESSES AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 

SPRING ENGINEERING SERVICES LTD 

Spring Engineering Services Ltd is 

a specialist precision engineering 

business that has been based in 

Brucefield Industrial Estate, Livingston 

since 2001. The business trades as 

Ritchie Precision and currently have a 

full-time headcount of 36 staff. 

Nick Sommerville from Spring 

Engineering said: 

“Our recent support from the Jobs 

Task Force was invaluable in helping 

us scale up and meet the demands 

of significant new orders for medical 

device parts to the USA.” 

Spring Engineering Services has 

achieved significant growth over the 

past five years; this has predominately 

been driven by exports to the USA. 

The company has worked closely on 

their growth plans with the Council’s 

Business Gateway team. Grant 

support of £60,000 from the Jobs Task 

Force has helped Spring to invest in 

building more production capacity at 

their site and create 12 new highervalue 

roles. They have also benefited 

from consultancy support through 

our Expert Help scheme. There has 

been joined-up support from Scottish 

Enterprise to further assist with the 

company’s growth. 

TECHNOLOGY TUV NORD UK LTD (ALTER UK) 

Technology TUV NORD UK LTD 

(Alter UK) provides precision 

manufacturing services for a 

wide range of semiconductor 

based photonic and electronic 

technologies. The company 

have been based at Bain Square, 

Livingston since 2003 and currently 

employs 45 full-time equivalents 

within this site. 

As part of their strategic growth 

objectives Alter UK plan to make 

a €6 million investment in a new 

Photonics Design Centre to help the 

company develop their own state-ofthe-art 

photonic products alongside 

their current service-based offering. 

One of the key flag-ship products 

to be developed is a Space Grade 

optical transceiver which will be a 

key component for data transfer and 

communications within Very High 

Throughput Telecom Satellites. 

Stephen Duffy, chief executive 

officer said: “This Design Centre will 

help to create more highly skilled 

employment in West Lothian and 

will support continued investment in 

staff development.” 

To assist the company with their 

growth project, Alter UK have been 

awarded a Jobs Task Force grant of 

£100,000. This will help them recruit 

a further nine new staff, all as part 

of a multi-million pound strategic 

investment in their Livingston HQ. 

The business has worked closely 

with Business Gateway and Scottish 

Enterprise over the longer term. Alter 

UK has also recently benefited from 

training support from the Flexible 

Workforce Development Fund 

and engagement with Heriot Watt 

University. 

Stephen added: “This co-operation 

builds upon many years of support 

from West Lothian Council which 

included the investment in 

cleanroom facilities, equipment 

and infrastructure to enable the 

Livingston site to be a Centre of 

Excellence within the Group for space 

and satellite-grade semiconductor 

and photonic manufacturing. One 

notable success was the recent 

supply of key electronic components, 

designed and manufactured by Alter 

UK in Livingston, to the NASA MARS 

Perseverance Rover which landed on 

MARS last year.” 

ELITE CONTROL SYSTEMS 

Elite Control Systems are an award-winning 

Systems Integrator with three decades 

of experience in Industrial Automation 

Technologies. The company deliver software 

and hardware engineering support services 

across more than 60 industrial sites in the UK, 

mainland Europe and Eurasia. Founded in 

1992, Elite Control Systems Limited is based at 

Starlaw Business Park, Livingston and employs 

25 full-time staff. 

The company works with many household 

names and blue-chip companies across 

industries such as Energy (Renewables and 

Oil & Gas) Distilling & Bottling, and Food 

Beverage. Elite design, build, commission, 

maintain and cyber-protect systems that 

enable manufacturers to increase sales and 

profitability in the fast-moving process control, 

automation technology arena. 

Elite have worked closely with the Council’s 

Business Gateway team and have benefited 

from a series of business-growth projects that 

have helped the business achieve significant 

recent growth. This help has included 

partnership support through West Lothian 

College’s Flexible Workforce Development 

Fund as well as help with Expert Help 

consultancy support to develop a sustainable 

long-term strategic growth plan for the 

business. 

Bill Grant, Chief Executive, Elite Control 

Systems said: 

“The support that we have received from 

the Gateway/Council team has been a huge 

help to us. As well as helping us navigate the 

many ‘new’ challenges of the pandemic, our 

advisor arranged invaluable expert support 

and resources to help us shape our longerterm 

growth plans. More practically, this has 

meant that we have been able to bring forward 

several key growth projects much faster than 

would have otherwise been the case, including, 

work on the development of our team, help 

with our Carbon Net Zero ambitions, and 

support and advice on the sourcing key skilled 

Engineers, all vital initiatives to our business 

ambitions.” 

Q 2 SOLUTIONS 

Q 2 Solutions is a global human data 

sciences company specialising in clinical 

trials and laboratory services. The firm has 

a focus on using data and science to help 

healthcare clients find better solutions 

for their patients. The business is an 

established and valued STEM employer of 

over 1,000 staff at its Livingston HQ – they 

are Scotland’s largest life sciences firm. 

The business can trace its origins back to 

1977 when they were known as Syntex, 

a spin-out from Heriot-Watt University. 

Following acquisition by the American 

Quintiles Corporation, the business moved 

to Livingston in 1999. Expansion followed 

and in 2009, the company chose to invest in 

purpose-built facilities on the Alba Campus. 

The Livingston laboratories on the Alba 

Campus HQ today processes four million 

biological samples from clinical trials across 

the world, every year. Q 2 Solutions is now 

the fourth largest sciences employer in 

the UK, with a team of 3,800 employees 

working across the UK. 

To deliver all this, Q 2 Solutions has invested 

in more than 50,000 sq ft of additional 

space on the current site. The capital 

commitment of this is estimated at over £10 

million. The business has also invested a 

further £700,000 in additional staff training. 

The Jobs Task Force awarded £200,000 

towards this project. This will help further 

upskill staff through accredited training. 

The staff benefiting from the training 

represent many roles at the Livingston 

HQ including science technicians, quality 

control, process improvement, IT and 

exporting. 

Graeme Cox, Director, Pre-Analytical, Q2 

Solutions said: 

“Q 2 Solutions, long-term investment in 

West Lothian is creating a further 250 

high-value roles. These opportunities will 

be available for school leavers, college and 

university graduates, and people retraining/ 

upskilling to the life sciences sector. All 

this points to long-term sustainable 

and inclusive growth in West Lothian’s 

burgeoning life sciences sector.”

6 



Stunning West Lothian country park marks 50th birthday 

A special celebration was 

held to mark a half century of 

the fantastic Almondell and 

Calderwood Country Park near 

East Calder. 

The country park was created 

in 1971 by bringing the former 

Almondell Estate grounds and the 

nearby, more natural Calderwood 

together, to produce one of the first 

parks of its kind in Scotland. 

Activities were held in the park 

recently to mark the anniversary 

of the much-loved local resource, 

involving local school children, 

Friends of Almondell and 

Calderwood and West Lothian 

Council’s Parks & Woodland Team. 

Leader of West Lothian Council, 

councillor Lawrence Fitzpatrick, 

started the weekend of events with 

the planting of two special trees, 

some of the first to be planted in 

West Lothian for the Queen’s Green 

Canopy to celebrate her Platinum 

Jubilee. 

Councillor Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: 

“I’m absolutely delighted to plant 

these new trees in the incredible 

surroundings of Almondell and 

Calderwood Country Park. 

“This was one of the first country 

parks in Scotland, creating a place 

for local residents and visitors to 

get a taste of the countryside and 

appreciate the many benefits of 

nature. 

“We know how much the beauty 

of Almondell and Calderwood is 

appreciated by local residents more 

than ever, with visitor numbers 

increasing by over 90% during 

lockdown as people reconnected 

with the nature on their doorstep.” 

Other events included children from 

nearby primary schools, St Paul’s 

and East Calder, planting over 400 

trees in the South Drive Wood. 

Over 1,000 new trees were planted 

in the park over the course of the 

weekend. 

The pupils also had the chance to 

see timber felled from the woods 

being sawn into way-markers and 

fencing materials for use in the park 

giving the cut trees a second life. 

