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SEPTEMBER 2016
linlithgow
FEATUREs
Back to school – if you were lucky in Linlithgowshire The Other Forth Crossing Local Charity: Bosom Buds of Scotland West Lothian Doors Open Day
plus local businesses, community information and more!
s& Offer ers h c u o v cal from lo ses s e busin
A new community magazine for the Linlithgow area
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FEATURE
M e s s ag e f rom t h e e d i to r
S
ummer’s more or less over, Party at the Palace has been enjoyed (it was great, well done to the organisers!) but that doesn’t mean the fun stops; there is plenty on in September. Linlithgow Folk Festival kicks off on the 7th September for the 18th year running. And the Linlithgow Civic Trust organises the local Doors Open Day annually in September, when quite a few buildings in Linlithgow and elsewhere in West Lothian open for a weekend for guided tours - or just to take a look. There was no room for a walk feature in the magazine this month, but I do recommend getting around some local buildings on Doors Open Day. Last year I visited Duntarvie Castle which was open for the first time on Doors Open weekend fascinating if like me you love old buildings – but there are plenty other options! Our local charity article this month is Bosom Buds of Scotland, set up a few years ago by a Linlithgow resident. They do absolutely sterling work for cancer patients, please read the article on pages 34-34, like their pages on social media and see what you could do to get involved. On a back-to-school theme for our local history article we took a wee dip back in time to when many children were more likely to be down the coal mines than at school. If you have an event on in the next couple of months that you’d like to promote to the local community, or if you’re involved in a club or hobby group, please let me know and we’ll make sure it’s included next month in the community pages at the back of the magazine. Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.
Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk Front cover: Late summer on the canal at Linlithgow. Photo by Konect.
CONTENTS Linlithgow ar ticle Linlithgow local People Puzzle page What’s on Clubs & Classes West Lothian Door s Open Day
08 34 36 37 37 39
West Lothian regular Visit West Lothian The Other For th Crossings Bathrooms Parenting in West Lothian Proper ty Matter s Wonder lab Gardens Food & Drink
wl 01 wl 02 wl 03 wl 08 wl 10 wl 14 wl 16 wl 20
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
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Advertising Enquiries CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk Advert booking deadline: 10th of the month prior to print. Artwork/copy deadline: 13th of the month prior to print. The Konect magazine is delivered to 7500 homes and businesses in Linlithgow, Linlithgow Bridge and the surrounding area. Copies are also left at the library, post offices and other locations.
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KONECT LINLITHGOW 3
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Back to school – if you were lucky West Lothian schools have been back a couple of weeks; the back-to-school moaning from the kids has subsided as they settle back to routine. But when coal-mining was in its heyday, school would have been a dream come true for the children engaged in dangerous physical labour down the pits. It’s interesting and heart-breaking to read the 1841 government report into child labour in the mines, and hear the voices of real children, in what was then Linlithgowshire, after nearly 200 years. Mines varied according to the management and communities - some didn’t let women and children down the mines and others did. Some children went to school at night after working 12 or 14 hours in the mines. The resulting 1842 Mines Act ended self-regulation and employment of women and children under the age of 10 underground. Margaret Harper, 13 years old, putter*: Hard Hill Colliery, Bathgate
“I work with sister Agnes, who is 11 years of age; we work 10 to 12 hours in the day; we get porridge before we gang, or it is sent down by mother. We hurry the carts on the railroads by pushing behind; I frequently draw with ropes and chains as the horses do; it is dirty slavish work and the water quite covers our ankles. I have never been much hurt; I knock my head against the roofs, as they are not so high as I am and they cause me to stoop, which makes my back ache. Father gets 1s. a-day for our work, 6d. each; he would not have sent us down but is sore bad in his breath.”
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Thomas Brown, 10 years old, putter*: Hard Hill Colliery, Bathgate
“I go down at three in the morning, and come up at four and sometimes six at night, and work 9 or 10 days in the fortnight; work very hard, as father is no strong the now, and mother is dead. I hurry the hurlies [draw the carts] in harness.”
John Baxter, age 15 years, coal-hewer*: Collinshield Colliery, Bathgate
“I work from two in the morning till six at night; done so for five years. My adopted mother puts my coal, and we earn about 2s. a-day together. The work is gai sore for both of us, but the woman has been a real kind friend to me, as I lost my mother soon after my birth, and my father was murdered seven or eight years ago; he was thrown into the canal and the murderer was never sought after, as there was no talk about the death and therefore no inquiry. I was reading and was going to the writing but the night-school was dropped.”
Peter Andrew, 11 years old, putter*, Polkemmet, Whitburn
“I work about 12 hours daily, three or four morning till three or four afternoon. Get porridge or tea sent, as live just convenient to the engine; … Father and three brothers work below; two of my brothers write very well; I am not the length of writing yet; do not go to school at present, I shall do as summer advances; the moor is not good to cross, and the teacher lives far away.”
Robert Beveridge, 15 years old, coal-hewer* at Polkemmet, Whitburn
“I have been below near five years; work 11 and 12 hours, sometimes longer. Mother was a farmer’s daughter, and she had nine of us; she never wrought below, nor have any women here; the lassies go into the fields or to service.”
Margaret Chirce, 12 years old, putter*: Kipps Colliery, Torphichen
“I shute the carts with sister, who is much older than me, in the Kipps Pit. I do not know my sister’s age, am sure she is much older, as she is a big bit bigger than me; after shuting [pulling and drawing through the unrailed part of the seam] up the brae, I throw the coals over with a shovel into the hurley, which is pushed to pit bottom. I do not like the work so well as what I did before my father forced me down; my work was that of a herd-kye [cowherd] at Whiteside, where I was much better fed and clothed. Father has the dropsy from sitting in wet work, and frequent attacks of bad breath; mother has a large family dependant on our labour.”
Mary Sneddon, aged 15, coal-putter*, Bo’ness, Linlithgowshire Thomas Smith, coal-hewer: Kipps Colliery, Torphichen
“Can’t say what age I am, nor what place was born in - I may be 12 or 14. I work 12 to 14 hours daily at houking the coal [cutting or picking] with father; sometimes I draw or push the carts; the carts hold four hutchies, which is equal to 14cwt. - this is the usual weight drawn and pushed by girls and boy.”
PICTURE: Drawer pulling a Coal tub. Picture published in the Children’s Employment Commission (Mines) 1842 report.
