West Lothian Bulletin Summer 2025

West Lothian 2025

You just need a little bit of room

in your heart…to make a BIG

difference to a young person’s life.

DISCOVER YOUR ADVENTURE THIS SUMMER

One Child Goes Free Until 14 July 2025

Come and lose yourself to a day of fun and adventure for all the family Make friends with

our rare breed farm animals

Burn off energy in our indoor & outdoor play parks

Dare to ride the high slide at our Ruined Peel

Explore the natural habitat on foot, by tractor or even train








Whatever your Adventure - You’ll find it here at Almond Valley Heritage Centre

Present this Voucher on Arrival -

One Child Goes Free with a Paying Adult

Photocopies Not Accepted / Expires July 14th 2025 / Only 1 Voucher per Family Group

Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR

W: ALMONDVALLEY.CO.UK T: 01506 414957 E: info@almondvalley.co.uk

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SUMMER

OFFERS














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Page 2

PAGE 5

Bulletin offers for you & your family

50% off tickets @ Hopetoun House

One Child goes free @ Almond Valley

Changing Lives

through Fostering

PAGE 6

Congratulations to the

amazing winners of the

first ever West Lothian

Provost’s Award.

Page 7

Follow West Page Lothian’s

6

new WhatsApp channel

Page 6

Scan Page the QR 5 code to get the latest

news and updates in your area

by signing up to the council’s

WhatsApp Page 5 channel

SUMMER 2025 EDITION - PRINTED ON 100% RECYCLED PAPER

2 Bulletin news.westlothian.gov.uk

Funding boost to support young people

River Kids, a local children’s charity dedicated to

supporting young people experiencing poverty, has

awarded £40,000 to 20 schools across West Lothian.

An ace new sporting facility offering three tennis courts

and a multi-use games area has opened in Livingston.

The funding will help

ensure that children from all

backgrounds have access to

experiences, extracurricular

activities, and other lifeenhancing

opportunities

regardless of their socioeconomic

status.

Bridgend Primary School is

one of the schools to benefit.

Executive councillor for

Education, Andrew McGuire

visited the school where he

met with: River Kids Charity

Manager Stephen Newman

Headteacher Ian Harvey; and

Acting Depute Headteacher,

Stephanie Stutt to learn about

impact of the initiative.

Registered charity Murieston Tennis

and Sports Club (MTSC) held their

official opening ceremony recently.

MTSC is the result of four years of hard

work by a small group of dedicated

community volunteers to deliver

facilities for healthy activities for all

ages and backgrounds and provides

opportunities for a range of sports

such as tennis, basketball, netball,

pickleball and football using their

floodlit pitches.

Members of the not-for-for-profit

MTSC raised the £350,000 required

to deliver the project though a

crowdfunder campaign and local

donations, as well as support from

West Lothian Council, sportscotland,

West Lothian Development Trust and

the Benzies Foundation.

MTSC chair Andy Bull said: “Huge

thanks go to sportscotland, West

Lothian Council, West Lothian

Development Trust and the Benzies

Foundation for backing our vision

and delivering the bulk of our funding

needs. And special thanks go to

everyone in the community who has

helped support this project.”

Tennis coaching classes are already

underway for adults and kids, and

MTSC are working with West Lothian

Council’s Active Schools and local

scouts and sports clubs to boost

participation. Summer Camps are

also planned for the school holidays,

with subsidised places available.

To join, book an activity or find out more, please scan the QR

code or visit clubspark.lta.org.uk/MuriestonTennisandSportsClub

Tuesday 17 June

Linlithgow Marches

West Lothian 2025

West Lothian’s fantastic gala season is set to

resume over the summer months.

Hard-working volunteers from towns and villages

across West Lothian have been working hard to

ensure that community celebrations can take place

for everyone to enjoy.

Here’s a list of all the confirmed events we are

aware of so far, as dates for your diary:

Saturday 21 June

Linlithgow and Linlithgow

Bridge Gala Day

Armadale Children’s Gala Day

Deans Gala Day

Stoneyburn and Bents

Children’s Gala

Kirknewton Gala Day

Loganlea and District Gala Day

Saturday 28 June

Polbeth Childrens Gala Day

Whitburn Gala Day

Winchburgh and District

Children’s Gala Day

Saturday 5 July

Seafield and District

Children’s Gala Day

Sunday 6 July

Harburn Village Hall Festival

Saturday 2 August

SPARK (Craigshill)

Saturday 9 August

Knightsridge Adventure

Project (Vennie)

Saturday 16 August

Broxburn Gala

Happy 100th Birthday

to Margaret Johnston

Whitdale Care Home resident, Margaret

Johnston, turned 100 in April.

Residents, staff, friends, family

and invited guests held a

special party for this very special

woman.

Margaret took it all in her stride

and told us that the secret to her

long life has been hard work.

Here is Margaret’s amazing

story:

Margaret was born in Dalmeny,

at her grandmother’s house

on 26 April 1925 and she had

a remarkable entry into the

world.

Those helping at her birth

thought she had passed away

until her granny saw a small

pulse at the side of her head and

placed in her a bath of warm

water to revive her...

...and here she is 100 years later.

Although born in Dalmeny,

she grew up in Stoneyburn

and spent most of her life

there, apart from school

holidays which she spent at

her granny’s house.

She was one of four children

having two sisters, Jeannie

(who was older), Olive, and a

brother George (both younger).

Margaret is the last surviving

sibling.

Margaret’s older sister, Jeanie,

was close to her. So much so

that when Jeannie started

school, Margaret cried and cried

and the school allowed her

(Margaret) to start school a year

early, and she went through

school with her sister.

They then worked “in service” in

a large household in Edinburgh

to a professor and his family.

Aged only 14, Margaret was

the table maid and Jeannie

worked in the kitchen. After this

Margaret worked in Bangour

Hospital, also in the Plessey

Electronics factory in Bathgate

and then at Tippethill as a

kitchen assistant.

Margaret met her husband,

Tom, at Fauldhouse Miners

club and they married a year

and a half after meeting. When

they married her husband was

in the Army and stationed in

Newcastle, where they lived

for a short time. They had

one son, Gordon, whom they

both adored - Margaret called

him her golden boy. Sadly,

Margaret’s husband, Tom, died

in 2009.

Margaret has two grandsons –

Andrew, who lives in Australia

with his wife Laura and their

five - year old daughter Frankie

(Margaret’s great granddaughter);

Colin lives in America

with his wife Stacey.

news.westlothian.gov.uk

Bulletin

3

Road improvements for West Lothian

Nearly £6 million will be invested on

roads, footways, street lighting, flood

prevention and bridge structures across

West Lothian by April 2026.

