West Lothian Observer

07/01/2026

ADMISSION TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS

August 2026 Primary 1 intake

We have already sent e-mails/letters to parents of all pre-school children we know of who live in West Lothian to prompt to apply. If you have a child in their pre-school year and have not received a prompt, then please complete an on-line form by logging into or signing up for an Admit account at https://westlothian.admit.app/auth/sign-in . Once logged in, to access the application please select or add the child you wish to apply for, then select ‘School Application – 2026/2027 Year’, click on ‘Check Availability’, then select ‘Continue with Application’.

The Admit system allows parents/carers to check the progress of their application, therefore we are endeavouring to help all parents/carers to complete the on-line form. However, if you have any issues please provide your name, address and detail the issue in an e-mail to [email protected] and we will be in touch.

07/01/2026

Saturday, 17th of January! Have you been itching for something to do in the new year, or to give back to your local community? Come and join us for some tree planting in Blaeberryhill Park! This will be a guided activity with tools and gloves provided, you just need to wear your best woolies and sturdy boots. Drop us a message if you've any questions, or ping a comment if you plan to join! Kids, families, everyone welcome 🌳🐞 Hope to see you!

07/01/2026

A pot of Developer Contribution funding is currently being allocated for improvements at the East Calder Park (located behind the Dave King Partnership Centre).

Developer Contributions are payments from housing developers to the Council, to improve its parks and ensure they serve the increasing local population.

Previously the Developer Contributions pot allowed for the construction of the 3G pitch in the park.

The Council is now hoping to utilise the remainder of the pot to improve the park. This survey is informed by both the original masterplan aims and the current state of the Park. The results will inform how we structure the project, and support an application for drawing down from the fund.

Please fill out the survey below to help us make the most positive impact for you and your community:

https://www.surveyhero.com/s/nyayevm

07/01/2026

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/reform-uk-councillor-branded-heartless-36504219
Whitburn and Blackburn you were conned

EXCLUSIVE: Reform's first elected councillor in Scotland has been criticised over the eviction.

06/01/2026

West Lothian Council is funding improvements and a review of the overall provision at Philip Avenue Play Area in Boghall, Bathgate next year. The aim of the project is to upgrade expiring equipment at Philip Avenue Play Area and refurbish Charles Crescent Play Area with a focus on Natural Play.

Our Open Space Officers will collate all the responses and implement the works in 2026. Where budget remains, public suggestions will be taken on board as much as possible.

Please let us know what improvements you’d like to see through this survey link:
https://www.surveyhero.com/s/c9pyqhy

06/01/2026

Numeracy Plus

Are you planning a new job or further training in 2026?

Our ten-week Numeracy Plus course offers the opportunity for you to improve your numeracy skills and obtain SQA level four or level five Numeracy. Participants must already have Level 3 or equivalent qualification.

Learn in a welcoming, small group setting, and progress at your own pace.

Starting Tuesday 13th January, 4-6pm at Forestbank Community Centre. Places are limited so book your place today by completing this form https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=B4vnHU6tSUCi25U-6LNhB5JDIL3UxklEv3nGZFxxKWFUNTA0TzZEOVNDODVRNURUOFdJV1QxSU9GUy4u&route=shorturl

06/01/2026

August 2026 Secondary 1 intake

The application process has now begun for the admission of pupils starting secondary schools in August 2026.

We have already sent e-mails/letters to parents of all P7 children we know of who live in West Lothian to prompt them to apply. If you have a child in P7 and have not received a prompt, then please complete an on-line form by logging into or signing up for an Admit account at https://westlothian.admit.app/auth/sign-in . Once logged in, to access the application please select or add the child you wish to apply for, then select ‘School Application – 2026/2027 Year’, click on ‘Check Availability’, then select ‘Continue with Application’.

The Admit system allows parent/carers to check the progress of their application, therefore we are endeavouring to help all parent/carers to complete the on-line form. However, if you have any issues please e-mail [email protected] with your name, address and detail the issue and we will be in touch.

Completed applications should be submitted before 09 January 2026.

Placement decisions will be made by the end of April 2026.

06/01/2026

Deans Engineering has applied for planning permission to construct a new industrial unit (classes 4/5/6) with office accommodation, parking, service yard and formation of new access from Nairn Road at their site at Royston Road, Deans Industrial Estate.

This planning application has still to be considered by the planning authority and a decision will be made at a later date. As it is only a planning application, comments are restricted on this post

06/01/2026

SDS Connected – Bathgate

Peer Support & SDS Essentials

Are you accessing Self-Directed Support and live in Bathgate or the surrounding areas?
Join us for an informal, friendly session designed to:

✔ Bring people together for peer support
✔ Share information and tips about SDS
✔ Help you feel more confident about the basics

📅 Date: 14th January
🕙 Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Venue: Generate Room, The Gateway, 20–22 King Street, Bathgate EH48 1AX

☕ Tea, coffee, and biscuits provided!

📩 To book your place, email [email protected]

06/01/2026

Caring for someone with memory difficulties or a recent dementia diagnosis?

Why not join us at our friendly ‘Cuppa & Chat’ group at Craigsfarm Café, Craigshill!

In a relaxed, welcoming environment, you can enjoy a drink and connect with other unpaid carers who truly understand your journey. Our COWL staff and volunteers will be there too, ready to offer support and a listening ear.

Thanks to Cyrenians OPAL - Opportunities for Active Lives , the person you care for can join in, meet others and enjoy some refreshments.

Next meet-up: Friday 9th January 2026 (just for January – usually the 1st Friday of the month)
Time: 10:30am
Location: Craigsfarm Café, Craigshill

Learn more about the support provided by MIST for families caring for someone with memory difficulties:
Visit: https://cowl.org.uk/
Email: [email protected]
Call: 01506 448000

06/01/2026

The Adult Learning team are launching a new literacy group in Blackridge!

Are you interested in improving your skills? By joining a group, you can learn literacy and numeracy skills, obtain an SQA qualification if you want to, and explore volunteering or job opportunities.
From budgeting skills to spelling, learning is tailored to your needs. Learn in a welcoming and supportive small group with an experience tutor. This reading, writing and numbers group starts in the Craig Inn Community Centre from Thursday 15th January. Use this link

https://forms.office.com/e/mVX11nkcjD to register for a place or email [email protected] for further information.

06/01/2026

Library use in the UK is dwindling with less than a third of the population using a library service in the last year. But with community and the latest hardbacks on offer, Lydia Spencer-Elliott argues that getting your membership should be top of your agenda for 2026