“I have only wrought at Bo’ness Pit three months. Should not have ganged but brother Robert was killed on the 21st January last. A piece of the roof fell upon his head, and he died instantly: he was brought home, coffined and buried in Bo’ness kirk-yard. No one came to inquire about how he was killed; they never do in this place. Mother has had 13 children, five only are alive; she does not work below just now, as no need; four, including father, work below.”
*Coal-putters loaded the coal into the skips below ground, either by bare hands or with a shovel. Coal hewers were stronger, swinging a pick at the coal face.
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Highlights:
Musical Cruise with Linlithgow Union Canal Society A cruise on the Union Canal with live music from Cockleroy. Bring your own food for canal-side bbq afterwards. 6.30pm at the Canal Centre, Tickets £8 from Far from the Madding Crowd or pay on the night.
Friday 9th Sept
7-11 September The 18th Linlithgow Folk Festival celebrates traditional music with live Music at The Cross, workshops, sing-around, blue-grass gospel session, open-air ceilidh and much more at various venues in Linlithgow. Information from the Festival Hub (Masonic Hall) or see www.linlithgowfolk.com for full five day programme. KONECT LINLITHGOW 8
Bluegrass Concert with the Daddy Naggins – performing at St Margaret’s hall, 8pm. Tickets £10 on the door or online at https://linlithgowfolk.yapsody. com/
Sat 10th Sept
The Outside Track – performing at the Academy, 7.30pm. Tickets £15 from Far from the Madding Crowd or online at https:// linlithgowfolk.yapsody.com/
ea – the community, is all about our local ar mation al businesses and infor what’s on, supporting loc own town/villages. and articles about our
We’re also all residents of the wider West Lothian region, and based on reader and business feedback, this month we’re starting a section within Konect that brings all the West Lothian-wide information together in a central section of the magazine. So you’ll find some of our regular columns in this section as well as homes, gardens, food and beauty alongside the businesses serving the whole of West Lothian. If you run a business and would like to be included in this section, which is read by 40,500 households in West Lothian, please get in touch with us.
September – Spring and sing you way into autumn this year with West Lothian! Summer is a distant memory, the leaves are changing colour, and autumn is definitely on its way. Don’t worry though, because West Lothian always has something for you to do, whether you like activities, theatre, shopping or food and drink! Check out Livingston’s newest addition, JumpStation Trampoline Park! Made up of over 80 interconnected trampolines, JumpStation is tailored to suit people of all ages and skill groups. With 14 different dedicated activity zones, it is great fun for all the family, and a fantastic way to make exercise more enjoyable.
2nd September, where all your favourite musicals are crammed into one spectacular show. Maybe you’re an 80s rock child, who would enjoy Simple Minded at Howden Park on the 3rd September, a tribute act very close to the real thing! Or if you just prefer a bit of traditional Scottish music, then look no further than Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham: Le Grand Anniversaire, having worked together for forty years, they will be playing at Howden Park Centre on 23rd September, it’s definitely not one to miss! For more information on these events and ticket prices, visit our website!!
Enjoy a bit of music? Well then you’re in luck because between the amazing shows at both Howden Park Centre and Bathgate Regal Theatre we’ll have you up and singing along. Why not spend a Night at the Musicals at the Regal on the
For the latest on all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit: www.visitwestlothian.co.uk facebook.com/VisitWestLothian Twitter. com: @teamwestlothian KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 1
The Other Forth Crossings The Forth Replacement Crossing is nearly done, with the platforms almost joined up on the magnificent new cable stayed bridge. But bridges aren’t the only way the Forth has been crossed. • There are the silly records – German Helmut Pohle piloted the first Junkers 88 across the Forth in 1939, and in 1785 an Italian named Vincenzo Lunardi did the same in an air balloon but entirely by accident! • More seriously there were the tunnels. A tunnel was carefully considered before the new bridge was decided on, but that would not have been the first. • The first tunnel was in 1590, when a brilliant engineer built an artificial island in the middle of the Forth, and then tunnelled from Culross in Fife following a coal seam to the new island. Boats docked at the island and took the coal directly from the top of the mineshaft to places such as Portugal, Norway, the Baltic and France. Undersea mining was an amazing achievement. • Not everyone was amazed - James VI, the witchhunting king - was invited to inspect the Culross tunnel in 1617. He walked down the length of the well-ventilated tunnel and then thought the island was a trap he had been lured into and he threatened the coal merchant with treason. The tunnel flooded in 1625. • There were at least a dozen serious proposals, plans and projects for tunnels under the Forth between 1790 and 1960, some of them truly grand. • There was even talk in 1954 of a £5.3 million “Forth Tube”, in which traffic would pass through a 2800ft reinforced concrete tube. It was declared a brilliant idea, but was
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scrapped in favour of the Forth Road Bridge, which opened in September 1964. • But only one tunnel ever made it from one side of the Forth to the other. The tunnel was dug by the National Coal Board in 1964 and finally filled in and obliterated from all but a few memories in 1982. The tunnel transported coal mined in Fife to the the Kinneil processing facilities. It was never intended for public use, and meandered around following the coal seam geology from Bo’ness to Valleyfield in Fife. Two teams tunnelled towards each other from Fife and Kinneil in cramped and difficult conditions. After months of digging and at a depth of 500 metres, using manual measurements from Ordnance Survey benchmarks, the teams met with a difference of 5 cm, which is basically a perfect result. The National Coal Board had intended that the tunnel might give Kinneil another century of working life, but neither geology nor politics worked out as the miners had hoped. Kinneil was closed in 1982.
making the most of your bathroom Today’s smallest room is truly multi-functional – a place to unwind, de-stress or re-energise is high on many people’s wish list when considering a new bathroom project. Here are some ideas from Konect to help you make the most of yours. First of all, you may want to consider your household needs. If you only have one bathroom and a young family, then as a shared space it needs to cater for all. A bath rather than just a shower cubicle is a must for young ones. If you decide to go a step further and install a whirlpool bath, they’ll have bubbles of fun and you can have a long, relaxing soak when the children are tucked up in bed.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
The Kudos Ultimate 2 glass shower screen lends a minimal style to a contemporary wet room. Available from Regency Bathrooms, Broxburn.
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Lots of storage to hide away those rubber ducks, alcoves or shelves for candles along with hidden speakers for your favourite music (or nature sounds if you prefer) are perfect for the real spa feel. A stand-alone bath can be real stunning focal point and by choosing centrally located taps you’ll add some French chic. Walk-in cubicles or wet-rooms with floor-level trays paired with power showers have become popular in recent years, especially with people who lead hectic lifestyles or exercise frequently. This style of bathroom can also be useful for people who are elderly or infirm as it allows for better access.