Celebrations also saw school pupils 

shown the wall around the old 

walled garden, which has been 

restored recently thanks to funding 

from the National Lottery Heritage 

Fund, Scotmid and Sustrans Art 

Routes as well as the council. 

Green bins 

introduced to 

boost recycling 

LO E 

WestLothian 

The new green bins are being rolled 

out from summer 2022 

West Lothian residents are to receive dedicated green bins for plastics and tins to help 

increase recycling rates and protect the environment. 

The scheme is set to roll out across West Lothian during summer 2022, and is expected to cut 

contamination by more than half, allowing significantly more materials to be recycled. 

A number of local authorities in Scotland already successfully operate separate paper and 

card collections, with evidence that it increases recycling of paper and card. 

Paper and card should continue to be put into your blue bin, with plastics and tins placed 

into your new green bin when you receive it. All materials places in both bins should be clean 

and dry, to reduce food and liquid contaminating paper in particular, and make sure as much 

as possible can be recycled. 

It’s important that we all do what we can to protect our 

environment and limit what we send to landfill to the 

absolute minimum. Splitting paper and card collection will 

ensure West Lothian remains above the national average 

for recycling going forward. 

Executive Councillor for the Environment, Tom Conn 

The introduction of green bins to the majority of West 

Lothian homes is part of a major programme by the 

council to modernise recycling in West Lothian, with 

support from a £4 million investment from the Scottish 

Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund. 

Recycling for flats and very rural properties will also be 

improved, along with investment in technology to support 

the changes. 

The introduction of the green bins was approved by 

Council Executive in June 2021 and is expected to deliver 

efficiency savings of £727,000, as part of £9 million of 

budget-reduction measures over 2021/22 to meet the 

shortfall in government funding. 

For more information on what can 

and can’t go into your bins, please 

visit westlothian.gov.uk/ 

domestic-waste

WESTLOTHIANCOUNCIL @LOVEWESTLOTHIAN WESTLOTHIANVIDEOS WWW.WESTLOTHIAN.GOV.UK Bulletin 7 

Real-time help for West 

Lothian bus users 

New upgraded screens with real-time travel 

information have been installed at Livingston bus 

terminal. 

West Lothian Council have installed the 

new screens, thanks to £40,000 funding 

from Paths for All’s Smarter Choices, 

Smarter Places programme and £10,000 

from SEStran to cover the cost of the 

project. 

The real-time travel information (RTI) 

screens will replace older screens 

and provide accurate bus timetable 

information for passengers at the 

terminal. Linking-in with bus operators, 

own systems, the screens have also been 

mounted on existing concrete columns 

to reduce the risk of vandalism. 

Leader of West Lothian Council 

Lawrence Fitzpatrick joined with James 

Gray from Paths for All and Lorna 

Cunningham from the council’s Public 

Transport team to mark the completion 

of the project. 

Livingston bus terminal is located 

between The Centre and the Livingston 

Designer Outlet. 

Leader of West Lothian Council 

Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “I’m delighted 

that the new RTI screens are now fully 

operational at Livingston bus terminal. 

“The location is a real hub for Livingston 

and the wider West Lothian area, with 

many people coming here to visit the 

shops or restaurants, or access services. 

“The real-time updates will be hugely 

appreciated by businesses, bus 

operators and passengers alike.” 

Leader of West Lothian Council, Lawrence Fitzpatrick 

joined James Gray from Paths for All and Lorna 

Cunningham from the council’s Public Transport team to 

mark the completion of the project. 

Additional EV charging points available for public use in West Lothian 

List of public EV charging points 

Site 

Acredale Car Park, Bathgate 

Charger Type 

1 x Dual-outlet Fast Charger 

Almondvale Stadium, Livingston 


1 x 50kW Rapid Charger 

Bathgate Partnership Centre 


Blackridge Primary School 


Councillor Tom Conn joined the council’s Energy and Climate 

Change Manager Peter Rogers at the EV charging site in Calderwood 

The number of public electric vehicle (EV) charger 

points has expanded in West Lothian 

Calderwood School, East Calder 

Fauldhouse Partnership Centre 

Gideon Street Car Park, Bathgate 

Linlithgow Sports Club 



1 x 7kW Dual-outlet 




The latest additions to the 

network include three new units 

at Calderwood School, East 

Calder and a new rapid charger at 

Fauldhouse Partnership Centre. 

Work is also nearing completion on 

additional “fast” chargers at The 

Vennel, Linlithgow and Blackridge 

Primary School. 

Once the new, “fast” chargers have 

been commissioned, this will bring 

the total number of chargers in the 

council network to 24, including 

nine rapid chargers (details of which 

can be found to the right). 

The installations, funded by 

Transport Scotland’s Local 

Authority Installation Programme, 

have been completed by Swarco 

eVolt and their local sub-contractor 

Boyd Brothers and are part of 

the ChargePlace Scotland (CPS) 

network. 

You can view a live map of all the 

charge points on the CPS network 

at chargeplacescotland.org 

Drivers are encouraged to follow 

ChargePlace Scotland’s “Electric 

Vehicle Charge Point Etiquette 

Guide” , treating fellow network 

users with respect and courtesy 

whilst making use of the public 

charge points. This includes 

limiting the time connected to 

rapid charge points to one hour. 

Lister Road, Livingston 

Morris Square, Livingston 

Polkemmet Country Park, Whitburn 

Strathbrock Partnership Centre 

The Vennel, Linlithgow 


2 x 50kW Rapid Chargers 






Water Yett Car Park, Linlithgow 


The council is committed towards supporting projects which will help meet net zero 

targets for carbon emissions. The expansion of the EV charging network in West Lothian 

is an important part of this with improved infrastructure hopefully allowing more drivers 

to make the choice on whether they can use an electric vehicle. 

Executive councillor for the environment, Tom Conn 

Whitburn Xcite 


A list of EV charging points available for public use 

in West Lothian can be found on the West Lothian 

Council website. 

Visit: www.westlothian.gov.uk/ev-charging

8 



Parks 

Our 

open 

spaces 

Park works have recently been completed at 

Langton Park in East Calder and King George 

V Playing Fields in Uphall. This includes the 

planting of 62,000 bulbs, 27 avenue-trees, paths, 

benches, drainage and signage. At KGV Fields, 

Uphall Community Council also organised some 

community planting of 110 free trees from the 

Woodland Trust. 

In addition, to complete previous park 

improvements at Peel Park in Livingston and 

Cunnigar Park in Mid Calder, we’ve recently 

planted 35 specimen trees, including 15 fruit 

trees. 

At Wyndford Park, Broxburn a new park is being 

created. The park contains 280,000 bulbs, tar 

paths, woodland thinning, 135 trees planted 

(woodland and avenue trees), drainage, a new 

‘raingarden’ which holds surface water back 

from the drainage system in times of heavy rain 

and a new, level, five-a-side football pitch with 

goals. 

Using a total of £175,000 funding from council 

Climate Change funds and Nature Restoration 

Funding, we have been working with Green 

Action Trust to plan and carry out works in 

Howden Park and on key active-travel routes 

on the Livingston North Blue Green Network 

(LNBGN). This includes clearing paths/lighting 

of overhanging vegetation, improving path 

surfaces, removing non-native shrubs, opening 

up sightlines on the Hospital Path in Howden 

Park, relocating picnic benches, and expanding 

the roundels in Howden Park by planting 3,505 

mixed broadleaf trees., 

West Lothian Council has built a new 

track in Balbardie Park in Bathgate 

which is now finished and ready to use. 

The new facility comprises 175m of floodlit 

track – the longest pumptrack in West 

Lothian – and our only floodlit track. 

Our asphalt pumptracks can be ridden 

on bikes, balance bikes, scooters, 

skateboards, surf-skateboards and skates. 

They are carefully designed to be ridden 

without pedalling and by only using your 

bodyweight and the features to ‘pump’ 

yourself around the track. 

