West Lothian Courier

East Calder woman Dawn McKay, 51, has lost 7st 4lb through Slimming World, dropping from a size 22 to a size 12. She says the change improved her energy, confidence and health after struggles including pancreatitis, leg pain, plantar fasciitis, menopause symptoms and borderline diabetes. McKay credits sustainable dietary changes and support from Sue Scorer’s local group, while Scorer says McKay’s achievement is inspiring other members and encouraging people facing similar challenges.

Police are appealing for witnesses and dash-cam or CCTV footage after a van crashed at premises on Greendykes Industrial Estate in Broxburn at around 2:20 p.m. on 14 August 2026. The 62-year-old driver was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with serious injuries, and no other injuries were reported. Police Scotland asked anyone with information to contact 101, quoting reference 1913 of 14 August 2026.

Chief Inspector Dougie Grieve highlights the opportunities and risks of the digital age, particularly for young and vulnerable people who may be targeted online through manipulation and deception. He urges parents and carers to maintain open conversations about online use, stay informed about apps and activity, and use parental controls. The column stresses verifying information before sharing to prevent the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Emphasizing personal responsibility and awareness, he encourages the community to help keep the online environment safe while promoting positive local engagement.

Lucy Lawson, founder of the Unicorn Markets CIC and organiser of the Bathgate Market and Car Boot Sale, received a 2026 Churchill Fellowship to study successful market models in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands. Her research will focus on supporting small traders, revitalising town centres and strengthening local communities, with plans to apply her findings in West Lothian and share them across Scotland. The Bathgate market, launched after her university studies, has grown into a key community hub supporting microbusinesses and providing social connection for residents.

A woodland fire behind B&M on Whitburn Road in Bathgate prompted a response from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, with no casualties reported. Market founder Lucy Lawson reassured residents that Bathgate Market would operate as normal despite the nearby incident. Photos showed minor fire damage, and Lawson thanked firefighters for their quick action. The market, which has previously faced vandalism issues, prepared to welcome visitors the following morning.

Scottish Labour MSP Jenny Young praised the Nationwide branch in Livingston for providing essential in‑person banking services and supporting the community through initiatives such as dementia clinics, financial education for children and safe‑space services for domestic abuse victims. The visit highlighted Nationwide’s pledge to keep all branches open until at least 2030 and showcased the branch’s role in offering both banking services and broader community support. Branch manager James Anderson emphasised the importance of maintaining a local presence to meet customer needs and deliver community programmes.

Kirsteen Sullivan visited the Blackburn United CSC Holiday Camp, where nearly 40 children per session receive meals, sports activities and support funded through Meals & More. She met staff, volunteers and participants, acknowledging the contributions of local volunteers and partners, including Sysco’s role in establishing the club’s partnership with Meals & More. Sullivan praised the initiatives for providing safe environments, healthy food and developmental opportunities for local children and families during school holidays.

A 62-year-old man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after a stabbing near a Co-op store on Howden Road West in Livingston. Emergency services cordoned off the area around 6.50pm on June 30, and Police Scotland stated that inquiries into the incident are ongoing. The Scottish Ambulance Service has been contacted for comment.

Historic Scotland’s annual Spectacular Jousting returned to Linlithgow Palace with knights competing in two shows accompanied by falconry displays and reenactments depicting the era of Robert the Bruce. Historic Environment Scotland highlighted the event's popularity, family appeal and strong visitor engagement in sunny conditions.

A new E19 all‑electric bus service operated by Ember will launch on July 1, providing a 20‑minute link between Edinburgh Airport and Livingston with two alternating route variations. Online ticket prices start at £4.45, with space for bikes and pets allowed on board. The service runs daily, including holidays, expanding Ember’s growing network since its first Edinburgh–Dundee route began in 2020.

West Lothian’s Public Protection Unit reports rising use of Scotland’s domestic‑abuse disclosure scheme, with 937 applications processed this year. Police Scotland and partner organisations have expanded support for survivors through financial‑empowerment programmes, the Economic Abuse Helpline, and the Fund to Leave. Additional assistance includes Amazon‑supplied backpacks for those fleeing abuse. Training on honour‑based violence and forced marriage is increasing, and prevention work has reached more than 4,500 pupils. Authorities reaffirm their commitment to tackling domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

Police are appealing for information after a cyclist was struck by the wing mirror of a white Mercedes SUV on the A704 near West Calder before the driver fled. The cyclist suffered minor injuries and did not require medical treatment. Officers are seeking witnesses or dash‑cam footage and have asked the driver to come forward, quoting incident number 1090 of June 25.

East Calder Medical Practice reported a rise in abusive behaviour toward staff, particularly related to misuse of its parking areas. The practice stated that staff and patient car parks are being inappropriately used for long‑term parking and warned that abusive or aggressive conduct could result in patients being removed from the practice list under NHS zero‑tolerance rules. New signage will be installed to clarify parking expectations, and the practice urged cooperation to maintain a safe and respectful environment.

A 16-year-old boy waiting at a bus stop on Alderstone Road in Livingston was seriously injured after a man allegedly attacked him with a hammer, causing facial injuries including a broken eye socket. His family reported the incident to Police Scotland, who have launched an investigation and appealed for witnesses to come forward. The teenager is expected to undergo surgery as enquiries continue.