An en-suite built from the tightest of spaces. Ekco, Uphall, Livingston.
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Getting a plan drawn up by a bathroom designer rather than doing it by yourself is highly recommended. You’ll be amazed at what they can do with the tiniest of spaces, including en-suites, to make your room seem bigger than it is. And, if you choose a designer and a bathroom company recognised by an industry body such as the KBSA, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your new bathroom is being installed by professionals. 1. Clever design in this small wetroom also includes a bath and a walk in shower. Ekco, Uphall, Livingston. 2. His and hers sinks with vanity storage and wall mounted mirror cabinets in minimal design. Bathroom Studio, Bathgate. 3. Symmetrical bathroom with luxurious centre bath and ample shelving. Bathroom Studio, Bathgate.
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David Hastings Building Surveyor BSc Hons., M.C.I.O.B., R.Maps., AMiAS Thinking of having your house/office altered or extended or garage/loft converted? I provide expert advice on all building projects with a free consultation to determine viability.
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Parents in West Lothian
Jupiter Artland
Our column is West Lothia t: Nicola Jengaenga li ve n months an with Quinn 2, Penny s in d her hubby 10 Channa, 33 . Nicola & Ch an schedules w na both work, jugglin ith the ever-e g hectic vo their two tin y overlords, lving demands of in some tim and also sq ueezing e for each ot her!
Arty day out in West Lothian with the little ones I have a funny relationship with art … I like modern art, but only if I can tell that it took a long time to create. I can’t specify why the length of time taken matters to me, but it does. Nothing annoys me more than seeing a blank canvas with a single red dot sitting pretentiously in the corner and so on. But not all modern art is like that – one of the best and most mesmerising paintings I’ve ever seen was one that looked more or less black at first glance, with a large white moon in the top third. It looks plain black until your eyes adjust and let you see all the subtly different shades of black, then it’s a field of sheep. Admirable too – in a different way - are the heartfelt, passion-fuelled offerings that Quinton brings me from nursery each week, or the concentration with which Penny swipes a yoghurtfilled hand across the seat of our red, fabric couch. So imagine my wonder when a friend of mine recently described to me a local visitor attraction where the pieces of art are embedded in (and sometimes created from) nature and the landscape. This is how it came to be that on an extremely windy Saturday, the babies and I set off for Jupiter Artland … We arrived and quickly realised that our BabyJogger pram wasn’t going to be ideal for the task of meandering around the sprawling environs. The ground is quite uneven and there are protruding tree roots everywhere as you follow the prescribed route through the park – it can be done though, just take a sturdy helper! The programme you get for free at the ticket office leads you through the exhibits and explains (sometimes a bit cryptically) the meaning or the concept behind the pieces of art.
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It’s basically an art gallery turned inside out – you wander on footpaths, bumping into colossal works of sculpture and concept art at every turn. These range from a massive figure of a man made of metal rods crouching on the floor, to a sound display of various jangling objects tied to the branches of a tree set on an island in the middle of a pond. Some exhibits are a bit sinister ie the Weeping Girls (see picture with me alongside one of the stone girls) but generally they are very thought provoking and inspiring and some are outright weird. The best bit for me about the whole experience was the feeling of ‘discovering’ each artwork amongst the trees, and the anticipation of the next one. Quinn had a whale of a time running wild and free (ssshhhh!!) Jupiter Artland, thanks for a great day out, and for teaching me to appreciate the yoghurt stains on my couch a little more deeply.
Me with Weeping Girls sculpture at Jupiter Artland.
COMING SOON FAMILY FUN DAY
at Howden Park, Livingston Saturday 17th September 11am - 3pm Raffle tombola & kiddies rides & inflatables. Wristbands available to ride all day for £5
Some height restrictions
For more details call 0300 123 1070 or email zoe@riverkids.org.uk
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Find out about a career in Fostering at our monthly drop-in events: 5-7pm, first Thursday, every month at Waverley Court, Edinburgh EH8 8BG.
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www.edinburgh.gov.uk/fostering KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 9
propErty matters
“Quick Tips to Maximise your Sale” By Craig Turpie, Turpie & Co. First impressions are not only important when selling your home, they are absolutely critical. When people come to view a property for the first time, they are unlikely to be scrutinising the unseen. They are simply trying to get a feel for the property. They will be bombarded with mostly visual impressions, many of which you can positively influence.
effective, and looks good. Do make sure you polish any chrome as well, using lime scale remover if necessary.
For example, if your kitchen is looking tired, it can easily be spruced up with new cabinet doors. Even just replacing the handles can look good, or you could even go further and fit a new worktop. Kitchen flooring which may have passed its best is also usually quite inexpensive to replace due to the relatively small surface area.
Outside, flowerbeds can instantly be given a new lease of life with a generous helping of shredded tree bark compost. Freshly-mown lawns with neat edges look great, as do paths which have recently been weeded. Patio areas are more appealing when they have been jet-washed, but also when they look like they are enjoyed regularly - so it’s worth having your garden furniture out rather than packed away. The same applies to children’s play equipment if you are selling a family home.
Bathrooms can look almost as good as the day they were fitted with a bit of work on the grouting. Hack out any discoloured grout between the tiles or sealant around the wash basins, baths and showers, and replace with new. It’s inexpensive,
Do declutter. Buyers want to imagine themselves living there, so don’t distract them with too much of your own stuff, although a cosy home can be more appealing than a clinical one!
The key is a neat, but lived-in look, which will appeal to the heart as well as the head!
Before
After Kitchen transformed with painted doors and new handles. By Ian Merriman, kitchenspainted.com
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Small garden makeover with turf laid, edges done and a mini patio area installed. By Dan Greaves Landscape Gardeners.