Pumptracks started off being used as a fun 

way to build up bike skills and particularly 

skills for off-road cycling, but these new 

asphalt tracks can also be used to improve 

skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding 

skills. The track is situated in Balbardie 

Pupils and staff from nearby Balbardie Primary visited the new track 

Park together with lots of other outdoor 

facilities, including the Peace Mile and the 

historic BMX track and the skatepark, plus 

the indoor facilities at Xcite Bathgate. It’s 

close to central Bathgate and Beecraigs, 

mountain-bike facilities, so you can take 

your pumptrack skills to the slopes. We 

expect the track to be used by individuals, 

cycling groups, community groups and 

local schools in the area. Funding for 

the project was received via developer 

contributions, sportscotland and Suez 

Communities Trust. 

It is designed by Architrail Velosolutions 

UK. 

Play area investment 

A number of play areas in West Lothian 

have benefited from more than £500,000 

investment within the last year. 

Some of the children’s play areas 

improved in the 2021/2022 financial year 

included: 

Eliburn Park Play Area, Livingston 

(£40,000) 

Polkemmet Country Park Play Area 

(£50,000) 

Dovecot Play Area and Springfield Park, 

Linlithgow (£30,000) 

Each of these play areas have seen some 

existing features replaced with brand new 

play equipment. 

Ecology and Biodiversity 

House martins 

Several areas in West Lothian 

are proving popular for house 

martin nesting in the spring. 

They usually start arriving 

in March/April and leave in 

September/October. 

Unfortunately, together with swifts, they 

have recently been placed on the UK Red List 

for Birds of Conservation Concern due to a 

severe decline in numbers. This may be due 

to changing weather patterns, insect numbers 

declining (due to pesticide use), a lack of mud 

for nesting, habitat loss and a lack of suitable 

nesting sites as the design of houses has 

changed. 

This means that we urgently need to help 

these birds survive. 

You can play your part in helping them by 

leaving old nests in tact - which will be used 

again by returning birds, putting up artificial 

nest cups on your house (perhaps in a more 

convenient location) and by not disturbing 

‘active’ nests on your house. Disturbing 

‘active’ nests is illegal and you could face a 

£5,000 fine or up to six months in jail. Nests 

are ‘active’ whilst they are being built, being 

repaired and also when fledged young are 

using the nests for roosting in late summer/ 

autumn. Council Ecology and Biodiversity 

Officers will be working with Wildlife Crime 

Officers from Police Scotland in West Lothian 

at known nesting sites this year to ensure that 

nests aren’t disturbed. If you want to know 

more about house martins please contact us. 

New Wee Forests 

Volunteer Ranger Service @ WL’s Country Parks 

West Lothian Council Ranger Service have 

started their first volunteer Ranger Service 

sessions for 2022, which will take place across 

Beecraigs, Polkemmet and Almondell & 

Calderwood Country Parks, as well as other 

green spaces within West Lothian. 

Whilst the Friends of Polkemmet and the 

Friends of Almondell & Calderwood groups 

have helped the Ranger Service to manage 

the Country Parks during the pandemic, the 

wider volunteer Ranger Service sessions have 

not taken place in over two years. 

Since the sessions were advertised on 

the West Lothian Council Facebook page 

in December 2021, the interest has been 

substantial and great work has already been 

carried out by the volunteers during the 

January sessions – which saw tasks such as 

meadow management, vegetation control 

and hazel coppicing taking place at Hillhouse 

in Beecraigs Country Park. 

The volunteer Ranger Service sessions 

will run twice a month on a Sunday and a 

Thursday morning, and future tasks include 

Two new ‘Wee Forests’ are in planning phases 

at West Calder and Whitburn, with a possible 

third location being considered. The project, 

which is being part funded by NatureScot 

and developed in partnership with ELGT 

(Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust), will 

see hundreds of native trees, densely planted 

to form urban woodlands that can provide 

spaces for local schools and communities to 

connect with nature. 

scrub clearance, tree management and pond 

work. 

So far, the turnout has included family 

groups, retirees, countryside students and 

individuals undertaking career changes – 

no previous experience is required, just an 

interest in nature and the outdoors, and the 

desire to help the Ranger Service manage 

local green spaces. 

For more information and to sign up to the session mailing list, please 

contact Bronwen.Winter@westlothian.gov.uk


AUGUST START COURSES 2022-23 

NOW OPEN FOR 

APPLICATIONS 

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO APPLY NOW! 

www.west-lothian.ac.uk 

COURSES FILLING FAST 

in the Local Government 

Election on Thursday 5 May 

West Lothian Council is 

responsible for delivering 

schools, roads, waste, 

social care, planning, 

housing and much more. 

THIS IS 

YOUR 

CHANCE 

to VOTE for councillors 

to represent you and 

your local community. 

You must register 

Ensure you are registered to vote before the deadline of 

Monday 18 April. Register at: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

£ 

West Lothian Council budget 2022 

West Lothian’s 

budget explained 

The council has agreed a huge investment 

programme in local services. 

www.westlothian.gov.uk/budget 

BUDGET 

What does this mean? 

Agreeing a budget means that the council has 

- in financial terms - approved plans for service 

provision in the coming year. Whilst the most 

visible outcome of the budget process is the 

setting of the Council Tax, the budget clearly 

has a greater significance and meaning for the 

community. 

How is the council funded? 

20% 

80% 

Council Tax itself 

accounts for around 

20% of our total funding. 

80% of the council’s 

funding comes 

from the Scottish 

Government. 

£ 

The budget explained 

The council spends its budget on a large number of local services. 

The total amount the council spends is broken down into several specific budgets. 

Here’s a quick summary of what has been agreed: 

A revenue budget for 

2022/23. 

The revenue budget covers 

the council’s day-to-day 

expenditure and includes the 

costs of running services. 

Housing budgets for 

2022/23. 

The money used to run and 

improve the council’s stock 

of affordable housing. 

An updated capital budget. 

This budget is used to improve the council’s assets. 

This includes refurbishing buildings, play areas and roads. 

It also includes areas of one-off investment such as new 

schools or extensions. 

Key summary of what’s been agreed: 

Over £500 million will 

be spent on maintaining 

and improving local 

council services. 

Costs Funding Budget gap 

The council will prioritise 

investment in services 

that meet the needs 

of an increasing number 

of older people, children, 

vulnerable adults and 

families living in poverty. 

The council faces a budget gap of over 

£11.7 million over the next year and we 

will have to make savings of £9.1 million 

in 2022/23, with the balance funded from 

one-off resources. 

The budget gap is caused by Scottish Government grant 

funding being less than required to meet increasing costs 

and demand for council services. 

A further £83.7 million 

next year will be used 

to improve council 

assets including schools, 

roads and facilities. 

2020 

2021 

The council will spend 

over £40 million over 

the next year to 

increase and improve its 

existing housing stock. 

Closing the budget gap means it is inevitable that 

there will be some changes to the services that the 

council delivers. 

The council will prioritise services to meet the needs of key groups in the community, such as children, 

older people, vulnerable adults and families in poverty. 

For details on the budget, including budget-reduction measures agreed, 

visit: www.westlothian.gov.uk/budget 

BUDGET 

GAP 

2022 

2023 

Council Tax 

A Council Tax increase of 3% has been 

agreed for all bands in 2022/23 

For details, visit: 

www.westlothian.gov.uk/ 

council-tax 

Key priorities for the council this year: 

Closing the gaps in attainment and 

achievement for our young people 

and improving education in West 

Lothian for every young person 

Helping to reduce poverty 

Supporting and providing social care 

for the elderly, the most vulnerable 

adults and children in West Lothian 

Leader of West 

Lothian Council, 

Lawrence 

Fitzpatrick 

Protecting and improving our 

environment – reducing carbon 

output and enhancing roads, paths and open spaces 

We aim to protect and improve West Lothian’s 

communities and we believe we have agreed the 

best possible budget within the resources available to us. 

Everyone will benefit from the council’s investment in 

local services. 

10

www.westlothian.gov.uk/budget 

Key summary of investment 

Over £500 million will be spent 

on maintaining and improving 

local council services. 

The council has agreed a raft of 

spending measures that will see 

significant investment in local 

services and support packages 

for those in most need. 

Approximately 80% is spent on 

three priority areas. 

