It’s an exciting time for Whitburn. The West Lothian town is currently undergoing a massive redevelopment that will see the site of the former Polkemmet Colliery transformed.
The Heartlands Development, one of Europe’s largest brownfield regeneration projects, is set to change the face of Whitburn – and bring 400 new jobs to the area. Visit now to see what’s in store for Whitburn’s future.
All about Whitburn
With a local economy and tight-knit community founded upon coal mining, Whitburn was hit hard when the Polkemmet Colliery closed in 1985. The Levi Strauss factory helped to keep many of Whitburn’s residents in work, but it too shut its gates in 1999.
Today, the town’s population stands at almost 11,000 people – a figure that’s set to soar as the Heartlands Development takes shape. Work is ongoing with plans to build new homes, a business park and two championship standard golf courses.
A new junction will be added to the M8 to allow direct access to the development from the motorway. With the Heartlands Development promising to add so much to the town, Whitburn is likely to attract more visitors than ever in the coming years.
Places to visit in Whitburn
Of course, you needn’t wait for the development work to finish to visit Whitburn – there are plenty of good reasons to stop by the town today.
Stop by the bowling club for a game – beginners and old hands are equally welcome. Alternatively, enjoy some well-deserved time out by booking in for a pampering beauty treatment or haircut at one of Whitburn’s salons.
Whitburn’s wide selection of gift shops, florists and jewellers makes the town the ideal place to pick up the perfect present. Even if you’re only window-shopping, reward your efforts with a bite to eat at one of the town’s many cafés, restaurants or pubs.
Immediately to the west of the town lies Polkemmet Country Park, undoubtedly Whitburn’s number one attraction for locals and visitors alike. Spanning 169 acres, the park is home to a golf course and driving range, bowling green, picnic and barbecue areas, play areas, restaurant, information centre and enough trails to keep you happily occupied for many visits.
The mature woodlands of Polkemmet Country Park are bursting with beech, conifer, horse chestnut and sycamore trees, providing the ideal environment for birds and bird watching. Look out for thrushes, chaffinches and robins darting amongst the trees. You might even spot the brilliant blue blur of a kingfisher as it looks for its next meal in the River Almond, which flows through the park.
Thinking of extending your stay? Quality accommodation is easy to find in Whitburn. The town has its own independent hotel or you can take your pick of the cosy B&Bs in the area.
To discover more about Whitburn, visit the community website at www.eh47.freeserve.co.uk