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Wonderlab: “A facial for the scalp” An innovative offering from a West Lothian hair salon
Everyone loves a pampering in the form of a facial or other relaxing beauty treatment; beauty salons offer a huge choice of treatments. So how about a similar treatment focussing on the hair and scalp? This is what the team at hair salon Wonderland, Livingston, have been working on – an innovative offering to bring the concept of a health and beauty pampering treatment to their own area of specialism - the hair and scalp. “We always make sure you feel thoroughly pampered when you come to get your hair done here anyway, so it’s an extension of our ethos,” explains salon coowner Liam. “A Wonderlab treatment isn’t part of getting hair cut or coloured, you come in specially for it even if you don’t need your hair done, or if you usually get your hair done elsewhere. It’s all about relaxing rituals to promote healthy scalp and hair - like a facial for the scalp.” Conor Cullen, Bathgate resident and stylist at Wonderland Livingston, is also a member of the 2016 GHD Style Squad. Along with salon owners Liam and Sophie, he has researched and developed the Wonderlab “menu” and delivers the treatment. We tried it and loved it. Here are some elements from the experience:
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The session, which takes around 90 minutes in total, finishes with a blow-dry styling.
1. infused water
A vat of infused water is placed at your station in the salon so you can refill your glass all the way through your treatment. Salon co-owner Sophie is passionate about eating for healthy hair, and encourages clients to look at their diets for hair health. “The infused water is to emphasise the importance of hydration for your hair, and of healthy eating in general.”
“We’ve looked at the hair follicles under a magnifier on the scalp after this treatment and the difference is really striking,” explains Conor. However, close-ups of our hair follicles are not what we all want to see, and in any case the experience of the pampering session and the feel of your hair afterwards says it all. This innovative pampering and relaxation session is well worth it and is a unique experience.
2. detox tea
A caffeine-free detox tea is offered as part of the Wonderlab experience – smells and tastes fantastic. 3. Nioxin
The session starts with a dermabrasion for your scalp - a very gentle product massaged into your scalp to remove build-up around the follicles. This is followed by a massage with oil for deep relaxation, and nourishment of the scalp.
For more information contact Wonderland on 01506 429922 or visit www.wonderland livingston.co.uk
4. Dalvines products
A steamer is placed over your head to add moisture, restore colour vibrancy and strengthen elasticity of the hair. It lifts the cuticle on the hair shaft to allow the conditioners and treatments to follow to penetrate each strand. You then choose from four hair treatments offered, to focus on 1) beautifying 2) moisture 3) volume or 4) strength and shine olaplex treatment. 5. Candle & Hot hands
A scented candle is lit and placed at your station in the salon. It contains essential oils to reduce stress, and part way through the Wonderlab experience the warm liquid oil from the candle is used for a relaxing “hot hands” hand massage while your hair is steamed. 6. Perrier
Your hair is rinsed with Perrier sparkling water! An invigorating rinse with room-temperature water.
4
3 5 KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 15
Enjoy Your Garden for Longer This Summer We may be heading towards autumn but don’t write the summer off just yet. You can still make the most of your garden, even if the nights are getting cooler and longer, whether relaxing by yourself or dining al fresco with family and friends. If you don’t already have a dedicated patio area think about creating one with some simple decking or a few inexpensive slabs. For a cheaper alternative buy a couple of bags of chips or stones from your local garden centre. Add a simple log border, or push the boat out with some gabion baskets and you have a quick and stylish dining patio.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
The Abbey garden furniture set with round dining table. Robust, natural timber for yearround use. 10-year guarantee against rot. Perfect for informal outdoor dining. Available from Champfleurie, Linlithgow.
DUNFERMLINE 01383 741980 PENICUIK 01968 670061 Make Over your Garden with Beatsons this Summer! Pitreavie Crescent, Pitreavie Ind. Est., Dunfermline, KY11 8UA Eastfield Drive, Eastfield Ind. Est., Penicuik, EH26 8BA
Artificial Grass
Sahara Natural Paving
£14.00 per m
d
²
Calibrate
£16p.9er9m²
2.4m x 2.5m Decking Kit Railway Sleepers
m
x2400m
200x100
£14
.50
9.99ils £8 oists, Na
J Includes Screws Boards & Decking
www.beatsons.co.uk KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 16
High quality timber garden products
Garden Sheds Garages/Workshops
Summerhouses
Childrens Play Houses
Dog Kennels Garden Stores
Lily Range
Harriet Range
Abbey Range Emily Range Garden Furniture
Arches
Swing Seats
Arbours
Log Edging Woodchip Planters
Mulch
Decking Kits
Gates
Open weekdays 9am till 5pm and Sat & Sun 11am till 3pm Specialists in High Quality Timber Products and Wood Fuels at Competitive Prices For comprehensive information on all of our products please visit our website
www.champfleurieestate.co.uk
Phone 01506 847999 - E-mail sales@champfleurie.co.uk - Champfleurie Estate, Linlithgow, EH49 6NB
KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 17
Set aside a separate zone where guests can sit down and relax with a drink before and after dining. Add a gazebo for some shelter along with fairy lights, hurricane lanterns or candles in glass jars which will keep the party going as the sun goes down. Also, make sure you have plenty of seating. Either bring your indoor furniture outside (but keep an eye on the weather forecast) or borrow as many chairs as possible from neighbours. If you plan to eat outside or entertain more often in your garden, it’s worth investing in quality wooden outdoor furniture such as the Abbey, Lily or Emily range of garden furniture from Champfleurie estate in Linlithgow.
KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 18
Emily table and two bench set. Heavy timber construction for durability. 10-year guarantee against rot making it perfect for al fresco dining all year-round. Available from Champfleurie, Linlithgow.
For a friendly & relaxed approach to Double Glazing Contact James on
01506 676 444 Showroom Open 7 Days By appointment only
• • • • • • • • •
Family run business 50 years experience in the Double Glazing industry Friendly, personal service from start to finish No pushy salesmen Insurance backed, fully comprehensive 10 year guarantee Superior quality products, highly skilled helpful tradesmen Second-to-none customer care UPVC & Hardwood windows, doors & conservatories Replace your conservatory using your existing base
• Windows • Doors • Conservatories • Roofline Read what our satisfied customers sat at
www.andrewjamesrc.co.uk
Unit 5 & 6, 42 East Main Street, Blackburn, West Lothian, EH47 7QU (Next to Blackburn Recycling Centre) SC479676. Vat No. 116 429 327
As the night draws in you can heat things up with an electric, or natural-flame patio heater. The chimenea has also grown in popularity in recent years. Historically made from clay, chimeneas are available in both cast-iron and cast aluminium in traditional and beautiful contemporary designs. Some, such as the Murcia Chimenea made by La Hacienda, have a grill for cooking which means they can double-up as a small barbecue as well as a heater - perfect for more intimate gatherings!
The Murcia large chimenea made by La Hacienda. A classic style with a modern twist. Metal with black powder coating. Complete with chrome-plated cooking grill for BBQ cooking. Available from Wilko Livingston.
