A modern and bustling village surrounded by gently rolling countryside.
History
Situated at a midway point on the Edinburgh to Airdrie route, it is believed West Calder served as a refreshment station for early travellers.
During the oil boom of the 1860s when James Young discovered shale oil in the area, West Calder started to prosper along with many of the other towns and villages within the region. In 1947, West Calder witnessed one of the worst underground mining disasters when an explosion at its Burngrange pit, killed 15. A memorial in the town centre pays tribute to the miners.
Three miles to the South East of West Calder, early traces of a Roman settlement can be found at Castle Greg. It is one of the best preserved Roman finds in Scotland having been excavated in the mid 19th century. The remains reveal two defensive ditches protecting a rampart.
Today West Calder is a thriving community benefiting from local industry and businesses. Due to its excellent rail and road links is easily commutable to Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Visiting West Calder
A walk through the village shows housing dating from the mid-20th century. A public library had been constructed earlier and is a good example of the popular Art Noveau style.
The High Street is supported by independent retailers and small local businesses. Take time to stop in one of several cafes for a relaxing coffee or enjoy a meal in one of its restaurants.
Popular with young visitors is the Five Sisters Zoo complete with cafeteria, picnic and outdoor play area
Harburn Golf Course offers a warm welcome to visitors who can enjoy a round of golf on their 18 hole course. The golf club offers a 19th hole for those wishing a thirst quenching drink, light meal or fine dining.
West Calder boasts its own Model flying club and is run for the enjoyment of radio controlled model aircraft enthusiasts.
Five Sisters Zoo is a fabulous attraction which offers fun for all the family. Take a visit to the wild side in the heart of West Lothian.
The Pitstop Softplay is a multi-level soft-play facility for children under the age of eight.
Hermand Birchwood, situated 0.6 miles south-east of West Calder, is an important area of woodland growing on a relict raised bog with a ground flora dominated by blaeberry
To the north of West Calder in West Lothian, this oil-shale bing now supports valuable wildlife habitat including woodland, scrub and flower-rich grassland
Harburn Golf Club is a challenging 18-hole Parkland course with a good variety of Beech, Oak and Pine Trees.
Allandale Tarns spring fed lakes have excellent water quality and offer separate fly fishing and bait fishing. The lakes are stocked each day with quality rainbow, blue and brown trout
Bistro19 Harburn is a family friendly restaurant and bar catering fresh food for all occasions.
4 award-winning havens of 3, 4 & 5 star quality. 3 sleep up to 6 people each. One luxury lodge sleeps 12+. Heaven in the Pentland Hills!
We offer delightful recently refurbished holiday accommodation situated between West Calder and Carnwath in the heart of the Scottish countryside.
Visit West Lothian, Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston, West Lothian. EH54 6FF UK Registration No. SC346843
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