Whitburn
(West Lothian)-
Town Centre
Whitburn is traditionally a mining community, which over the years has suffered from the decline of traditional extraction industries. The closure of the Polkemmet Colliery in 1985 hit the community hard, and the town was also affected with a more recent setback with the closure of the Levi Strauss factory in 1999.
Today however, the town's current population stands at just over 10,000 and is the chosen location for an exciting regeneration initiative called the Heartlands Development. This phenomenal programme, sited at the old Polkemmet Colliery, has truly been a project of great scale. Much of the land has required considerable open cast mining to make the land safe and suitable for developing. Following this, the plan is to create two new golf courses, housing, hotel and Business Park, which will make up this new extended community. There are also plans for a new junction to link this new development directly to the M8.
Visiting Whitburn
For a drink or a bite to eat you can visit one of the towns many café's or pubs, such as the Old Coach Inn or the Cross Tavern. If you're just in for the shopping, Whitburn has a wide range of jewellers, a florist, a gem of a Wool Shop, and gorgeous gift shops. If you're not in a hurry then you can head for some beauty pampering, get a haircut from the classic barbers or get something more memorable and permanent at the tattoo parlour.
Whitburn leisure centre offers a good opportunity for relaxing and activity with its 25m pool, fitness, sauna, steam room and café. The local community centre also plays host to numerous activities including judo. Whitburn bowling club is also a good place to stop by and is easily reached from the town centre by being located on West Main Street.
If you decide to stay over then Whitburn also offers quality accommodation.
Polkemmet Country Park is truly Whitburn's greatest attraction. Spanning 169 acres it is located on the towns western boundary. Its many facilities include an information centre, golf course, walking trails, golf driving range, bowling green, picnic and barbecue areas, play areas, and restaurant.
The reception area is located in the converted garages of the old mansion house, which was demolished in the 1960's. The park is home to mature woodland including conifers, sycamore, beech and horse chestnut. This in turn creates an ideal environment for various species of bird to flourish such as thrush, chaffinch and robin. This natural setting is complemented by the River Almond, which winds its way through the Park.
* The above content has been generously provided by West Lothian Council