1 Education – nursery, primary, secondary and special 

schools. (£206 million) 

2 Social Care (£126 million) – care homes, social work, care 

at home, care for vulnerable people 

3 Operational Services (£65 million) – roads, play 

area’s, waste disposal, parks, maintenance of open 

spaces, flood prevention, fleet/community 

transport and subsidies for public transport 

Key aspects of the budget include: 

investment to meet an increase in the cost of complex 

care for a rapidly growing elderly population 

an increase in health and social care funding, including 

mental health support for young people 

additional funding for food support packages delivered 

in partnership between third sector groups and the 

council via the West Lothian Food Network 

additional welfare and financial support 

Roads 

In addition to the current programme of road repair work, the 

council has allocated an additional £1 million in essential road 

repairs this year. 

There will be significant financial support worth over £3 million to 

support those most in need in areas such as school clothing grants, 

homelessness and food networks and financial support for families. 

Financial support for Domestic Abuse services, Looked After Children 

and support for Personal Care at Home for Children with a Disability. 

funding to freeze school meal prices 

support for looked after children and vulnerable adults 

significant investment in economic packages to 

support growth and job creation 

additional funding for the Scottish Welfare Fund 

support 

investment to tackle fuel poverty 

Economy 

West Lothian Council budget 2022 £ 

COVID-19 support 

Over 8.8 million will be spent by the council 

next year offsetting financial pressures 

associated with COVID-19. 

Social Care 

There will be an increase in the 

number of people over 75 in 2022/23. 

The council will increase spending in social care and health to over 

£126 million to meet significant growth in the demand and costs 

for services for the growing elderly population 

The £126 million is invested in areas such as care homes, social 

work, care at home and care for vulnerable people 

A spending package worth over £2.2 million for Economic 

Development and Regeneration to support the local economy and 

create jobs, including support for initiatives to reduce the council’s 

carbon footprint. £550,000 for the West Lothian Jobs Fund and 

Employability programme with targeted support including pop up 

employability clinics. 

Community safety 

£425,000 will be invested in 

community safety initiatives 

£83.7 million to be invested in West Lothian schools, 

partnership centres, roads and open spaces 

West Lothian Council is set to invest £83.7 million during 

2022/23 to support the delivery of essential services. 

A total of £62.6 million will 

be invested in property 

during 2022/23, the majority 

being spent improving West 

Lothian’s school estate to 

ensure it remains one of the 

best in the country. 

An updated Asset 

Management Strategy and 

General Services Capital 

Programme up to 2027/28 has 

been approved, which will see 

a total investment of over £223 

million over the next six years. 

This includes the completion of 

the £62 million project to deliver 

three brand new schools, two 

secondary and one primary, in 

the core development area of 

Winchburgh. 

The £26.5 million investment 

programme in schools dedicated 

to supporting pupils with 

additional support needs is 

one of the most ambitious in 

Scotland, with the brand new 

£7.5 million Cedarbank school 

in Livingston and the £5.8 

million extension for Pinewood 

in Blackburn opening and 

construction starting on the 

£14.7 million replacement for 

Beatlie Campus in Livingston. 

Extensions are also planned for 

primary schools including St 

Paul’s in East Calder, Livingston 

Village, Pumpherston and 

Uphall Station to meet growing 

demand, along with a wide 

range of planned improvements 

including new roofs, new 

windows and electrical and 

mechanical upgrades. 

Significant refurbishments 

are planned for a number of 

schools including Deans Primary 

in Livingston, Eastertoun 

Primary in Armadale, St 

Jospeph’s Primary in Whitburn 

and Woodlands Nursery in 

Livingston. 

Other major capital 

investments by the council 

include: 

roof replacement work at 

Whitburn Community 

Centre and the Lanthorn 

Community Centre 

in Livingston; the 

Cawburn Complex 

Care Development in 

Pumpherston and a 

proposed new Single 

Person Homeless 

Accommodation and 

Assessment Centre. 

The council’s properties are the 

best in Scotland for condition, 

demonstrating the benefits 

of a strategic approach to 

capital investment and asset 

management. 

This year’s investment 

programme includes 

significant upgrade projects 

on: the A89 between Dechmont 

and the Kilpunt Roundabout; 

B9080 and U18 in Winchburgh; 

Edinburgh Road and Standhill 

Road in Bathgate; Eldrick 

West Lothian has one of 

the best maintained road 

networks in Scotland, thanks to 

continuing prudent 

investment of £9.8 million 

for 2022/23. 

Avenue and Crescent in 

Fauldhouse; Gleneagles Court in 

Whitburn; Northfield Crescent 

and Terrace in Longridge; and 

Station Road in Armadale. 

The council also plans to spend 

during 2022/23: £5.2 million on 

information and communication 

technology, with the majority 

of investment in schools; £3.5 

million to improve recycling; 

£2.2 million for open spaces and 

sports facilities; £1.5 million to 

maintain bridges; £1.6 million for 

town centres and £429,000 for 

children’s play areas. 

For more information visit: westlothian.gov.uk/budget 

11

12 



Affordable housing 

investment of over 

£40 million 

West Lothian Council is one of Scotland’s 

best performing local authorities in 

delivering new-build council homes 

The Housing Capital Investment Programme 

was approved in February alongside the 

Housing Revenue Account Budget 

West Lothian Council will spend over £40 million over the next year improving existing 

council housing and increasing the number of council properties available. 

The capital programme (2022-23) will see nearly £25million invested to increase the social 

housing supply in West Lothian. 

Building new council homes 

By March 2023, a further 180 new homes will 

be completed across a range of sites and areas 

with work to also to start on another 59 new 

homes in Bathgate (see page 13 for more) 

Investment will also be used to purchase former 

council houses through the Open Market 

Acquisitions Scheme, as the council continues to 

look at expanding the housing supply working 

alongside Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) and 

other partners to achieve the aim of delivering 

3,000 new houses during the period 2012-2022. 

The new-build project will 

continue to bring a number 

of benefits to the community 

such as training and 

employment opportunities 

for apprentices, local people 

and businesses, and will 

continue to help tackle the 

high demand for affordable 

housing in West Lothian. 

Investment in the Mortgage 

to Rent scheme, which is a 

Scottish Government subsidy 

scheme, will continue to 

allow owners in extreme 

financial difficulty to sell their 

properties to the council and 

become council tenants. 

Investment in existing council homes 

Around £16 milllion will be invested to improve and maintain existing council 

housing, ensuring homes continue to meet the Scottish Quality Housing Standard 

Housing & 

Garage rent 

£3.8 million invested to support 

a broad range of 

activities, including 

decoration and internal 

upgrades, window and 

door refurbishments, 

painting and fencing 

programmes. 

The introduction of Scotland’s 

Energy Efficiency Standard 

for Social Housing (EESSH) 

regulations means that any 

house in Scotland under the 

management of social landlords 

should meet a minimum energy 

rating. EESSH continues to be a 

major focus for project work. 

£3.6 million is to be invested in six individual major upgrade projects consisting of longterm 

maintenance work where structural elements such as roof and external walls are 

beyond economical repair by routine maintenance. 

£561,000 will be spent on environmental improvements and external upgrading, 

including tenant led street improvement projects. A portion of this budget will also go 

towards a Community Choices, Participatory Budgeting exercise which will see local 

communities decide how this resource will be used. 

There will be continuing 

investment in external wall 

insulation to target work in 

council houses in areas of mixed 

tenure, to maximise economies 

of scale where homeowners 

receive support through 

the Home Energy Efficiency 

Programme Scotland (HEEPS). 

£7.3 million 

invested to deliver 

energy-efficiency 

measures, 

central-heating 

replacements, electrical 

testing and repair, external wall 

insulation upgrades and asbestos 

management projects 

A continuation of the rent increase of 3% 

per annum for council homes and garages 

has also been approved by the council. 

This will help ensure continued 

investment in council housing 

infrastructure, improving existing homes 

and creating new affordable homes over 

the next year. 

This decision follows engagement with 

tenants’ groups including West Lothian 

Tenants Panel. The feedback indicated 

support for the continuation of the 

previously agreed 3% rent increase per 

annum.