One major project taking place

this year has seen extensive

refurbishment carried out on

the Almond Valley Bridge, in

Livingston.

The bridge is the largest of its

kind in West Lothian – spanning

six lanes and over 300 metres

long – carrying the A899 dual

carriageway, between Almond

Interchange and Centre

Interchange, over the River

Almond close to Livingston town

centre.

The works have involved removal

of all road surfacing, repairs to

the concrete bridge deck, surface

preparation, application of a

specialist waterproofing

system and resurfacing

with a durable thin surface

wearing course.

The road surface and

waterproofing have been

removed from the bridge

deck to allow repairs to

be carried out on the

underlying concrete

structure.

Executive councillor for

environment and sustainability,

Tom Conn joined council

engineers on a site visit to see

work being carried out first hand.

Cllr Conn said: “The maintenance

and improvement of our local

road network and supporting

structures is an ongoing process.

The Almond Valley Bridge is a vital

component of both the Livingston

and wider West Lothian transport

infrastructure with a significant

volume of traffic utilising the A899

route on a daily basis.”

Some projects due to take

place later in the year include

improvements in the following

areas:

Menzies Road and Edinburgh

Road in Bathgate

Ladywell East Road

A70 around Harperrigg

Reservoir

C1 B718/B718 to Torrance Farm

TERM 1

West Lothian

school holidays

2025/26

Staff resume Monday, 11 August 2025

Pupils Resume Wednesday, 13 August 2025

All break Thursday, 18 September 2025

All resume Tuesday, 23 September 2025

All break Friday, 17 October 2025

Staff resume Monday, 27 October 2025

Pupils resume Tuesday, 28 October 2025

All break Friday, 19 December 2025

TERM 2

All resume Monday, 5 January 2026

All break Friday, 6 February 2026

Staff resume Monday, 16 February 2026

Pupils resume Tuesday, 17 February 2026

All break Friday 27 March 2026

TERM 3

All Resume Tuesday 14 April 2026

All break Friday, 1 May 2026

Staff resume Tuesday, 5 May 2026

Pupils resume Wednesday, 6 May 2026

All schools except those at b) and c) below Spring Holiday - Monday 18 May 2026

b) Bathgate Academy and feeder primary schools

plus St Mary’s, Bathgate & St Columba’s (excluding

Blackburn and Murrayfield Primary Schools)

c) Linlithgow Academy and feeder primary schools

plus St Joseph’s Primary School, Linlithgow

All break Friday, 26 June 2026

Celebrating a special day?

For more details, please scan the QR code or visit

www.westlothian.gov.uk/school-holidays-25-26

Get in touch

Bathgate Local Holiday - Monday 8 June 2026

Linlithgow Marches - Tuesday 16 June 2026

Together, we can make West Lothian

greener, healthier, and more biodiverse for

future generations.

Ambitious 10-Year Biodiversity Action Plan for West Lothian

West Lothian Council is proud to

announce the launch of Working Together

for Nature: A Biodiversity Action Plan for

West Lothian.

The plan sets out a bold and collaborative

vision to protect, enhance, and connect

natural habitats across West Lothian over

the next decade.

By working together with local

communities, schools, landowners,

environmental organisations, and

volunteers, we aim to make a real

difference for wildlife and people alike.

Leader of West Lothian Council,

Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “The plan is

not just a strategy on paper, it’s a shared

commitment to restoring and protecting

nature across West Lothian, which we can

only achieve through strong partnerships

and active community involvement. We

are delighted that the Plan is now in place,

allowing us to move forward. Together,

we can make West Lothian a greener,

healthier, and more biodiverse place for

future generations.”

The action plan can be

viewed in full by scanning

the QR code.

As the plan moves into the

implementation phase,

local residents are encouraged to get

involved and participate in hands-on

conservation work, educational activities,

and events.

One inspiring example of what this plan looks like in action is the Greening the

Whitburn Town Centre Walk project (see photo). This initiative demonstrates the

kind of nature-based improvements the plan promotes—revitalising green spaces,

creating welcoming environments, and establishing vital Nature Networks that help

wildlife thrive.

4

4

Celebrate the great

Scottish

Outdoors

This year celebrates

20 years of the Scottish

Outdoor Access Code (SoAC)

The Code gives both the public and landowners the

guidance to help exercise and manage the unique

rights of people in Scotland to access the outdoors.

People often misunderstand the access rights

they have in Scotland, and sometimes talk

about the right to roam. This is not the worst

as a shorthand description, but is somewhat

misleading because what we actually have is

the right to access the outdoors responsibly.

The Code provides advice on how freedom

of access is balanced by the responsibilities

of individuals, by respecting the interests of

others, such as others in the outdoors or those

working and owning the land, and caring for

our shared environment.

Access can be taken in a variety of ways such as

on foot by walking, running or hiking. You can

be on a bike, provided it is a peddle-assisted

and not completely motorised.

Or you can be accessing the outdoors on a

horse. It is critical to understand that your right

of access, by whatever means you choose,

only holds as long as you behave responsibly.

So even before you leave your front door, there

are several things you can do to ensure that

you are prepared for the outdoors and avoid

falling foul of the Code.

Know the Code Before You Go.

Become familiar with SOAC and the advice it

gives as it will educate you on what your access

rights extend to.

Check and know your route, to become

familiar with what to expect when in the

outdoors. Understand what kind of land you

are visiting, whether that be your local park,

agricultural land, country park etc.

Check the weather and plan accordingly.

Weather conditions can impact your activity if

you’re not prepared. Check for local guidance

on any extreme risks in place, such as fire,

flooding or high winds.

Have you got what you need?

Dress appropriately (for all conditions in

Scotland!), bring and food and water you

might need, phone, and a map if needed.

To mark the 20th anniversary of SOAC,

NatureScot invited applications for funding

for land managers, local authorities and

organisations with a focus on producing resources

that raise awareness of the SOAC and educate the

public about their access rights and responsibilities.

West Lothian Council’s Ranger Service were successful in

securing funding to upgrade educational equipment and

banner signs to improve our schools and public engagement

resources all based on responsible outdoor access.

The Ranger Service will be visiting a number of primary schools

before the summer break to hold workshops on introducing

the Code, and holding events at each of the Country Parks on

the following dates; Wednesday 9 July –

Beecraigs Country Park,

Wednesday 16 July –

Almondell & Calderwood

Country Park, Wednesday

23 July – Polkemmet

Country Park.

As we move into the warmer summer months

and the weather improves, the West Lothian

Council Ranger Service would like to highlight

some of the SoAC guidance that is important to

our local area.