Double Glazing Installers Required Full Time Positions, Excellent Rates of Pay Driving Licence and a Good Eye for Details Essential
Contact James on 01506 676 444 Units 5 & 6, 42 East Main Street Blackburn West Lothian, EH47 7QU KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 19
FOODINBURGH FOODPICKS SEPTEMBER
3 1
2
4
1. F ork & Field Gastropub
Fork & Field opened to much excitement last month. West Lothian desperately needs more independent restaurants and Fork & Field fits the bill nicely, located in the former Torphichen Arms in Mid Calder. The new owners also own The Jolly Botanist and a group of other successful bars and restaurants in Edinburgh, so we are in safe hands. Inside a complete refurb has taken place and there’s now a well-lit conservatory and beer garden. Good times await us all in there I think!
2. New Seafood Restaurant Cadiz
Heading into the very heart of Edinburgh now. The owners of the very reliable tapas restaurant Cafe Andaluz have renovated the first floor and have brought us an entirely new seafood restaurant. Cadiz is a classy place overlooking George Street, serving cocktails and seafood. We recommend the prawns with black garlic aioli to start, and the langoustines for main.
3. G in Tasting at Heads & Tales I f you’re a gin lover, you must visit Heads &
Tales Bar! The home of Edinburgh Gin, Heads & Tales Bar is located beneath The Huxley. This basement bar is classy as you like with table service and knowledgeable waiters only too keen to help you extend your gin knowledge. Book in for their gin tasting and you can spend an hour in one of their booths tasting four different gins - £20 without appetisers/£25 with appetisers.
KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 20
5 www.foodinburgh.com is a leading Edinburgh food site. In a new monthly column for Konect Foodinburgh’s blogger Erica Douglas will provide us with inspiration on where to eat and drink next in Edinburgh and West Lothian. Join the Foodinburgh Supper Club for a monthly digest and offers for some of their favourite monthly choices.
4. Burgers and Beers Grillhouse
Freakshakes have arrived in Edinburgh! These fully loaded milkshakes are full of calories, topped off with cream, and include garnishes like cookies, donuts, pretzels and a variety of sauces. If you’re on the Royal Mile, pop into Burgers and Beers Grillhouse to try their Nutella and Pretzel version. Oh, and they have a burger with peanut butter on it too - have that as well!
5. O ne Of Edinburgh’s Best Kept Secrets
Most of us can reel off a series of the best restaurants in Edinburgh. You might include The Kitchin, Wedgewood, Norn, Castle Terrace or Ondine in your list, but what about The Stockbridge Restaurant? This husband and wife run restaurant in a basement in, you’ve guessed it, Stockbridge is easily missed. We’ve had some of our favourite dishes here, and think of it as fine dining without the fuss. We highly recommend it for cosy romantic meals this Autumn (if there’s pork on the menu, do not hesitate, it’s excellent!)
Festive Party Nights 7pm – 1am | £33.95 per person Enjoy a glass of bubbly on arrival followed by a festive 3 course meal with entertainment & photo booth. Fully booked
Fri 2nd Fri 9th Fri 16thF Sat 3rd Sat 10th Sat 17th
Christmas Party Nights @ Livi FC
2nd and 3rd December (fully booked) 9th, 10th, 11th, 16th, 17th,18th and 23rd Dec £35 per person including 2 drink tokens pp Special Sunday price for 11th & 18th December only £28 pp!
Private Parties
Want to hold your own company Christmas party? Please contact us and discuss your requirements.
Hogmanay at the Almondvale Suite
Book now for a fabulous Xmas!
Join us in the Almondvale Suite for an evening of mouthwatering food, party games, high class entertainment and immaculate service from our friendly staff.
Outside Catering
Food Creations can provide a range of outdoor catering for your Xmas celebrations, from simple buffets all the way to multicourse meals for large numbers.
Tel 01506 412232 yvonne@foodcreations.co.uk facebook.com/simonatfoodcreations
@Food_Creations
Festive Tribute Nights 7pm – 12am | £33.95 per person Enjoy a glass of bubbly on arrival followed by a festive 3 course meal with a tribute act and disco. Thurs 8th Sun 11th Thur 15th
Diana Ross Freddie Michael & Whitney Mercury Buble Houston The perfect night out for couples, businesses or groups up to 200 people. ully booked
*10% discount when your quote KONNECT. 01506 446699 www.deer-park.co.uk
DeerParkGCC
@deerpark_club
deerpark@muir-group.co.uk
Deer Park Golf and Country Club, Golf Course Road Livingston, EH54 8AB
KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 21
Wild food by Anne Pinkerton September is a wonderful time for gathering food from the wild. A time out in the landscape with the fields being harvested, swallows gathering to fly south, the buzz of insects in grass, the smell of crushed stinging nettles and being covered in sticky willie seeds are all part of the process. If you take the children blackberry picking they probably eat more than goes in their basket. The Edinburgh September holiday Monday is often a good day to go looking for your free harvest. There are many good fruits to be found in byways and along canal footpaths - places reasonably free of pollution from exhaust emissions and safe for pickers. Many preserves can be made from free fruit. Raspberry vinegar, sloe gin, elderberry wine and jelly, rose hip jam and rowan berry jelly to go with dark meats are all part of the autumn wild harvest. Cobb nuts and sometimes walnuts can be found and there is the more specialized pleasure to be had from mushroom hunting. This needs more knowledge because some fungi are really poisonous. There are guided tours led by people from Valvona and Crolla around Edinburgh. Cepes and apricot-coloured chanterelle are both splendid in omelettes or meat dishes.
KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 22
Raspberry Vinegar Put the raspberries in a glass or china bowl. Cover with white wine or cider vinegar. Seal with cling wrap. Leave over night or up to 1 day. Drain and pour the vinegar over another similar weight of fruit. The next day do as before; drain and using a third quantity of fruit steep the vinegar for a third time. After three sessions the colour will be beautiful and the flavour strong. Bottle and cork tightly. Keep in a cool dark place. Use for salad dressings, a comforting drink diluted with hot water or in enriching sauces for duck or game dishes. It gives the sour we all seem to enjoy in sweet and sour sauces.