Work continues on delivering more 

social housing for West Lothian 

RSL sites identified 

Executive councillor for services for the community George Paul, 

joined council officers on a visit to see the progress on new council 

homes at Standhill, Bathgate where the first homes have now been 

handed over to the council 

The council continues to work alongside Registered Social Landlords and other 

partners to increase the availability of social housing across West Lothian. 

An update on the West 

Lothian Strategic Housing 

Investment Plan (SHIP) was 

recently published outlining 

opportunities for West Lothian 

Council, in conjunction with 

Registered Social Landlords 

(RSLs), to assess social housing 

investment opportunities 

The Scottish Government 

has requested that all Local 

Authorities submit a five-year 

Strategic SHIP which will 

augment their current Local 

Housing Strategies with the 

updated SHIP for West Lothian 

running from 2022-2027. The 

SHIP is reviewed on an annual 

basis each summer to ensure it is 

relevant and up to date. 

Over the five-year period of the 

SHIP, sites have been identified 

for over 2,300 homes. These sites 

may be developed by RSLs or 

West Lothian Council. 

Since the start of 2012/13 to the 

end of 2021, 2,308 affordable 

homes were provided in West 

Lothian. 

Four RSL sites have been completed 

during 2020/21 and 2021/22 totalling 

80 units. These are Brotherton Farm, 

Cloverbank and Quentin Court, all 

in Livingston and West Main Street, 

Armadale. 

The sites below are currently under 

construction: 

Almondvale, Livingston West Lothian 

Housing Partnership 146 

Jarvey Street, Bathgate West Lothian 


Winchburgh Site West Lothian 


Blackness Road Linlithgow West 

Lothian Housing Partnership 14 

Polbeth Farm Almond Housing 

Association 25 

Calderwood Homegroup 69 

Calderwood Places for People 66 

Latest council housing sites (Cont from page 12). 

By March 2023, a further 180 new homes will be completed across a 

range of sites and areas including: 

Mossend, West Calder – 69 

Marjoribank Street, Bathgate - 6 

Eagle Brae, Livingston – 29 

Deans South, Livingston – 29 

Mid Street, Bathgate – 5 

Wellhead Farm Murieston – 42 

Another 59 new homes will be under 

construction at Wester Inch, Bathgate 

The council has worked alongside partners to deliver one of the most 

significant affordable housing programmes in the country. As outlined 

in the updated five-year, Strategic Housing Investment Plan, there is 

commitment from the council and RSL partners to continue this trend and 

endeavour to further increase the stock of affordable, social housing across 

West Lothian. 

George Paul , Executive Councillor for Services for the Community 

Are you a council tenant? 

West Lothian Council has a legal obligation to carry out 

electrical and gas safety checks within council homes. Gas 

safety checks must be carried out at council homes on 

a yearly basis. An electrical safety inspection is required 

every five years to ensure all electrical wiring, sockets 

and light fittings in our homes meet the National Safety 

Standards. 

For more on annual gas services and maintenance checks 

in council homes visit: 

www.westlothian.gov.uk/gas-servicing 

For further information on mandatory electrical 

inspections for council homes visit: 

www.westlothian.gov.uk/electrical-safety 

Do you have 

a question 

about a council 

service? 

We have a number of trained officers 

who are available to answer questions 

regarding a wide range of council 

services/issues e.g applying for a council 

house, council tax queries, applying for 

a bus pass/Blue Badge. 

Attendance is by appointment only, so if 

you would like to speak with one of our 

officers please phone 01506 280150 and 

Do you need 

some advice or 

support? 

make an appointment. 

We aim to deal with your enquiry whilst 

you are with us, to help us do that please 

ensure you bring along any related 

paperwork or information. 

We are open Monday – Friday with 

varying opening hours in each location. 

We also have Payment Offices located 

in Bathgate Partnership Centre and 

Would you 

like some help 

filling out a 

council form? 

Our Customer Information Service (CIS) is here to help: the CIS is the council’s 

in-person advice and enquiry service and are located within council buildings in 9 

towns and villages throughout West Lothian. 

Arrochar House (Livingston) where 

staff are available to receive payments 

towards rent and/or council tax accounts. 

For further 

information 

please scan the QR 

code or call our 

appointment line on 

01506 280150.

14 



Supporting 

people who 

care for others 

We would like to find out more about what 

unpaid care is being carried out in our 

communities, who are caring for others, and 

what support they are getting or needing. 

If you are a young person or adult who is looking after a relative, friend, or neighbour who 

can’t cope alone due to illness, disability, frailty, a mental health problem, an addiction OR 

if you regularly help someone out with chores, gardening, shopping, giving medication, 

taking someone to appointments, personal care, etc we would like your help. 

We would like to ask you about the unpaid care you provide through the following 

questionnaire. Your answers will help us better understand the needs of our unpaid carers in 

West Lothian and help us to plan future supports for unpaid carers. 

The survey is anonymous and should only 

take a few minutes to complete 

If anyone requires information, advice or support regarding 

their caring role please contact: 

West Lothian Council 

ASCET 01506 284848 

Carers of West Lothian 

01506 448000 

Scan with your phone camera 

to complete the survey online 

Or visit: 

app.surveyhero.com/s/4cfhpfg 

Closing date for survey responses Sunday, 20th March 2022. 

West Lothian 

Health & Social Care Partnership 

westlothianhscb.org.uk


Community 

influencing 

future grounds 

maintenance work 

The council’s Grounds Maintenance team has been working on 

implementing the feedback from a public consultation which 

revealed support for the service and identified a series of 

potential improvements. 

The consultation was undertaken on a West Lothian wide 

basis as part of a Community Choices process asking members 

of the public for their views on activities carried out by the 

West Lothian Council Grounds Maintenance Service, which 

has responsibility for the maintenance of open spaces, sports 

facilities, cemeteries, roadside verges and country parks. 

Over 1200 responses and 800 

comments were received. 

Three key themes have been identified by the public: 

Grass cutting is a top-priority the 

comments suggest that the council 

adopts a more flexible approach to grass 

cutting. 

Approximately 23% of all participants 

say that they viewed the maintenance of 

roadside verges and roundabouts as a 

key priority. 

Nearly 500 participants said they wanted to 

see more wildflower meadows and summer 

bedding areas across West Lothian to improve 

the natural habitat and biodiversity within West 

Members of the public will be invited to vote on identified proposals 

with this anticipated to take place in the summer of 2022. 

? 

West Lothian 

Community 

Choices 

Community Choices (also known as Participatory Budgeting) is a democratic process 

which empowers communities to have more say on how resources in their area are 

used. It is based on the view that communities are best placed to be involved in or 

make decisions around their own needs. 

Find out more about Community Choices and how you can take part: 

westlothiancouncil.communitychoices.scot 

Change a life 

by becoming a 

foster carer 

There is an urgent need in West Lothian for foster carers to care for our 

children and young people. We need caring and committed local people 

to fill a variety of fostering roles which will help make an immeasurable 

difference to the life of a young person up until the age of 21 years old. 

Who can 

foster? 

Are smokers 

allowed to foster? 

How much space 

do I need? 

What happens 

if I have a pet? 

Are there age 

restrictions? 

What about 

training? 

We welcome single 

people and couples 

regardless of your 

gender, sexuality or 

ethnic background. 

If you are a smoker, 

we will only approve 

you to foster children 

aged five-years and 

over. 

You must have a 

spare room and 

enough space for the 

children you foster. 

Pets are welcome 

and can bring many 

positive experiences. 

Your pet will be 

assessed as part of 

the process. 

Yes, you must be 

aged 21 years or 

over. 

All prospective foster 

carers must be available 

for assessment, and must 

attend the pre-approval 

training course. Once you are 

a foster carer you will receive 

ongoing support. 

Do you think you could give a home to vulnerable children when they need it most? 

Please get in touch by emailing: C&FFamilyPlacementTeam@westlothian.gov.uk 

Visit: www.westlothian.gov.uk/lovefostering 

West Lothian 


westlothianhscb.org.uk

16 



New Winchburgh Academy to open in August 2022 

The opening of the first of three 

brand-new start-of-the-art schools for 

Winchburgh has been confirmed. 