Poorly controlled dogs are a serious concern for farmers, land

managers and visitors to the countryside. It is a criminal offence

for a dog to worry or attack livestock. Dog waste spreads

disease to people and animals so bag it and bin it.

Access rights do not apply to motorised vehicles, including

off-road motorbikes, quadbikes, e-scooters and fully motorised

electric bikes. Access rights do apply to pedal assisted bicycles.

Be aware of cycling on shared use paths and respect other

visitors to the outdoors. If you see illegal use of off-road vehicles,

report it to Police Scotland.

Never light an open fire during prolonged dry periods. Check

the wildfire risk for your area which is monitored by Scottish

Fire & Rescue Service. Fires should not be

started in areas such as forests, woodlands,

farmland, on peaty ground or near buildings

or in cultural heritage sites where damage can

easily be caused. If you see a fire, dial 999 and

report it to Scottish Fire & Rescue Service.

Enjoy these exciting Summer Offers for you and your family –

brought to you in partnership with Visit West Lothian.

www.visitwestlothian.co.uk

5

DISCOVER

SCOTLAND's MYTHS

AND LEGENDS

FOR FREE!

Explore the world of kelpies, selkies, and Nessie



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One Child Goes Free Until 14 Present July this 2025 Voucher on Arrival -




and Legends, running July September.







and mythical scavenger Whatever hunts, your Adventure

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it's - You’ll the

W: find ALMONDVALLEY.CO.UK

perfect

it here at Almond Valley Heritage T: 01506 Centre 414957 E: info@almondvalley.co.uk



Come family and lose day yourself out to a day - and of fun and entry adventure is for One completely all Child the family Goes Make Free friends free! with a with Paying Adult






in our magical summer exhibition, Scottish Myths

Packed with storytelling, crafts, puppet theatre,


Whatever your Adventure - You’ll W: find ALMONDVALLEY.CO.UK it here at Almond Valley Heritage T: 01506 Centre 414957 E: info@almondvalley.co.uk







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DISCOVER YOUR

ADVENTURE THIS SUMMER

One Child Goes Free Until

14 July 2025

Come and lose yourself to a day of fun and adventure for

all the family

Make friends with our rare breed farm animals




50% OFF ADVANCE AND SAME-DAY TICKETS

Residents with a WL postcode can enjoy 50%

off advance and same-day tickets to Hopetoun

House (not valid for Midhope Castle).

Book via the Hopetoun House website

using code WLReward at checkout.

Proof of address (photo ID or utility bill with

WL postcode) is required when booking

and on arrival.

Whatever your Adventure - You’ll find it

here at Almond Valley Heritage Centre

Linlithgow Partnership Building, Linlithgow

Fri-Sat (10am-4pm), Sun (1-4pm)

Present this Voucher on Arrival - One Child Goes Free with a

Paying Adult. Photocopies Not Accepted / Expires July 14 2025 /

Only one Voucher per Family Group.

Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Livingston, EH54 7AR

almondvalley.co.uk | 01506 414957 | info@almondvalley.co.uk

Offer valid 18 April – 28 September 2025

Open Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays)

Discount applies to entry only (excludes food, drinks, and other offers)

Advance booking required and subject to availability

Perfect for any occasion,

unforgettable for all

The Burgh Halls brings modern design alongside period features where special touches

can be added to suit your own style and taste. The iconic building boasts two stylish,

contemporary function rooms with a stunning roof terrace making it a perfect venue for

a romantic Scottish wedding or other special celebration. You’ll feel like you’re part of

hundreds of years of history at a time when you create your own special memories.

Whether you want a civil, religious or humanist ceremony, you can hold every part of

your wedding day at the Burgh Halls. Say your vows in the stunning Bailie Hardie Hall,

enjoy a glass of fizz on the terrace overlooking the Rose Garden before being seated for

dinner, then dance the night away at a reception in the Provost Lawrie Hall.

We offer fully inclusive wedding

and celebration event packages

and our experienced team will tailor

your event to suit your needs. Our

stunning halls are also available for

conferences and regular bookings

with in-house catering offered.

01506 282720

burgh.halls@westlothian.gov.uk

linlithgowburghhalls.co.uk


“You just need a little room in your heart to give.”

Change lives through fostering with West Lothian Council

Morgan has now been part

of Ann and Alistair’s family

for 14 years. Now 22, she is

living independently and

has undertaken a Modern

Apprenticeship with Sky after

achieving a degree in Business

Management.

Morgan said: “When you are

young, you don’t know that your

life is any different to the next

child. For anyone who has ever

considered fostering even, you

could potentially give a young

person one moment that creates

a positive memory that lasts a

lifetime.”

Ann and Alistair are both keen to

let individuals that are considering

fostering know that they shouldn’t

be worried.

Ann said: “There is a good process

in place with West Lothian Council

guiding you through all the

possibilities and scenarios that

can come with fostering.

She added: “People often say to

us that we must have big hearts.

I say that you don’t need a big

heart, you just need a little room

in your heart to give. I think this

is something that we are all

capable of. It can be challenging

but the joy fostering has brought

our family far outweighs it all. I

would encourage anyone reading

this to please get in touch with

the family-based care service

at the council today. One little

conversation can end up being

the best decision you’ve ever

made.”

Ann and Alistair Walker have

fostered with West Lothian

Council for nearly two decades.

In that time, the couple from

Fauldhouse have looked after

nearly 50 children through a

mixture of short break stays and

over longer periods.

The couple were well versed

in family life and, as their own

children grew up and started

to leave home, they spotted an

advert that made them make the

decision of a lifetime.

Alistair said: “One day we were

out in the car and we spotted an

advert looking for foster carers.

We were at a point in our life were

our own children were starting to

move out and we thought ‘well

we have plenty space and love to

give. Why not?’ and here we are

nearly 20 years later.”

Before welcoming their first ever

foster child, the couple had a

pretty good idea of the type of

fostering they wanted to do but

as time moved on, this changed

with their family home being the

perfect place to welcome then

eight-year-old Morgan and her

sister before being joined by their

younger siblings.

I was delighted to meet with Ann,

Alistair and Morgan and to hear

their heart-warming story. If you

think you could help care for a

West Lothian child then please get

in touch with the dedicated team

at the Family Based Care Service today.”

Anne McMillan, Executive councillor for health and social care

Can you

care for a west

lothian child?

Children and young people in your community

are in need of foster carers and adoptive families to

provide a safe and caring home to them.

If you are interested in finding out more information

please contact the Family Based Care Service.

The ordinary can be extraordinary

for a child in foster care.

