Council area in Scotland
| Coordinates: | 55.89, -3.61 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | NS 99 67 |
West Lothian is a compact council area in the central belt of Scotland, lying between Edinburgh and other major towns. Its largest town, Livingston, was developed as a 1960s new town and remains the administrative and economic centre, with a mix of retail, light industry and modern offices. The area is well connected by the M8 and rail links, making it a popular commuter base for Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The county has a strong industrial and historic identity: in the 19th and early 20th centuries West Lothian was a heartland for coal and shale oil, with communities in places such as Broxburn and Pumpherston shaped by that heritage. At the same time it hosts nationally important historic sites, notably Linlithgow Palace, the royal palace set beside Linlithgow Loch and the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Beyond towns and industry the landscape offers green corridors and country parks - the River Almond valley, the towpaths of the Union Canal, and places like Almond Valley and Beecraigs Country Park provide popular outdoor space. A mix of commuter suburbs, former mining villages and agricultural land gives West Lothian a varied social character and a strong sense of local community.
EH27, EH47, EH48, EH49, EH52, EH53, EH54, EH55