Winchburgh Academy will open to S1 

pupils only in August 2022, as the first 

stage of the £62 million development 

to build three news schools and 

shared sports facilities for the 

growing Winchburgh community. 

The project is West Lothian’s 

largest ever single investment in 

education, and is being delivered 

by development partner Hub South 

East and main contractor Morrison 

Construction on behalf of West 

Lothian Council. 

Jonny Mitchell has also been 

appointed as Winchburgh Academy’s 

first ever Headteacher. 

Mr Mitchell has recently taken up his 

new post and is very much looking 

forward to working with all young 

people and their families in advance 

of welcoming them to their new 

school after the summer holidays. 

Executive councillor for education 

David Dodds said: “It’s fantastic 

to see Winchburgh Academy near 

completion as the first step of this 

massive investment programme in 

West Lothian’s schools. 

“Thanks to everyone who has 

worked hard to deliver this superb 

new school on time and on budget. 

It’s another excellent facility for 

West Lothian’s school estate, which 

is already has one of the best in 

Scotland, to ensure we provide our 

young people with the best possible 

platform for learning. 

“I’m also delighted to welcome 

Mr Mitchell to West Lothian as 

Winchburgh Academy’s Headteacher, 

and looks forward to seeing the 

positive impact of his leadership 

as he helps build a new school 

community.” 

New Winchburgh Academy Headteacher Jonny Mitchell, right, with Depute Chief 

Executive Elaine Cook, Councillor David Dodds and Head of Service James Cameron 

Jonny Mitchell was previously 

Headteacher of Chryston High School 

in North Lanarkshire Council for six 

years, before being appointed at 

Winchburgh Academy. He has also 

been supporting the leadership 

of a primary school in a multiestablishment 

Headteacher role. 

Mr Mitchell said: “I feel incredibly 

privileged to be in a position to 

serve, support, and lead our 

school community in such unique 

and exciting times for everyone 

connected to Winchburgh Academy. 

“I very much look forward to working 

in partnership with everyone to 

provide the very best opportunities 

and experiences for our young 

people. 

“The facilities are sector leading and 

will provide us all with a tremendous 

amount of pride and ambition. Our 

young people, parents/carers, staff 

and partners can now work together 

as a team and as a family to build the 

Winchburgh Academy community.” 

Major investment in West 

Lothian schools continues 

West Lothian Council’s ambitious plans to provide 

the best schools possible for our children and young 

people are moving forward to an exciting stage. 

Top marks for West Lothian primary pupils 

Primary pupils in West Lothian continue to perform above the 

national average for literacy and numeracy. 

Recent figures released by the 

Scottish Government relating to 

Achievement of Curriculum for 

Excellence Levels (ACEL) compares 

pupils at P1, P4 and P7 level across 

Scotland. 

The data show West Lothian pupils 

are achieving above national 

performance in all 15 national 

measures, based on teacher 

professional judgement. 

The 20% most deprived pupils in 

West Lothian are also achieving 

above national performance in 

all 15 measures, exceeding the 

average by up to 14.3 percentage 

points, narrowing the attainment 

gap between the least and most 

deprived pupils. 

Executive councillor for education 

David Dodds joined with staff and 

pupils from Whitdale Primary in 

Whitburn recently to celebrate the 

achievement, with a number of 

their pupils exceeding expectations 

in reading and numeracy in 

particular. 

Whitdale Headteacher Lynn 

Findlay added: “At Whitdale, we 

are committed to ensuring that 

each and every one of our pupils 

continues to make progress in 

their learning. We have a number 

of successful strategies in place 

which contributes to this both 

through targeted interventions for 

individuals and groups and whole 

school approaches. 

Pictured above: Pupils from Whitdale 

Primary with Councillor David Dodds, 

Headteacher Lynn Findlay and Education 

Officer Karen Brown. 

The school estate in West Lothian 

is already one of the best in the 

country, providing a fantastic 

platform for pupils to achieve their 

full potential. 

Construction continues on West 

Lothian’s largest ever single 

investment in education, the new 

£62 million Winchburgh Schools 

Development to deliver two new 

secondary schools, one new 

primary and a shared sport and 

leisure block. 

The development remains on 

time and on budget, and is 

being delivered by development 

partner Hub South East and main 

contractor Morrison Construction 

on behalf of West Lothian Council. 

The council is also investing £26.5 

million on schools dedicated to 

supporting pupils with additional 

support needs. 

Construction of the new £7.5 

million Cedarbank School in 

Livingston is close to completion, 

and approval has been given 

to relocate the Beatlie School 

to a new purpose-built £14.7 

million school near Grange Road, 

Livingston, opening in 2023. 

The £5.8 million redevelopment 

of Pinewood School in Blackburn 

is due to be completed later this 

year. 

I’m delighted that our primary pupils are continuing to achieve above the national 

average for literacy and numeracy. My sincere thanks go to all our dedicated teaching 

and support staff for maintaining this impressive level of performance, with the support 

of our parents and carers of course. Special praise must also go to all our hard-working 

primary pupils, who continue to make every effort to learn in a very challenging time. 

David Dodds, Executive councillor for Education 

Aerial view of the Winchburgh Schools Development, from bottom to top, 

Winchburgh Academy, shared sports and leisure block, Sinclair Academy and Holy 

Family Primary School


West Lothian’s Telecare Service is 

changing – what you need to know! 

All telephone companies in 

the UK will be switching off 

analogue telephone lines 

and replacing these with new 

digital lines. 

By 2025, telephone 

companies will have moved 

all of their customers onto 

new, easier to maintain, 

digital phone lines. 

This change brings exciting 

opportunities for West 

Lothian Council to update the 

Telecare equipment provided 

to citizens with new digital 

technology compatible with 

the new phone lines. 

What will change? 

We have a programme to replace 

the current Telecare alarms with a 

new digital alarm by summer 2023. 

The way the Telecare alarm connects 

and sends emergency calls to West 

Lothian Careline will change. It will 

use a SIM card, just like a mobile 

phone and will no longer need to be 

connected to the analogue landline. 

West Lothian Careline’s contact 

number and the number they call you 

from have already changed. 

What will stay the 

same? 

Those who receive the service will: 

Continue to access 24hr 

emergency help from West 

Lothian Careline whom answer 

emergency calls, getting help 

where required. 

Continue to receive support from 

Home Safety Service staff who 

assess, install and maintain the 

equipment. 

What do I need to do? 

If you have already changed to 

a digital phone line, let us know 

by pressing your pendant, we will 

make you a priority to receive the 

new digital alarm. 

If you are not sure if you have a 

digital phone line, contact your 

provider, if they say yes, let us know. 

If you still have an analogue 

telephone line, great, you don’t 

need to do anything, we will be in 

contact with you when we are ready 

to upgrade your alarm. 

If West Lothian Careline need to contact you, the number displayed on your caller 

ID will be shown as: 0118 3583800 or 0118 3587700. Please note these numbers 

do not accept incoming calls, If you need to contact West Lothian Careline, press 

your pendant or telephone their new number 0330 6782396. 

Visit: westlothianhscp.org.uk/digital-upgrade 

West Lothian 


westlothianhscb.org.uk 

IMAGE IS COPYRIGHT OF TUNSTALL HEALTHCARE (UK)LTD 

Keeping you secure in your tenancy 

Rising living costs are likely to increase household financial 

insecurity over the winter which will increase the challenges 

already being faced by low income households. 

Here is how the Anti-Poverty Service can help you remain safe 

and secure in your home: 

Tenant Grant Fund 

The Scottish Government has given funding to Scottish Local 

Authorities to support the work they are doing to prevent 

homelessness by creating a grants fund aimed at tenants. 

To be eligible for a grant, a tenant must have rent arrears 

arising as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic during the 

period between 23 March 2020 and 9 August 2021. 

The fund can provide a grant to help tenants to come to an 

agreement with their landlords for repaying rent arrears and 

to remain in their home. Before making an application to this 

grant, landlords and tenants should be discussing how any 

residual rent arrears, not covered by the grant, will be repaid 

by the tenant. 