Chief Inspector Dougie Grieve highlights rising bicycle theft risks in West Lothian and urges cyclists to take preventative measures. He advises secure storage at home, using high-quality locks, avoiding leaving bikes visible in vehicles, and registering bicycles to assist recovery. Visitors are encouraged to use secure accommodation facilities, and second‑hand buyers are urged to verify ownership. Police Scotland stresses the importance of public information in tackling acquisitive crime and calls for reporting of suspicious activity through appropriate channels.

Two teenage girls and a man were taken to hospital after an altercation involving several people on Deans South Road in Livingston. Emergency services responded around 6:55pm following Gala Day celebrations. A 47‑year‑old man and a 17‑year‑old male were arrested and charged, with a court appearance scheduled for June 22. A 42‑year‑old woman was also arrested and charged and will appear at a later date. Police Scotland confirmed the incident and ongoing legal proceedings.

A 69-year-old cyclist from West Lothian described a close call with a driver who overtook her dangerously on a blind bend, leaving her shaken but uninjured. She urged drivers to act responsibly around cyclists and said she plans to install a bike camera. Police Scotland reiterated that motorists have a duty to overtake safely and highlighted ongoing education and enforcement efforts to reduce collisions.

Several West Lothian schools and nurseries collectively walked 4,681 miles to match the distance between Blackburn Cross and Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium ahead of Scotland’s World Cup match on June 24. Participants celebrated completing the challenge early and plan a community Fun Day, with teachers highlighting the health benefits and shared excitement around Scotland’s World Cup involvement.

A three‑car collision on the A71 at Oakbank Roundabout near Livingston resulted in one man being taken to hospital. Police Scotland closed the road to recover the vehicles and later reopened it. An investigation into the crash is ongoing.

A new 20,000 sq ft Flip Out adventure park will open at Livingston Designer Outlet in West Lothian in time for the school summer holidays, offering trampolines, inflatables, Ninja Tag, a roller rink and other family attractions. Operators cite strong demand following the success of the Glasgow site, while outlet management welcomes the venue as an enhancement to its leisure offerings. An exact opening date and launch details will be released soon.

Police in West Lothian are investigating a break‑in on Almondvale Boulevard in Livingston where more than £10,000 was taken from an ATM early on June 15. Three masked suspects, described as white males wearing hooded clothing and red and white gloves, fled in a Nardo Grey Audi A4 heading west. Detectives are appealing for witnesses and dash‑cam footage, asking anyone with information to contact police quoting reference 0332 of June 15, 2026.

A 10-year-old girl was seriously injured after being struck by a grey Toyota Hilux in Armadale, prompting emergency services to transport her to the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh. Police Scotland closed the road for investigation and appealed for witnesses and private CCTV or dash‑cam footage to help determine the circumstances of the crash.

George Clarke visited Carlo Lagorio and his wife Anggi in Winchburgh as part of ScottishPower’s Great Green Challenge, showcasing how households are adopting practical green technologies. The family has incorporated an electric car and home charger to support a more sustainable lifestyle after moving from Italy. The initiative highlights real customer experiences to demonstrate that greener living is achievable, with Clarke emphasizing the simplicity and benefits of adopting environmentally friendly choices.

Local police report increased summer activity as officers support community events across West Lothian. Chief Superintendent Gregg Banks urges residents to prioritise water safety amid recent drownings elsewhere in the country, warning of cold-water shock, strong currents and hidden hazards. Parents are encouraged to discuss safe behaviour near water with children. Additional guidance is offered on preventing wildfires linked to careless use of barbecues, campfires and bonfires, with further safety resources available from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

A pallet‑repair company was fined £172,000 after a 22‑year‑old employee at a Livingston distribution centre accessed a restricted area through a loose fence panel and became trapped in operating machinery, suffering severe and permanent injuries. Investigators found the company had failed to maintain safety barriers and allowed unsafe practices to persist. The firm admitted breaching health and safety legislation, and prosecutors stressed that the accident was foreseeable and avoidable with proper supervision and maintenance, underscoring employer accountability for safety failures.

A judicial review found West Lothian Council acted unlawfully by providing only mixed‑sex toilet areas in a primary school, leading to indirect discrimination against a female pupil under the Equality Act 2010 and breaching Scottish school premises regulations. The court ruled that the arrangement disadvantaged girls due to privacy, dignity and health concerns, and did not meet requirements for separate sanitary facilities or the mandated proportion of urinals in boys’ areas. The judge rejected claims of harassment but awarded expenses to the petitioners. The council, which cited prior government guidance, said it will consider its options while maintaining its commitment to pupil welfare.

Eileen Stewart, a Bathgate mother, transformed her lifestyle after years of struggling with weight, motivated by a desire to be a positive role model for her daughter. After losing 12 stone since 2018, she shifted careers to become a weight‑loss coach and personal trainer, aiming to support others facing similar challenges. She credits community encouragement, particularly from parkrun, and stresses the importance of realistic changes, emotional support, and avoiding misleading online diet trends.

Residents of Brae Court in Linlithgow, many of whom are elderly or have mobility issues, have been left unable to leave their homes for weeks due to a broken lift. They report limited communication from housing provider Bield, which says structural damage to the lift shaft required inspection and cost estimates before repair work could begin. Residents describe significant physical strain and safety concerns, while Bield apologises and says repairs will start as soon as possible and support is being provided during the outage.