Make Bramble Jelly if you don’t like pips in your teeth You need at least 1kg of fruit to make the project worthwhile; throw in some cooking apples if you need to top-up the brambles. Put all the fruit in a pan with a little water and bring, covered, gently to the boil. Line a bowl with a clean tea towel or muslin. Pour in all the fruit and juice. Hang up to drip overnight or till there is no more juice. Measure the juice and for every pint add 450g sugar. Bring the juice and sugar mixture slowly to the boil, stirring to ensure the sugar melts. Then boil rapidly till setting point is achieved. Pour into sterile, warmed, glass jars and cover. Setting point can be tested for by putting a little of the “jelly” on a cold plate (put it in the fridge for a few minutes or as you start cooking) and seeing if the edges of the blob wrinkle up when you try to push with your finger. If you have one, use a jam thermometer.
Jelly variations Elderberry Jelly - Use elderberries half and half with their weight of cooking apples. Try not to leave too much stalk with the fruit. Strip the berries off their sprays with a fork. Stew them to release their juices and continue as for bramble jelly. Hedge Row Jelly - Use the same method as for bramble jelly but gather a mixture of fruits. Crabb apples, rose hips, hawthorn berries, elderberries, a few sloes and even blayberries (bilberries) if you find them. A few cooking apples will help make the fruit go further; but the flavour will be less intense. Rowanberry Jelly -Just as above but use only rowan berries. Pot in small jars as this is best with meat dishes rather than spread on bread and butter.
Sloe Gin – make it now for Christmas Extract the flavour from these otherwise bitter small fruits of the black thorn bush. Prick each sloe with a needle and put as many in a glass bottle as you can. A gin bottle is perfect. Fill with gin and cork. Leave to extract the juice and flavour from the sloes for three months. Do this in September and it will be ready for Christmas. Decant into another bottle and add some sugar syrup to taste. Use 450g sugar dissolved in 1 pint of water. Re-cork and use to warm yourself after a long Boxing Day walk, or pour over ice cream or mix with fizzy wine for a Kir Royal if you use champagne. (The fruit can be saved and put in cabbage dishes or stews). You can also make a cordial from elderberries by this method. Pack them tightly into a wide necked jar such as you may have from pickled beetroot or onions. Then add vodka, light rum or gin. Sweeten the strained liquid three months later, as with the sloe gin. KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 23
contact alex on:
01506 203200 | 07798 530 247 e: info@aklimos.com www.aklimos.com available for Weddings and all special occasions
follow us at AK Limos we are licensed by West Lothian Council
KONECT WEST LOTHIAN 24
aggression so it’s crucial to see your vet about managing that pain.
Vets TIPS Older Pets Like humans our pets are now living longer thanks to increased affluence, improved nutrition and better health care. This is wonderful news but older animals can have issues which make their later years problematic for pet and owner. Ageing depends on many factors from genetics, size and breed to lifestyle, nutrition and the environment. However, research shows dogs start to age by 8 and cats by 11. Owners should keep an eye out for physical changes in elderly pets, such as signs of failing sight, hearing, taste and smell, musculo-skeletal degeneration or a poor immune system. Many geriatric pets experience chronic pain which can lead to anxiety, irritability and often
Buster the Dog
Another common change is a loss of toilet training which is frustrating for owners but equally upsetting for the pet. This could be down to an infection, being confused or simply in too much pain to move in time. Perhaps puppy pads are needed or taking your pet out for more regular toileting especially after meals and sleeps. Confusion, increased/decreased activity, memory loss and a change in personality are some of the behavioural signs of old age and, if spotted, it’s worth discussing with your vet if dietary supplements could help. Other advice includes raising food bowls to help pets with joint problems; using puzzle feeding to help mental stimulation; and keeping the layout of your home consistent. Stuart McMorrow is head vet at the Westport Veterinary Clinic, 8 Preston Road, 01506 844165, www.westportvets.co.uk
Keep your Friends o pet in tip heWaltehscatrepoprlatfn top shape from just £7 per month To find out more call us on
01506 844 165
or pop into the surgery
8 Preston Rd, Linlithgow EH49 7AU KONECT LINLITHGOW 33
LOCAL CHARITY
The mother of a local cancer patient was concerned by the lack of support for daily living with cancer and its treatment.... so along with her daughter (a breast cancer patient) and some friends, they set out to fill the gaps for other cancer patients. Since 2009 their West Lothian charity, Bosom Buds of Scotland, has brought dignity and hope to hundreds of women and men struggling with the daily challenges of living with cancer. I met Linlithgow resident Mags, the lady behind Bosom Buds, and Trish, a patient who has become an important volunteer in the charity. “Cancer affects absolutely every aspect of your life. It’s in the hundreds of details of daily life, things we take for granted but that a cancer patient struggles with, as well as emotional well-being and the rest of your family – that is what Bosom Buds addresses,” they explain. Mags’ daughter Kate was an extremely fit 23 year old when breast cancer struck. Although there are organisations that help younger people, for those over the age of 24 there was little support available locally. Chemotherapy is exhausting, and one thing Kate found, having been very fit before, was that you’re too tired to go to normal fitness classes. One of the main services Bosom Buds offer is free fitness classes specially designed for cancer patients, where you can also meet people going through the same thing. These classes are run in Bathgate by Michael Smith of Personal Best in Armadale. Michael is fully qualified to help cancer patients with their rehabilitation, as well as carrying out massage therapy and arranging a walking group. It affects everyone in different ways, but many lose their hair through chemo, including eyebrows and eyelashes. Bosom Buds have an arrangement with a hairdresser to procure real-hair wigs which KONECT LINLITHGOW 34
are free of charge to patients, as well as arranging eyebrow tattoos (via a local salon) for those who want them until their own eyebrows grow back. Working closely with the oncology unit at St John’s Hospital in Livingston (to which they donate regularly) Bosom Buds also run pamper days for patients referred by St John’s. They have secured Dundas Castle for a day in April next year to run a pamper day for the metastatic ladies. I spoke to a patient whose life had fallen to pieces after her cancer diagnosis – a successful career women who lost her job and house within a short space of time and wasn’t coping well. Until she was referred to “mindfulness” classes via Bosom Buds. “Mindfulness changed my life,” she says. “The classes helped me to manage my situation a lot better.” The classes are run by Tina Gilbert, a yoga and mindfulness instructor from Livingston. They are free of charge to cancer patients as well as separate classes for their relatives and friends and have proved invaluable to many patients in coping with their situation. The activities of the charity are too numerous to mention here. From providing individuals with mastectomy bras through to ongoing donations to Breakthrough (the breast cancer research organisation), the real contribution that Bosom Buds makes is incalculable – there is no way of measuring the emotional well-being, self esteem, even the will to live that can be given back through providing practical support with every aspect of daily living. As Bosom Buds say, “Cancer can take away your dignity, Bosom Buds helps get it back!”
