Broxburn
(West Lothian)-
Broxburn Church
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Broxburn Canal
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Country Flowers
Broxburn was of little importance before the discovery of shale oil in the area. From the 1870's the large oil industry developed rapidly and flourished for over 60 years. Broxburn played a key role in the centre of this unique British industry, employing about 9000 people in 1926. By 1957 less than 3000 people were employed in the shale oil industry and no shale mines existed in the immediate vicinity of Broxburn.
The decline of the shale industry explains the fall in the population of the Broxburn/Uphall community, from a peak of nearly 13,000 in 1911, down to 11,000 in 1951. Even then about 2000 people travelled out of the area each day for work, mainly to Edinburgh.
Situated just to the north of the A89, Broxburn lies close to the eastern boundary of West Lothian, close to the intersection of the M9 to the north and M8 to the west. Broxburn's easy access to efficient transport routes makes it easy to get to from both Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Broxburn and Uphall, a smaller community to the west, have effectively been merged together. The towns still have distinct communities and retain separate identities however physically the Broxburn/Uphall area has a linear form with a main road running east to west through a 3-mile stretch of built-up area.
Visiting Broxburn
Broxburn has a great deal to offer visitors. With a unique range of well-established independent outlets you can expect to see jewellers, picture framers, delis and beauty salons. Attractive local cafes and restaurants can be found throughout, complimented by welcoming drinking holes such as the Green Tree Tavern shown on the left.
Broxburn also offers many leisure activities for all the family. Centrally located, the local swimming baths incorporates a 25m pool enhanced by a smaller children's pool, a soft play area and sauna. In addition, Broxburn's answer to sports entertainment is found in The Club. This fully licensed establishment has an aracade, a number of snooker tables and offers viewing for sporting events. Meals are served throughout the day, and in the evening you can be entertained by live entertainment from cabarets and bands.
The Houston Farm Riding School is located just outside of Broxburn, in Uphall. This fantastic site offers varied and interesting lessons catered to the ability of the rider. With an indoor school and an outdoor jumping course, this place is a perfect site to get in the saddle any time of year. Nearby, The Uphall Golf Club offers a challenging 18-hole course in a beautiful and easily accessible setting. Again, located just outside of Broxburn's boundaries, this sporting haven provides the full package for golfers with a bar, catering venue and golf shop.
Opposite the golf club you will find Broxburn's most secluded advantage in the Macdonald Houstoun House www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk This beautiful white washed, historic building is set within 20 acres of mature woodlands and offers visitors an exclusive and luxurious setting upon which to base a break around. Broxburn is also home to the Sts John Cantius and Nicholas Church. This historic building is located on the main street in the West of the town and is well worth a look.
Additonally, eight miles outside of Broxburn you can find Hopetoun House. This breathtaking building is the home of the Hope family, Earls of Linlithgow and Marquises of Hopetoun. It was built in the early 18th century by William Bruce and later significantly added to and developed by James Adam.
Broxburn also boasts one of Central Scotland's most desirable natural assets; The Union Canal. This waterway stretches from West to East across Scotland's central belt, cutting right through the heart of Broxburn. This picturesque canal has undergone significant restoration over the past twenty years and now offers an ideal setting for taking a stroll or a cycle along its banks. The town also has its own Canal Society that strives towards greater promotion and understanding of the canal. The Society assist with maintenance of the waterway, and also hold boat trips for those keen to get a chance out on the water!
Another hidden gem that lies near Broxburn is the Almondell & Calderwood Country Park. This attractive park boasts a picnic area, guided tours, a visitor centre and play area and is ideal for spending time in. Stretching over 1.5 miles this peaceful woodland is home to an abundance of wildlife including roe deer, heron and woodpeckers.
* The above content has been generously provided by West Lothian Council