Any grant award would be paid directly to landlords to credit 

a tenant's rent account. There is a limited amount of funding 

available. Grants awards are available until 31 March 2022. 

Discretionary Housing Payment 

The Discretionary Housing Payment fund is a cash limited 

fund available for short term assistance for those people 

who face financial hardship as a result of not being able to 

meet their housing costs. Discretionary Housing Payments 

are available to assist council tenants, tenants of registered 

social landlords and tenants who are renting in the private 

sector. 

West Lothian Council Energy Fuel Grant 

West Lothian Council Energy Fuel Grant, evidence has shown 

that the number of people needing financial assistance with 

fuel costs due to rising gas/electricity costs has increased. 

West Lothian Council’s Advice Shop can help by helping 

with fuel costs through the Energy Fuel Grant for anyone 

experiencing difficulty paying their fuel bills or at risk of being 

disconnected from supply. 

Feeling the Pinch 

Through the Scottish Governments Winter Support 

fund the Advice Shop have a specific one-off pot of 

funding, this is for households with a limited income 

who need help but do not qualify for any other type of 

support. The one-off payment can help households 

with specific items or help with an unexpected cost. 

Money Advice 

It is always good to have a think about how to plan, 

save and budget to make your money stretch a little 

further and to avoid getting into debt. If you are 

struggling to meet your expenses or to repay debt 

the Advice Shop can help with providing money and 

budgeting advice and look at ways we can maximise 

your benefit income. 

For more information on the above services scan the QR code 

with your phone camera or visit www.westlothian.gov.uk/adviceshop, 

or call 01506 283000 (option 4).

18 



STAY ON THE LOOK 

OUT TO PREVENT 

LYME DISEASE 

Pictured at Nelson Park in Armadale are, left to right, are: Councillor Lawrence Fitzpatrick, Leader of West Lothian Council; 

Hannah Crow, Ecology & Biodiversity Officer, West Lothian Council; Moira Niven MBE, Lord-Lieutenant for West Lothian; 

Carol Campbell, Development Officer, Green Action Trust; and Michael Roe, a Trustee of Green Action Trust 

West Lothian park in line for royal boost 

Nelson Park in Armadale is set to undergo major improvement works as part of 

Her Majesty, The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. 

West Lothian Council is working 

in consultation with Green Action 

Trust to draw up environmental 

proposals ahead of Nelson Park 

being designated as part of The 

Queen’s Green Canopy, a unique 

initiative which invites people from 

across the United Kingdom to 

plant a tree for the Jubilee. 

Proposals being considered to 

improve the park include tree 

planting, surfacing the existing 

grass path and a seasonal wetland 

area, with work expected to 

commence in the New Year. 

Community tree planting 

events will then be held with the 

remaining work proposed for 

completion by the end of March 

2022. 

Representatives from West 

Lothian Council and Green Action 

Trust joined with The Queen’s 

representative to West Lothian, 

Lord-Lieutenant Moira Niven MBE, 

in Nelson Park to mark the start of 

the project. 

Moira Niven MBE, Lord-Lieutenant 

for West Lothian said “This is an 

excellent project to develop a highquality 

green space in Armadale 

for the benefit of the community. 

“I am delighted that this 

investment is being undertaken as 

part of the Queen’s Green Canopy 

to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum 

Jubilee. 

“Green Action Trust is already 

proud to be a QGC Friend and 

we are really pleased that West 

Lothian Council has identified 

Nelson Park as a site for 

community tree planting and 

enhancement.” 

This project, which is being 

delivered in partnership with 

Green Action Trust (GAT) is due to 

take place at the end of March, will 

include the planting of over 1700 

new trees, creation of a circular 

pathway and new site signage. 

West Lothian Council and the Lyme Resource Centre are teaming up 

to encourage local residents to be aware of Lyme disease. 

Lyme disease is an increasingly 

common infection transmitted by 

the bite of an infected tick. Ticks 

commonly inhabit woodland, heath 

and grassy areas, but can even be 

found in gardens. 

Symptoms of Lyme disease are 

wide-ranging and can include 

expanding ‘bulls-eye’ rash, flulike 

symptoms, extreme fatigue, 

headache, muscle/joint/nerve 

pain, facial paralysis, and heart 

complications. 

Antibiotic treatment within a 

few weeks of the bite is normally 

effective, but delay in treatment 

can result in chronic debilitating 

illness. Ticks can transmit a number 

Tips to prevent Lyme disease: 

of illnesses, so consult your GP as 

soon as possible if you are ill after a 

tick bite. 

The council and the Lyme Resource 

Centre (LRC) will be working 

together to raise awareness during 

2022, with Beecraigs Country Park 

welcoming cyclist Angus Walker to 

the park to mark the completion of 

his #TickOff4040Challenge to cycle 

4040 km and raise over £4040 for 

the LRC. 

More information will be shared 

later in the year. Please visit 

www.lymeresourcecentre.com for 

further details. 

Wear light-coloured clothing with long sleeves and trousers 

Tuck trousers into socks 

Keep to well-maintained paths and avoid touching foliage 

After outdoor activity, do a tick check on yourself, children and pets, 

including hard -to-reach places 

Spray clothes with Permethrin, an insecticide, and use a tick repellent 

Carry a tick removal tool 

Further investment at West Lothian 

community education centre 

Whitburn Community Education Centre is set to 

have a full roof replacement at a total cost of £2.8 

million. 

Issues due to reinforced 

autoclaved aerated concrete 

(RAAC) roof planks over the 

centre’s main games hall 

and first floor meeting rooms 

led to £1.05 million being 

approved to re-roof this area 

in April 2021. 

Council Executive has 

approved extending to 

the scope of the work to 

include the whole roof at 

an additional cost of £1.75 

million after further damage 

was identified due to 

vandalism and water ingress. 

The centre will remain closed 

to allow the work to be safely 

completed, and is expected 

to be re-opened by Autumn 

2022. 

Leader of West Lothian 

Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick 

said: “Whitburn Community 

Education Centre is an 

important hub for the local 

community and it’s important 

that it fully re-opens as soon 

as possible. 

“The full £2.8 million 

will allow a complete 

replacement roof to be 

installed at the centre, which 

should prevent further issues 

for many years in the future. 

“The scope of the works will 

minimise significant risks, 

reduce project timescales 

and limit disruption to the 

community who rely on 

this centre, by replacing the 

whole roof at one time. 

“This major investment will 

help ensure a positive future 

for Whitburn Community 

Centre for many years to 

come.” 

Historic status bid for iconic West Lothian skatepark 

West Lothian Council has written 

to Historic Environment Scotland 

asking them to consider listing the 

park, which was the first of its kind 

in the UK when opened in 1981. 

The design of the internationally 

renowned park was inspired by 

skateparks in the United States, 

and has attracted skaters from all 

over the world, including skating 

legend Tony Hawk. 

A total of £30,000 of repairs and 

further engagement with users 

is planned while the application 

is decided. Rom skatepark in 

Hornchurch, East London was 

the first skate park in Europe to be 

listed, after it was recently granted 

Grade Two listed status under the 

English system. 

The move is part of a wider plan 

currently being developed for 

the longer-term conservation, 

restoration and improvement of 

the Livi skate park.


Community Wealth Building in West Lothian 

Depute Council Leader, Kirsteen Sullivan joined council officers and Alan McCloskey from 

Voluntary Sector Gateway on a visit to West Lothian Foodbank where they met General 

Manager, Kathleen Neilly. 

Five projects have been awarded a share of £1.3 million to 

improve local projects. 

The funding comes via West Lothian 

Council’s Place Based Investment Capital 

Grant. 

The West Lothian Foodbank was awarded 

£188,697 to help create a ‘Market Garden’ 

project which will benefit the foodbank 

network across West Lothian, and allow 

the employment of a local young person 

and provide work placements for college 

students. Depute Council Leader Kirsteen 

Sullivan recently joined council officers on 

a visit to West Lothian Foodbank to see 

their progress. 