Love

Fostering & Adoption

01506 284296

FamilyBasedCareService@westlothian.gov.uk

fosteringandadoption.westlothian.gov.uk

Scan to learn

more about

fostering and

adoption

West Lothian

Health & Social

Care Partnership

7

West Lothian

PROVOST’S

Award

Winners revealed

Congratulations to the amazing

winners of the first ever West

Lothian Provost’s Award.

The new scheme aims to recognise those

who have contributed most to the local

community over the past year, with

nominations received for a number of

individuals and voluntary groups who

have made an outstanding contribution to

community life in West Lothian.

The winners were revealed at an event at

Linlithgow Burgh Halls, with Livingston’s

Martin and Alsuin Ormiston picking up

the first overall and Community Impact

Award for their impressive dedication to

supporting local young people and the

community through the 10th West Lothian

Scout group in Murieston.

Provost Cathy Muldoon said: “Huge

congratulations to all the winners of the

first ever West Lothian Provost Awards.

“We received a high number of entries,

as there are so many individuals and

groups who deserve recognition of the

contribution they make to our community.

“All the winners more than deserve these

awards for the positive impact they have

on the community in West Lothian, and I

hope their good work will inspire others to

make a difference to local life.”

Please see below for more details on all the

worthy winners.

Top award for Livingston couple

The first ever West

Lothian Provost’s

Award winner has been

awarded to Livingston’s

Martin and Alsuin

Ormiston.

The couple were

also awarded the

Community Impact Award for their dedicated work with

the 10th West Lothian Scout group in Murieston.

They were nominated for a combined 50 years of service

as scout leaders, with Alsuin carrying out multiple roles

as Assistant Beaver and Cub Leader as well as Group

Treasurer.

Martin serves as Cub Leader and Assistant Group Scout

Leader, and also supports other sections and scouting

across West Lothian in his role as District Training

Advisor.

Their unwavering commitment to scouting and

supporting local young people has helped them grow

the 10th West Lothian Scout group, providing a number

of camping trips and other adventures for their scouts.

Support for families

Jenni Morris received

the Community

Wellbeing Award for

the fantastic support

she provides for local

families through her

counselling work with

Polbeth Community

Hub.

She provides a donation-based person-centred

counselling service, which removes the barrier of cost

for local families.

Jenni also supports local students who are

completing placements with the service to allow

them to become qualified, and works with local

schools to help young children who need extra

support.

This award recognises her work to improve mental

health and wellbeing across West Lothian on a small

budget and limited resources, while providing an

outstanding service.

Sandy’s contribution to

village life recognised

The Individual

Achievement Award

were present to

Sandy Edgar for his

tireless contribution

to community life in

Stoneyburn.

Sandy plays a key part

in many groups in his home village of Stoneyburn,

including Stoneyburn and Bents Future Vision

Group where he serves as chairperson.

He plays a key part in supporting a wide range of

village events and activities, including the old folks

treat, bowling competition, Stoneyburn Juniors and

the Young at Heart club.

Sandy also played an important in delivering the

new Miners’ Memorial for the village, and was

involved in all aspects of the project including

planning, consultation and even helping with the

build.

Digger deserves Volunteer award

Trophy success for Bathgate Thistle Community Football Club

Whitburn’s Tommy ‘Digger’

Robertson was the worthy winner

of the Volunteer of the Year

Award.

Digger selflessly gives up his

free time to clean and upgrade

gravestones in his local

cemeteries.

The veteran was nominated multiple times by grateful local

residents, whose family headstones often have been lovingly

looked after and restored by Digger.

He refuses to accept any payment offered to cover the time

and cost of his work.

The Community Group Award went to Bathgate Thistle Community

Football Club, whose hard-working volunteers provide sporting

opportunities for over 600 members across 30 teams.

They were named by the Scottish Football Association (SFA) as Best

Community Football Club in 2023, and have grown to be one of the

largest sports clubs in West Lothian.

Bathgate Thistle Community Football Club provide a wide range of

free activities to remove barriers and encouraging the community to

get involved and become more active, and have played an important role in encouraging girls to

get involved in football locally.

The club’s volunteers also play an active part in local community events, supporting the

Christmas light switch-on event and Bathgate Procession Festival Fortnight’s sporting events.


Talented West Lothian brass player strikes gold

High School also performed

on the night along with the

other finalists: vocalist Caleb

Sneddon from Armadale

Academy; pianist Orla Roden

from Bathgate Academy; french

horn player Leila Galloway

from Deans Community High

School; drummer Jack Pilu

from Inveralmond Community

High School; pianist Annabelle

Chow from The James Young

High School; pianist Papa

Antwi-Donkor from Sinclair

Academy; violinist Sorley

MacDonald from St Margaret’s

Academy; guitarist Allan Bishop

from Whitburn Academy; and

pianist Rudi Rae Morrice from

Winchburgh Academy.

The winners of the West

Lothian Ensemble of the Year

competition earlier this year

were also presented with their

prizes at the event.

West Calder High School Brass

Ensemble received the Brass

Ensemble prize, while Deans

Community High School Soul

Band were presented with the

Open Ensemble trophy.

Gifted tenor horn player Tyler Clark from West Calder High School, third from right, has

been named as West Lothian’s Young Musician of the Year for 2025.

A total of 12 talented young

people from 12 secondary

schools across West Lothian

competed for the top prize.

Linlithgow Academy singer

Colum Cameron, who

performed Schubert’s Die

Forelle, and St Kentigern’s

Academy pianist Julia Bojczuk,

who played The Interstellar

Experience inspired by the Hans

Zimmer movie soundtrack,

were named as runners up.

Last year’s winner, pianist

Latisha Chan from West Calder

Huge congratulations to Tyler Clark from

West Calder High School on becoming the

third West Lothian Young Musician of the Year.

The judges had a tough decision to pick an overall

winner among all the fantastic talent on display,

but Tyler’s performance stood out.”

Andrew McGuire, Executive councillor for education

Improving our school estate

Staff and pupils will take up

occupation in the new term in

August.

Hawkhill

The new primary school is

required due to new housing

developments and will have an

initial capacity for 231 pupils.

The development of a new

primary school and nursery at

Hawkhill is required to ensure new

housing developments.

The proposed new primary school

will have an initial capacity for

231 pupils and will have a flexible

design that will allow for future

expansion if required.

The new primary school will

be fully funded from developer

contributions as part of a Section

75 planning agreement, and

is being delivered on behalf of

SCAN TO WATCH

HAWKHILL PREVIEW

VIDEO

The new Hawkhill Primary School located in

Winchburgh and the extension to West Calder High

School are both on schedule for completion this summer.

the council by its development

partner Hub South East, with

Morrison Construction as the

primary contractor.