PictureS: Above: Abseil from the Forth Rail Bridge. Right: Bosom Buds Tough Mudder team.
Fundraising Bosom Buds are here for us in West Lothian when we are touched by cancer, as everyone will be at some point either directly or indirectly. All money Bosom Buds spends or donates comes from fund-raising activities - the generosity and support of the local community and local businesses. Ladies nights, sponsorship events such as a firewalk and abseil from the Forth Rail Bridge and “Bing Blazer� annually in May are examples of their activities. Teams under the Bosom Buds banner enter demanding events such as Tough Mudder and the Edinburgh Marathon. Sainsbury’s in Linlithgow have nominated Bosom Buds as their charity of the year this year, and are looking for books for a book sale to raise funds. Please take any books you can donate into the store. The committee are also collecting bric a brac for sale at antique fairs as one of their volunteers Cathie Macdonald has a special interest. Bosom Buds are especially grateful to Rhoddy Stewart Photography who provides his services free of charge for the pamper days; Michael Smith of Personal Best in Armadale who goes over and above regularly by donating his time and skills at events; Policy Services of Grangemouth named Bosom Buds their charity of the year a couple of years ago and continue to fundraise and provide support; Atkin Framers of Livingston have been very supportive, providing prizes for events, fundraising and networking; Many other local businesses an individuals donate raffle prizes, time and expertise. Sadly Kate is no longer with us and it is a difficult time for the family but they continue to keep Bosom Buds going with support from the committee. Anyone is welcome to get involved and every single contribution is valued. Bosom Buds encourages people to come forward and help out at events or hold their own event. Contact Bosom Buds at info@bosombudsofscotland.org to get involved. Contact Bosom Buds on info@bosombudsofscotland.org www.bosombudsofscotland.org and facebook /Bosom Buds of Scotland
KONECT LINLITHGOW 35
PUZZLES
CROSSWORD
Solution in the October edition of konect
Across 1 Alcove (6) 4 Pieces of wood (6) 9 Family name (7) 10 Not outer (5) 11 Pry (5) 12 Compel (7) 13 Most definitely (11) 18 Group (7) 20 Male relative (5) 22 Mistake (5) 23 Observed (7) 24 Thawed (6) 25 Light wind (6) Down 1 Fight back (6) 3 Liquid soap (7) 5 Robber (5) 6 Middle (7) 7 Inspect (6) 8 Recalling (11) 14 Impartial (7) 15 Latitude zero degrees (7) 16 Squeal (6) 17 Aggravate (6) 19 Abrupt (5) 21 Form of transport (5)
SUDOKU
Sudoku solution on page 38
KONECT LINLITHGOW 36
WHAT’S ON and Useful Information Saturday 3rd September The Antonine Ensemble concert A programme of music for string orchestra in St.Michael’s Parish Church, Linlithgow. 7.30pm. Entry by donation, raising money for Medecins Sans Frontieres (UK), and for St.Michael’s. Text ANTO90 £5 to 70070. Programme: Vivaldi, Mozart, Grieg. This is the first concert of the Antonine Ensemble, made up of local players. The director Alison Hastie plays viola in the Orchestra of Scottish Opera, and is a member of Music Co-Operative Scotland. She teaches vioin/viola and piano, and is a tutor for the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Musicworks programme. She is Organist and Choirmaster at Polmont Old Parish Church, and also plays the organ at St.Michael’s RC, Linlithgow.
7th-11th September Linlithgow Folk Festival Music at The Cross (live), workshops, sing-around, bluegrass gospel session, open-air ceilidh: information from the Festival Hub (Masonic Hall). Main events: Headline Concert with the Outside Track. Nora Devine stage at The Cross, Bluegrass concert with The Daddy Naggins, Canal cruise. See www.linlithgowfolk.com for more info and full programme.
20th & 11th September West Lothian Doors Open Days Various buildings of historical or architectural interest open their doors for free to the public. For details of all buildings open in West Lothian, Edinburgh and beyond see www.doorsopendays.org.uk.
Saturday 24th August Linlithgow Farmers Market The Cross, High Street, Linlithgow. To include your event here, please email editor@konectdirectory.co.uk or call 07854 492638.
library information Linlithgow Library The Vennel, High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7EH Tel: 01506 775490 Email: linlithgow.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening hours: Mon & Fri: 9.00am - 5.00pm. Tue & Thur: 9.00am - 7.00pm. Wed: 9.00am - 3.00pm. Sat: 9.00am 1.00pm.
clubs & classes
Linlithgow Speakers
Sports, Hobbies, Learning, Support Groups & more...
Are you and your staff interested in improving speaking in public and leadership skills? Do you know about Toastmasters? Linlithgow Speakers is a local voluntary group that can help develop these skills. We are looking for new members in Linlithgow. Come and visit on Tuesday night (we meet every second Tuesday at 7.30 at the Low Port Centre in Linlithgow. Please contact me for more information: Sheila Fraser 01506 650953 or 07968 233324.