Thirty-eight local charities work together 

through the West Lothian Food Network, 

which is coordinated by West Lothian 

Foodbank, and has been supporting those 

families who are facing food insecurity 

since March 2020. 

All materials for the project are sourced 

locally and the fresh produce will be 

given away to people in West Lothian in 

financial distress and needing support. The 

project will engage volunteers, community 

groups, schools and college students to 

be involved with the planting, ongoing 

maintenance and harvesting of the garden, 

generating food for the community by the 

community. 

Councillor Sullivan said: “The West Lothian 

Foodbank provides a vital service for those 

most in need and it is fantastic to see how 

they are utilising this funding to 

support their work and the local foodbank 

network.” 

Steven Turnbull, West Lothian Foodbank 

Development office said: 

“We are incredibly grateful to West Lothian 

Council for their support in this initiative. 

This grant allows us to turn redundant land 

into a practical and beautiful asset to serve 

the people of West Lothian.” 

The other successful applicants for 

funding were: 

Craigsfarm Community Development 

Project - £129,602 

West Calder HUB - £140,265 

West Lothian College - £493,436 

Crofthead Community Education 

Association - £350,000 

Applicants are now being invited to 

apply for a share of £1million from 

the recently announced Place Based 

Investment Programme (PBIP) for 

2022/23: 

Town Centre Capital Fund 

(£500,000): 


town-centre-capital-fund 

Community Wealth 

Building (£500,000): 


pbip 

The deadline for applications for both 

the Town Centre Fund and Community 

Wealth Building is Friday 22 April 

Free bus travel for under 

22s goes live 

Under 22s living in Scotland can benefit from 

free bus travel through a Scottish Government 

scheme that has the potential to transform bus 

travel while benefiting children, young people 

and families. 

The scheme is open to children and young 

people with a new National Entitlement Card 

(NEC) or Young Scot NEC. Tens of thousands have 

already applied and received their card, and will 

be able to start travelling for free from 31 January. 

Many more applications are in the pipeline as the 

programme gears up over the coming weeks. 

It now means that over 2.3 million people – 

everyone under 22, everyone over 60, and 

disabled people and carers – can now benefit 

from free bus travel in Scotland. 

Information about the scheme and how to apply 

is available on the Transport Scotland website. 

The Young Persons’ Free Travel Scheme 

is administered in partnership with the 

Improvement Service, the National Entitlement 

Card Programme Office and Young Scot. 

Applications remain open for children and young 

people to get their new or replacement National 

Entitlement Card (NEC) or Young Scot NEC which 

is required to use the scheme. 

Beat 

the spread. 

Not everyone who has covid-19 will have symptoms 

(asymptomatic), so people could be spreading the 

disease to those around them without knowing 

it. By getting tested, you help break chains of 

transmission within your communities. 

Asymptomatic Test Sites (ATS) are operating in 

West Lothian so please come along and get tested. 

They are mainly for people living and working 

in the local areas where the testing facilities are 

located and who do not have covid-19 symptoms. 

You can also collect Lateral Flow Tests 

(LFTs) to take home. 

For more information, visit: 


communitytesting 

The law on fire alarms 

changed on 1 February 2022. 

This means that all Scottish homes now need to have interlinked alarms. 

Interlinked means if one goes off, they all 

go off, so you will always hear an alarm 

wherever you are in your home. 

The new law has come about because of 

the Grenfell fire in London in 2017, and it 

applies to all Scottish homes. 

It is the property owner’s responsibility 

for meeting the new standard. 

Please note the council does not 

have responsibility for carrying out 

installations in privately owned homes. 

As a social landlord, the council has 

responsibility for ensuring that ONLY 

council properties meet the new 

standard. 

What your home needs 

Every home must now have: 

one smoke alarm in the living room or 

the room you use most 

one smoke alarm in every hallway or 

landing 

one heat alarm in the kitchen 

all smoke and heat alarms should 

be mounted on the ceiling and be 

interlinked. 

If you have a carbon-fuelled appliance 

– like a boiler, fire, heater or flue – in 

any room, you must also have a 

carbon monoxide detector in that 

room, but this does not need to be 

linked to the fire alarms. 

The Scottish Government has 

produced guidance for home owners 

on ensuring your home meets the 

new legislation. To view Scan the QR 

code below: 

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) have also received some funding from the Scottish Government to help the most 

vulnerable, SFRS will only fit interlinked alarms into owner-occupied homes where the individual/household is assessed as 

vulnerable and “high risk”. If the individual/household does not meet the criteria, fire safety advice will be provided. You can contact 

them on 0800 0731 999 or more information can be found here www.firescotland.gov.uk/ 

The council’s Advice Shop could provide some assistance through our short term financial insecurity funding “Feeling The Pinch 

Fund”, we have been helping those on low incomes with the cost of an interlinked fire alarm, advisors will undertake an Income & 

Expenditure and a Benefit Health Check looking at options to maximise the customers income. The fund is set up to help people 

with a one off unexpected cost who are unable to access other sources of support to help with this cost. To make an application to 

this fund please call 01506 283000 or by using our online referral form www.westlothian.gov.uk/advice-shop-referral

a stronger 

you in 2022 

Whether you enjoy resistance training classes like Les Mills Body Pump or want to 

improve your cardiovascular fitness at Xcite Aqua, we have a class for you! 

Come down to our Xcite venues and take part in instructor led or virtual classes. Feel part of the Xcite community and 

bounce off the energy of our highly knowledgeable instructors who are here to help you enjoy and make the most 

out of your workout classes. 

The virtual classes are nearly identical to our instructor led classes with one small difference – there is no instructor in 

the room and the class is led by one of the Les Mills team on a big screen. If you need more flexibility with class times 

or want to give a new workout a go but still benefit from the supportive class atmosphere, then why not try this out! 

We have recently updated our fitness class timetables with the latest content of the classes you enjoy the most. 

You can find out more information about what is 

available and book on our website or WLL Xcite App! 

Spacebugs 

Softplay 

Escape to the stars for an hour of 

rockets and crazy aliens! 

Get a glimpse into the future at Spacebugs softplay. From space 

tunnels, starship slides and lots of soft play toys, your children will 

be kept excited and active within this fun and safe environment. 

We offer regular and supervised sessions across a number of 

venues allowing you to enjoy other activities at the same time. 

Available now at several Xcite venues: Bathgate, Broxburn 

Swimming Pool, Craigswood, Linlithgow, Livingston and Whitburn. 

The latest programme of events at 

Howden Park Centre is here and we have 

a jam packed year of fun for you! From 

dance, comedy, kids shows and music, we 

guarantee you will find something for all 

the family that will keep you entertained 

for hours. 

Make a day of it and visit the café bar pre 

show. Serving a wide choice of hot and 

cold drinks, cake and sweet treats, enjoy your goodies overlooking the 

parkland setting. 

Visit the Howden Park Centre website 

(www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk) for all the latest information on 

what is coming up or get in touch with the team at the Box Office 

on 01506 340 700 to book tickets for upcoming shows today. 

Book online today or visit your local Xcite venue! 

Get the latest information 

right at your fingertips! 

View activities, make 

bookings and stay up to 

date with the latest news 

on the Xcite App now. 

Download today from the 

App Store or Google Play. 

Xcite, West Lothian Leisure, is proud to announce that it 

has won Gold at the 2021 UK Member Experience Awards, 

improving from last year’s Silver award. 

Not only did West Lothian Leisure receive a Gold medal award, 

Broxburn Swimming Pool was awarded the “Best Swimming Pool 

Member Experience in the UK” for the third time in 4 years. 

The Member Experience Awards recognises and rewards leisure, 

health and fitness operators for their outstanding customer 

service throughout the year, with results being measured from 

customer feedback after visiting venues and taking part in 

activities. 

West Lothian Leisure was the only Sport and Leisure Trust in 

Scotland to scoop awards. 

Our children’s Easter 

programme will be 

hatching between 4th 

– 16th April at several 

Xcite venues. 

To note your interest, please 

complete the form on our 

website. Keep your ears open 

for more! 

www.westlothianleisure.com

Bulletin Spring 2022

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