Executive councillor for Education,

Andrew McGuire said: "The

establishment of a new Primary

School and associated nursery in

the Hawkhill area is required as

further development continues in

the Winchburgh area.

"This will help ensure another

first-class educational setting is

delivered for the benefit of local

children for years to come."

West Calder High School

West Calder High School has

been extended to cope with

rising pupil numbers, because of

ongoing housing developments

in the school’s catchment area.

The investment has been funded

through contributions from

housing developers.

St Kentigern’s Academy

West Lothian Council is

making great progress with

the construction of a new wing

at St Kentigern’s Academy in

Blackburn.

The latest drone footage

illustrates that the steel frame,

concrete floors, and stairways are

now in place, marking a significant

milestone in the project.

St Kentigern's is one of the area's

largest schools and a major

project to remove RAAC and

asbestos, and re-build a significant

proportion of the school has been

underway for some time.

The school’s Pupil Voice group has

been actively involved, making

monthly visits to the construction

site to discuss progress with the

Site Manager. They then share

updates with the wider school

community via Teams and

Assemblies, keeping everyone in

the loop.

While the building work

continues, the school has a

temporary Learning Village to

accommodate classrooms,

a canteen, and an indoor

performance space. Some PE

lessons are being held off-site

at various locations, including

the Whitburn Community and

Education Centre. SQA exams,

as in previous years, are being

conducted at the Blackburn

Partnership Centre and in the

existing school building.

Over 62% of the existing school

is having to be demolished

with the new wing, set to be

completed by Summer 2026.

The school has remained open

throughout. It will feature a

new reception area, a spacious

canteen and dining area, a fourcourt

Games Hall, Dance Studio,

Fitness Suite and a changing

village. Additional facilities will

include a performance area,

a range of learning spaces, a

café and nurture rooms, all

designed to enhance the learning

environment for all of the

young people who attend the

school. Contractor Heron Bros is

undertaking the construction on

behalf of the council.

Construction completion is on

track for March 2026.

SCAN TO WATCH

St KENTS UPDATE

VIDEO


Bulletin

9

New Craigshill Primary School

Dr Gerry Burns has been appointed Headteacher

of St Kentigern’s Academy in Blackburn.

A new state-of-the-art primary school in Livingston is on its way.

The new Craigshill Primary School will

be constructed on the site of Riverside

Primary School, with pupils and staff from

Riverside and Letham moving into the

newly constructed school for the start of

the academic term in August 2027.

Greg Welsh, the council’s Head of

Education (Primary) said: “The project will

provide the opportunity to bring together

two existing schools in a well-established

community and act as a catalyst for

regeneration of the Craigshill community,

providing a central, focal point for children

and families. Secondly, the delivery of a

state-of-the-art school will aim to support

the educational priorities and inspire the

young people who attend.”

West Lothian Council and the Learning

Estate Investment Programme (LEIP), a

joint scheme between Scottish and local

government, are funding the project.

The project will also provide a focal point

for families and young people in the area.

A consultation with local people has taken

place and Public Drop In events were held

on May.

The new school will cover the current

catchment areas for Letham and Riverside

primaries and will have a capacity of 462,

with 80 nursery places, to ensure there is

sufficient capacity for the area.

The new school is subject to planning

permission being sought and obtained,

and final designs being agreed. These are

artist impressions at this stage.

The former principal teacher of Science, CDT and Computing at St

Margaret’s Academy in Livingston was previously Headteacher at

Sinclair Academy in Winchburgh.

Gerry was also depute head at St Mungo’s

Academy in Glasgow.

After completing an initial degree

in Electronics with Music, Dr Burns

went on to achieve his Doctorate in

Semiconductor Engineering, both at

Glasgow University, and carried out

research work in this field there before

making the move into education.

The father of four has continued his

studies during his teaching career,

completing both the demanding Master

of Science in Educational Leadership and

Into Headship programmes.

In his spare time, Dr Burns enjoys

spending time with his family and

Labradors, running marathons, and is

also a keen musician.

Sinclair Academy Headteacher Gerry

Burns said: “It is a huge honour to

be appointed as headteacher of St

Kentigern’s Academy. With all the new

development and investment ongoing,

it’s a new chapter for the school and the

wider school community. It’s a privilege to

lead such a wonderful school, and I look

forward to working closely with the entire

community.”

Shout it out loud! A first for West Lothian

Congratulations to Fraser Welsh and Rose Garvie from Armadale

Academy who have picked up an amazing award at the Lothian

and Borders Sheriffdom Final – which is the Crown Office and

Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) Public Speaking Competition.

It is the first time a West Lothian

School has been in the Lothian

and Borders Sheriffdom

Final since the competition’s

inception in 2013.

Armadale Academy went up

against Hawick High School

in the final which was held at

Edinburgh Sheriff Court. The

Armadale duo came out on

top after a fiercely contested

final, eventually winning the

competition, which was chaired

by Nigel Ross, Sheriff Principal of

Lothian and Borders.

The judges include: Lynne

Barrie, Procurator Fiscal;

for Lothian and Borders,

Chief Superintendent David

Robertson, Police Scotland; and

Sheriff Principal Ross.

George Heriot’s School were last

year’s winners. Previous winners

include; Edinburgh Academy,

Royal High School, James

Gillespie’s, Trinity Academy,

Holyrood HS and Portobello HS.

The Armadale pupils had

to progress through several

rounds. Rose and Fraser will

now take part in the national

semi-finals at the end of the

month and, if they win, will go

through to the finals being held

at Parliament House in June.

Irene Lumsden is the school’s

librarian and has supported the

students throughout the process

with English teacher Karyn

Reilly.

Armadale Academy’s

Headteacher, Nicola Barker-

Harrison, said:

“We are all so proud of Rose,

Fraser, Irene and Karyn. They

have put in a huge amount of

work into this and to win this

award for the school is amazing.

It’s testament to their hard work

and talent. Irene and Karyn

give up their own time to help

our young people and I know

how proud they are of Rose and

Fraser.

“Public speaking is something

that many people struggle

with, some people would

avoid doing it altogether. For

our young people to have the

confidence and ability to go into

the Edinburgh Sheriff Court,

and speak with such composure

and confidence, in front of such

senior judges, is incredible and

will provide them with valuable

life experience. The feedback

and praise they received from

very senior and seasoned public

speakers was amazing.”

If anyone has any questions

about entering the COPFS

School Public Speaking

Competition for the

Sheriffdom of Lothian and

Borders please contact

DiversityTeam@copfs.gov.uk

Gold

Accreditation

for Williamston

Primary

Williamston Primary School had an

accreditation visit from UNICEF in

March 2025 and received word that

they have been formally accredited

as a Gold Rights Respecting School.