2nd West Lothian Scouts The Scout Hall, 6 Dog Well Wynd, Linlithgow. Beavers (age 6-8) meet Wednesdays; Cubs (age 8 - 10.5) meet Mondays; Two Scouts troops (age 10.5 -14) meet Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact Group Scout Leader Nick Moody at scouts2wl@hotmail.co.uk. Substantial waiting lists for all sections - new adult volunteers always welcome. The Caring Cafe Low Port Centre, 1 Blackness Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7HZ The Caring Cafe is a meeting place where people with dementia and their carers have a chance to meet others in a similar situation. Meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday of every month 10am - 12noon (Lunch available after the café in the Lowport Centre cafeteria). For people who are able to attend safely on their own or who are accompanied by someone to support them. Contact Margaret or May from Linlithgow Link on 01506 845137 or email Co-ordinator@linlithgowlink.org.uk Linlithgow Bridge Playgroup Chalmers Hall, Main Street, Linlithgow Bridge Tue-Thu: 9:15 am - 11:45 am during term time. No minimum number of sessions. £7 per session. For more information contact lbplaygroup@gmail.com
Linlithgow String Orchestra A newly established group for adults (18+) with a minimum standard Grade 5. We are looking for new members from Linlithgow and the surrounding areas. Our next “Come and Play” sessions will be held on Monday 4th July and Monday 8th August 7.30-9.30pm at St Peter’s Episcopal Church, High Street Linlithgow. Please bring music stands. £3 per player. Please contact us in advance on: linlithgowstringorchestra@gmail.com or search for us on Facebook. Linlithgow Keep Fit Club - NEW! We meet every Thursday from 19:00 - 21:00 at the gym at the rear of Linlithgow Academy. We have limited spaces for new male members. We resume on the 27th August. Call Brian on 07984 930235 or email gallacherbrian@ hotmail.com for further information. To include your club or class, email details to editor@konectdirectory. co.uk. Charity and not-for-profit groups are free, there is a small charge for other listings. See our website for details. www.konectdirectory.co.uk
KONECT LINLITHGOW 37
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Bathrooms
1st Choice Living 4 Bathgate Bathroom Studio WL 5 Buyrite WL 4
Beauty
ACT Beauty & Hair Academy WL 9
Builder
DB General Builders Kirkton Builders
Building Surveyor David Hastings
8 5 WL 6
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
Food Creations
WL 21
Cleaning Services
Dusters Cleaning Services
Complementary Therapies Healthy Healing
Computer Services Sprint Computers
Doors
UPVC Doors
Electrician
Simply Electrical
Beatsons WL 16 Inside and Outside Property & Garden Care 5 Woodford Timber WL 18
Garden Buildings
Champfleurie Estate Ltd Deer Park
AK Stretch Limousines
Locksmith
WL 3 WL 7
Mobility
Med Ecosse
WL 24 5 WL 7 WL 6 WL 13
Motorhome (hire/sale)
Motorhome Hire Scotland WL 24
Painter/Decorator Nu Walls
WL 6
WL 6
WL 7
Inside and Outside Property & Garden Care
5
Removals
Linlithgow Removals Deer Park
Saltire Lock & Security West Lothian Locksmith Company
School
George Watsons College
5 WL 21 WL 7 WL 6 WL 12
Soft Furnishings
Knight Shades Blinds
40
Stone Masonry
Architectural Conservation
8
Vet
Mackie and Brechin West Port Veterinary Clinic
Wallpaper
Graham & Brown
4 33 WL 3
Windows
1st Choice Living 4 Andrew James Windows & Conservatories WL 19
Solution to August Crossword
Solution to Sudoku Page 36
Across: 7 Static, 8 Battle, 9 Grim, 10 Envelope, 11 Economy, 13 Untie, 15 Cobra, 17 Cottage, 20 Upstream, 21 Sure, 23 Unkind, 24 Needed.
Down: 1 Star, 2 Stamen, 3 Screams, 4 Above, 5 Stolen, 6 Flipping, 12 Chopping, 14 Command, 16 Retain, 18 Tested, 19 Mends, 22 Rues.
KONECT LINLITHGOW 38
Capital Heating
Property Maintenance
Security Services
2
WL 6
Plumbing Services
WL 21
Geoff Vinter Joinery Saltire Lock & Security West Lothian Locksmith Company
Nu Walls
WL 17
ABC Hearing
Hire (Car/Van/Minibus)
Plastering
Restaurant
Healthcare
4
Andrew James Windows & Conservatories WL 19 Graham & Brown
Edinburgh Council - Fostering WL 9
Garden & Landscaping
Joiner
WL 24
WL 11
Fostering
4
Conservatories Decorating
Turpie
Golf Club
C and W Cleaning Services WL 9
Catering
Estate Agent
Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advertisement.The Konect Directory does not endorse any advertising material that appears in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding that it is copyright free.The Konect Directory accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior consent of the publisher. Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Editor: Helen-Jane Shearer 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk
10th and 11th September 2016
Linlithgow Civic Trust welcomes you to West Lothian Doors Open Days. Have a look inside the county’s buildings! As ever, all our activities are free. See the national website for more details www.doorsopendays.org.uk. Annet House Museum & Garden 143 High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7EJ. Open: Sat 10th Sept and Sun 11th Sept, 11:00am – 5:00pm. Activities: Guided tours of house and rig garden. Blackburn House (Main building, East Pavilion and Doocot). Blackburn House, Redhouse Road, Seafield, Bathgate, EH49 7AQ. Open: Sun 11th Sept 11:00am – 3:00pm. Facilities: WC, parking, refreshments (donation requested). Activities: Doocot open; tours of building, including old kitchens. Linlithgow Burgh Halls The Cross, Linlithgow, EH49 7AH. Open: Sun 11th Sept 11:00am – 5:00pm. Facilities: WC (including disabled), café. Canal House Adjacent to Canal Centre, Manse Road Basin, Linlithgow, EH49 6AJ. Open: Sun 11th Sept, times as below. Facilities: WC (including disabled) at Canal Centre. Activities: Tours at 2.00pm and 3.00 pm, with guide. Booking essential: tel. 01506 842452 or email jimlonie@gmail.com.
Crossview Studios 3d Union Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7DY. Open: Sun 11th Sept 2:00pm – 4:00pm. Facilities: No toilet facilities or parking (Union Road parallels the railway: pedestrian access from High Street via Dog Well Wynd, Lion Well Wynd or New Well Wynd). Duntarvie Castle 1 Off B8020, north of Winchburgh. Open: Sun 11th Sept 11:00am – 3:00pm. Facilities: Parking. Activities: Restoration is in progress. Small parties (no booking required) will be guided round the site. Stout footwear is advised. Hard hats may be made available. Mary’s Meanders - Linlithgow Tour The tour will start at the front entrance of the Star & Garter Hotel. Maximum – 20. Advance booking (tours@marysmeanders.co.uk) essential. Sat 10th Sept, 11.00am. Regal Community Theatre 2 24-34 North Bridge Street, Bathgate, EH48 4PS. Open: Sat 10th Sept and Sun 11th Sept, 10:00am – 4:00pm. Churches open: Some of the churches have tours and refreshments, please check the website for details. Brucefield Church of Scotland, Whitburn | Kingscavil Church, Kingscavil | Strathbrock St Machan’s Church Ecclesmachan | Strathbrock St Nicholas’ Church Ecclesmachan | St Columba’s Scottish Episcopal Church, Bathgate | St Michael’s Parish Church, Linlithgow | St Ninian’s Craigmailen Parish Church, Linlithgow | St Peter’s Scottish Episcopal Church, Linlithgow.
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