Roisin Thomson, Acting

Depute Headteacher said “We

are extremely proud of this

achievement and the work of

our whole school community in

achieving this award.

The report mentions, in particular,

our “strong culture of inclusivity

and respect”, our “nurturing

family atmosphere with strong

relationship with parents/carers”

and our “very confident pupils who

feel listened to, who know that

their views are taken seriously and

that they are making a positive

difference in school and the wider

world, speaking up on issues that

matter beyond the school gates.”

10 Bulletin

Purchase

your Garden

Waste Permit

From 1 June 2025 you must

display a new permit if you

want to continue with your

garden waste collection.

If you don’t purchase and

display a valid permit, only food

waste will be collected.

Garden Waste Collection

Subscription Reference

Subscription Address

Garden Waste Subscription

For more information about

your garden waste service,

scan the QR code below.

To purchase a permit,

visit westlothian.gov.uk/

brownbins, scan the QR code,

or call 01506 280000.

Garden Waste Collected

Once your permit arrives, please

follow the instructions provided,

remove your old permit and

attach your new permit to your

brown bin. A permit costs £52.75

per household (maximum two

brown bins per household).

BATTERIES

D N’T

BELONG

IN THE BIN

Please don’t place batteries in your

general waste or wheeled bins.

Batteries are dangerous and could

ignite to create a fire hazard in

collection vehicles and recycling

facilities.

There are convenient battery

collection points at a number of

shops including major supermarkets,

and all batteries, including

household, rechargeable, and car

batteries, can be recycled at all five

of our Community Recycling Centres.

Scan the QR code to view

Community Recycling Centre

locations

westlothian.gov.uk/local-recycling-centres


Bulletin

11

CUT OUT

CONTAMINATION IN YOUR GREEN AND BLUE BINS

Contaminated material can’t be separated or cleaned, meaning whole bin-lorry

loads can end up being disposed of rather than recycled. This is very harmful to the

environment and is expensive to dispose of contaminated material.

Contaminated material should be placed in your grey bin.

Residents are responsible for removing any contaminated material from their bin.

The council will not empty contaminated bins. Bins will only be emptied when the

contamination has been removed.

The council is appealing to residents for their support in tackling the problem.

We can provide households with advice on what items should be placed within each

bin to avoid issues with contamination. For reminders of what waste should go into

each bin and to request an additional bin, please visit: www.westlothian.gov.uk/bins

What goes into your bin?

GREEN BIN

Plastic bottles

Tubs and trays

Tins, cans,

aerosols

BLUE BIN

Foil and

metal lids

Cartons

Empty plastic

bags

Paper, card and cardboard only.

No other materials should be placed

into blue bins. No plastic bags.

Make sure everything

put in green and blue bins

is clean and dry

There are glass recycling points situated across West Lothian.

You can find your nearest glass recycling point by scanning the QR code.

Please only recycle glass bottles and jars. Other glass, like oven dishes, window

panes, mirrors and light bulbs cannot be recycled.


KEEPING

WEST LOTHIAN

IDY

A massive thank you to all volunteers from local

organisations, businesses and schools who

done their part to keep West Lothian tidy during

the annual Keep Scotland Beautiful Spring

Clean campaign.

In West Lothian, it is estimated that

around 6,000 volunteers took part

across over 400 events.

Winchburgh Primary School was one of

the many local schools that participated

with pupils playing an active role in

keeping their community clean all year

round.

Staff from the council’s Cleaner

Communities Team recently visited the

school to thank pupils for their hard

work and demonstrated how to use

some of the machinery they deploy in

their daily work to tackle litter across

West Lothian.

Executive councillor for environment

and sustainability Tom Conn joined the

group on the day and thanked pupils

and staff at Winchburgh Primary School

and representatives from volunteering

groups, West Lothian Litter Pickers and

Winchburgh Wombles for their efforts.

Thank you once again to each and every person who took

part in the Spring Clean campaign this year. It is of vital

importance that we continue to engage our young people in the

importance of looking after the environment and the enthusiasm

of the pupils I met at Winchburgh Primary School was fantastic.

A special thank you to the many volunteers who are committed to

tackling littering. From West Lothian Litter Pickers to Winchburgh Wombles

and many more, your efforts are greatly appreciated in the collective effort to

protect our environment from the harms of littering and waste.”

Tom Conn, Executive councillor for Environment and Sustainability

Keep Scotland Beautiful has

developed a national online

Community Litter Hub full of information

and resources from across all of Scotland to support you to tackle

litter and littering behaviour in your community:

www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/community-litter-hub/

For more information on the local Don’t

Waste West Lothian campaign please visit:

westlothian.gov.uk/dontwaste or scan the QR code.

Householders

have choices when

disposing of their

household waste

If your household waste can’t go in your

household bin, you have a choice.

Book a Bulky Uplift

Take items to a Recycling

Centre (either in a car or van)

Use a licenced private contractor

to dispose of the items

Make the c rrect choice

FLY TIPPING is never the correct choice It spoils your community, it’s illegal and it’s ALWAYS the wrong choice.

Look after West Lothian’s amazing natural environment by ensuring you

dispose of all your waste responsibly. Fly-tipping is illegal and dangerous

Anyone caught could be fined up to £40,000 or face a jail sentence.

Report

FlyTipping

13

SUMMER SAFE

WEST LOTHIAN

“Have an enjoyable

and safe summer’’

RESPECT THE WATER

With summer here lochs, rivers and

ponds can look enticing but there’s a

warning to RespectTheWater.

REDUCING DELIBERATE FIRES

Deliberate fires can endanger lives and

harm communities. It’s important to take

steps to prevent them in your area and keep

everyone safe.

A swim in open water, whether a refreshing

dip or a playful splash, can quickly turn

dangerous.

Tragically, lives are lost every year in coastal

and inland waters, but many of these deaths

are preventable.

On a hot day, it might seem like a great

idea to cool down in open water. However,

swimming in canals, reservoirs and rivers is

dangerous.

Swimming is prohibited because there are

too many risks that you can’t see hidden

below the surface, there are lots of other ways

you can cool down with two feet on solid

ground.

DEPTH PERCEPTION

Canals are often shallow, which you can’t tell

from the surface. If you jump in you are likely

to injure yourself, possibly seriously

However, don’t be fooled by thinking that all

canals are shallow. If you can’t put your feet

on the ground, it’ll be much harder to get out.

Rivers, reservoirs and docks are generally

much deeper, and colder

COLD TEMPERATURES

Even in high summer, all waters around

Scotland are cold enough to induce cold

water shock.

The sudden exposure to cold water can cause

a number of involuntary bodily reactions -

this is cold water shock.

HIDDEN DANGERS UNDER THE WATER

Canals are havens for wildlife and

maintaining water habitats are an important

part of our work. If you’re in the water, reeds

and other plant life could get tangled around

your limbs and trap you in the water making

it very difficult to climb out.

Sadly, rubbish and other items can be lurking

below the surface. If you’re in the water you

could injure yourself by cutting yourself on

a rusty old bicycle or broken glass, or get

trapped on a larger piece of rubbish, like a

trolley or even a motorbike.

More information:

www.watersafetyscotland.org.uk

Deliberately set fires are dangerous and

are a criminal offence. They waste time,

money and keep firefighters away from

real emergencies. Scottish firefighters

attended around 20,000 deliberately set

fires a year.

This commonly includes:

bins

skips

fly-tipped waste

derelict buildings

dry grass

heathland

The Scottish Fire and Rescue say half

of these deliberate fires involve refuse

and rubbish. 90% of which are due to

deliberate fire-setting, often by children

and young people.

The cost of responding to these types of

fires is high at an estimated average cost of

£2,000 for each incident. It can also delay

our attendance at a more serious incident.

That means higher chance of injury,

property damage and environmental

pollution.

In the warmer months of spring and

summer, deliberately set grass or

heathland fires can quickly spread out of

control.

Deliberate fire-setting is a needless drain

on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s

(SFRS) resources.

Whilst SFRS are attending deliberately

set fires, resources are being diverted

from genuine emergencies. Those

who intentionally start fires are putting

themselves and others at risk.

Never leave a barbeque unattended.

Please ensure to keep a bucket of

water, sand or a garden hose nearby for

emergencies.

Avoid alcohol if you are in charge of a

barbeque. Make sure it’s cool before

moving it.

Never leave campfires unattended.

Remember to extinguish it once it‘s done.

If a fire breaks out in the countryside, no

matter how small, call 999 and request the

fire service immediately.

SUN SAFETY ADVICE FROM NHS

Protect your skin with a mix of shade,

clothing, and sunscreen:

Avoid sun between 11am–3pm.

Cover up with hats and long sleeves;

tightly woven fabrics offer better protection.

Use sunscreen correctly.

Wear wraparound sunglasses.

Keep babies under six months out of direct

sunlight.

Always protect children and those with fair

skin, freckles, red or fair hair, or moles.

Here are a few helpful tips to keep yourself

and your family safe this summer: -

NOISE AND PARTIES

We can all enjoy the summer weather and

being outdoors without our enjoyment

annoying others - please be mindful of your

neighbours.

Please report persistent noise issues to

the Safer Neighbourhood team on: snt@

westlothian.gov.uk, or Telephone the

West Lothian Council contact

centre on 01506 280000 or

the police on 101.

Should you require more

information regarding

Antisocial Behaviour please scan the QR

code:

ONLINE SCAMS

Online scams can be hard to spot—

scammers are clever and target all age

groups. They often use fake websites and

emails that closely mimic real ones.

Tips:

Always stop to think about what you are

being asked.

Are you expecting any communication

from the organisation? Would your bank

ask for particular information? Remember,

they would never ask for your pin number

If you have received a request for money to

“help” a friend in need – is it really your

friend asking for help?

Sometimes scammers will try and

embarrass you into giving them money.

They might try to use romance or friendship

as a way to trick people into sending large

sums of money to help family with money

troubles or even a temporary loan, or to win

something. Always verify with the family

member or friend that this is genuine.

DOMESTIC ABUSE SUPPORT

Sometimes, we need a little bit of extra help

and support. The West Lothian Domestic

& Sexual Assault Team (DASAT) offers

confidential support for anyone experiencing

abuse or sexual assault, and works with the

LISA project.

01506 281055

Text: 07786 681238 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)

07917 582539 (Tue–Thu, 9am–4:30pm)

dasat@westlothian.gov.uk

In an emergency, call 999

HOME SAFETY

Theft slip-ins

can happen

while you’re

busy indoors or

in the garden.

Keep doors and

windows secure to prevent intruders

entering and leaving unnoticed.

Doorstep crime remains a serious issue,

often leaving victims emotionally and

financially distressed. West Lothian

Community Safety Partners are

supporting a national campaign with

local roadshows and events.

Rogue traders can appear legitimate

with vans, websites, and business cards—

but many are scammers.

Don’t let them in. Just say no.

For further crime prevention advice

please visit: www.scotland.police.uk/

advice-and-information

Provided by West Lothian’s Community Safety Partners

West Lothian

Health & Social

Care Partnership


Building partnerships

Upcoming exhibition

at Whitburn Community Museum

The Co-op: The Heart of the Community.

An exhibition focussing on the Co-op in West

Lothian and its enduring role in local life

Executive councillor for Economy, Community Empowerment & Wealth Building, Susan Manion

was in attendance and learned about the support on offer via council services and the West Lothian

Construction Forum.

West Lothian Council and the West

Lothian Construction Forum joined forces

to host an event designed to support

local businesses in the construction trade.

The ‘Meet the Council’ event brought

together the construction trade,

representatives from different services

within West Lothian Council and partner

organisations to learn more about

the support they can provide for local

businesses.

There are approximately 645 construction

companies with 6,000 employees based

in West Lothian, the construction industry

is a key sector within the local economy.

Opening from

11 July at Whitburn

Community

Museum

Monday: 9am - 5pm

Tuesday: 9am - 5pm

Wednesday: 9am - 5pm

Thursday: 9am - 5pm

Friday: 9am - 5pm

Saturday: 9am - 1pm

To learn more about the support available to help West

Lothian businesses grow, scan the QR code or visit

www.investinwestlothian.com/business-support/

Your Community

Council Needs You!

A charity that provides FREE Arts

projects for Health and Wellbeing

We provide a range of free (donations welcome) creative

projects for adults and older people across West Lothian

and beyond including:

Livingston Dance, Thursdays 10.30am at Livingston

United Church, Fells Rigg

Bathgate Dance, Fridays 10.30am Rosemount Gardens, Bathgate

Music classes, Thursday 12noon at Bathgate Partnership Centre

Creative arts opportunities in care homes and NHS settings

New gentle movement project for people living with Parkinsons,

Alzheimers or Dementia starting soon, get in touch to

book your place

We also support Community Cinemas

across West Lothian

We are currently looking for volunteers to support a

variety of projects and to join the Board of Trustees.

To get involved or for more information on these projects

and the other work we do please contact generationarts.

info@gmail.com or visit www.generationarts.co.uk or call

07521 358 239

West Lothian Council has begun the process to

elect 300 community councillors to serve on all

40 community councils.

Community councils were set up to

co-ordinate and express the views of the

communities they represent in relation to

matters for which public authorities are

responsible.

They act as a voice for their local areas

and provide an important link between

their communities, the council and other

public bodies. They each have a place on

the council’s 9 Local Area Committees.

If you are interested in what is happening

in your local community, why not become

a community councillor and get involved

in the issues that matter to your local

area?

Community councils are non-political

and anyone can stand for election. The

only criteria to becoming a community

councillor is that you are aged 16 or over

and your name and address, as well as

those who propose and second your

nomination, appear in the electoral

register for the community council area.

If you are interested in getting involved you can download a nomination

pack from www.westlothian.gov.uk/communitycouncils, contact us on

01506 281609 or e-mail community.councils@westlothian.gov.uk

Young people between the ages of 14-16 can also get involved as all

community councils are allowed to have four youth members.

Nomination forms must be returned by 5pm on Thursday 4 September 2025.

In any area where more nominations are received than there are

places available, an election may be necessary.

The date of Election will be Thursday 16 October 2025.


Bulletin

15

New homes for social housing

Work is continuing to create further social housing

across West Lothian.

In Livingston, 32 new

homes are being delivered

by Persimmon at part of

their Rosebank Wynd site off

Simpson Parkway to meet

their Section 75 Affordable

Housing obligation which

aim to address affordable

housing needs within new

developments

The site as a whole has 140

homes and the 32 council

homes comprise of 2 x 3

bed wheelchair accessible

bungalows, 2 x 2 bed

bungalows, 6 x 4 bed endterrace

properties, 12 x 2 bed

cottage flats (four in a block)

and 10 x 2 bed terraced houses.

There is a shared parking

court to the rear with an

electric vehicle charging point,

the larger site will have a play

park.

Work is already well underway

with the council homes

anticipated to be completed

by March 2026.

Further council homes will

also soon become available in

the Winchburgh area.

16x 2-bedroom flats will soon

be delivered for the council, at

Bellway Homes Winchburgh

Heights development.

These flats are in an accessible

location near Winchburgh

Marina with easy access to

transport links and local

amenities. They are largely

constructed with handover

to the council expected this

summer.

All types of social housing in

West Lothian, whether council

or RSL, are currently in very

high demand and as a result,

anyone considering applying

for social housing in West

Lothian is strongly encouraged

to ensure that they register

not just with the council, but

with all Registered Social

Landlords who operate in

West Lothian.

Executive councillor for housing George Paul, joined council officers on a visit to the site in

Livingston where they were given a tour by representatives from Persimmon Homes. Below is

an aerial view of the site.

The delivery of new social housing remains an ongoing commitment

from the council and the development of new units is progressing well

across a number of locations in West Lothian. I was very pleased to witness

this myself, when visiting the Rosebank Wynd site in Livingston where we look

forward to continue working with Persimmon Homes to deliver 32 high quality

homes for social rent.” George Paul, Executive councillor for housing

Scan the QR code to find out more about West

Lothian Council's New Build Housing Programme

IT’S

OF THE JOB

Reports of violent

and verbal assaults

against council staff are

increasing annually, with

approximately 2,500 staff

experiencing violence

and aggression from the

public each year.

We will not tolerate abusive behaviour of any sort.

Please show our staff the respect they deserve.

All incidents will be reported.

Are you a council

housing tenant?

Consider a Mutual

Exchange (also known as a

House Swap or Transfer)

There are many benefits to using the Mutual

Exchange service, including finding the kind

of house you want without waiting on the

housing waiting list. If you were to use this

service, any live housing applications with the

council will be cancelled as your needs are

considered met.

Can I swap with another council housing tenant?

Yes, existing Council tenants can apply for a mutual exchange. Tenants are permitted to

swap with another secure tenant. This may be another tenant at the same council, or a

tenant of another council or a Registered Social Landlord.

We will normally agree as long as:

Both houses are the right size and type for the household

Neither tenant owes rent or other debt to the council

Both tenants have kept their house and garden to a reasonable standard and

have conducted their tenancy properly

Are Housing Associations involved in

the Mutual Exchange scheme?

Yes, you can apply to exchange houses with a tenant of

any Registered Social Landlord. Find out more by

scanning the QR code.

MINI ROCKS 2025!

Families across West Lothian made history as Scotland’s

first ever family functional fitness event, Xcite Mini Rocks,

took place at Xcite Bathgate on 18th May.

Designed specifically for children aged 8–11 and their grown-ups, Xcite Mini

Rocks broke new ground in the Scottish fitness scene by putting families

through their paces across eight interactive fitness stations – proving that

fitness really is more fun together!

The event was designed as a challenge and celebration

for all the families that take part in Xcite Family Fitness

Factory classes which take place across West Lothian every

week. Scan the QR code to learn more about our family

fitness classes.

Colour Run Bursts Into Action

Over 200 children enjoyed a bright and bouncy Easter Weekend

at the Xcite Kids Colour Run! Held at Xcite Craigswood, the

course featured slip & slides, cargo crawls, tyre

flips — and clouds of colourful powder paint

thrown by our brilliant volunteers.

A highlight on the community calendar, the next

Colour Run will take place at Xcite Bathgate on

9th August. Scan the QR code to learn more.

Summer Holiday

Fun at Xcite!

Get ready for a summer of

non-stop action with the Xcite

Kids Holiday Programme—

back and bigger than ever!

Enjoy multi-sport day camps,

golf camp at Polkemmet,

outdoor adventure days, and

NEW for 2025: Tennis camp at

Xcite Broxburn!

Scan the QR code for the full

programme.

Parkinson’s

Programme

Changing Lives

John Stirling, a retired hospital estates worker living with

Parkinson’s, is thriving thanks to our dedicated support programme.

Developed with Parkinson’s UK, these free, expert-led sessions

boost mobility, strength, and wellbeing. John says:

I can climb stairs again,

walk more, and drive. The

difference has been huge.

New Gym at Xcite

Bathgate – Open Now!

The Xcite Bathgate gym extension is now

open - and it’s our biggest gym yet!

With 135 pieces of cutting-edge Technogym equipment

and space for 170 users, the new space has everything

you need to power up your workouts.

Access to the gym is included in adult Xcite

memberships, or you can pay-as-you-go.

Scan the QR code to take a look.

135

pieces of

cutting-edge

Technogym

kit

www.westlothianleisure.com

West Lothian Leisure (known as Xcite) is a scottish Charity, SC027470.

West Lothian Bulletin Summer 2025

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