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TOURISM & BUSINESS SPECIAL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
TRUST
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LAND PURCHASE
OF CAMPS JUNCTION
West Lothian Council HAVE agreed to sell Camps Junction (land at the east of the village) to thew.kirKirknewton knewton.org 26thAPRIL 2016 3 988 or visit ww n call: 01506 88 tio ma or inf re For mo Community Development Trust for 7.30pm £75,000.
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For more inform
2 Kirknewton News is a community newspaper, witten by and for local people in Kirknewton. It is produced by Kirknewton Community Development Trust (KCDT), supported by the Big Lottery Scotland. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the KCDT. If you would like to get involved with the Kirknewton News, please get in touch at infokirknewton@gmail.com WANT TO CONTRIBUTE? Submit articles or letters to the Editor at: infokirknewton@gmail.com or to the Kirknewton Green Room, 12 Main Street, EH27 8AH. Alternatively call 01506 883 988. WANT TO SPONSOR? To sponsor, email: infokirknewton@gmail.com or call 01506 883 988
KCDT is registered with the office of the Scottish Regulator No SC037895
kirknewton gala day saturday 18th june 2016
Welcome to issue 3 of the Kirknewton News!
Joan McKenzie, a member of the Kirknewton Gala Committee gives us a brief history on Gala Days and what is usually involved in the Kirknewton Gala Day. Throughout West Lothian Galas Days are seen as traditional community fun events in which everyone in the village can come out for a day of festivities and fun. They are family friendly and fun events for all members of the family and are usually preceded by a week of various activities for community members. Kirknewton Gala Day has been in existence since the 18th Century but due to lack of volunteers on the committee, it had not been held for a number of years. It was reestablished in the Summer of 2008 after the Community Council surveyed the locals to see if there was enough interest in getting a new committee together to bring this wonderful village event back. There was indeed such interest among a few willing volunteers happy to try and get the Kirknewton Gala Day on the village calendar once more and it was not long before a new committee was convened with lots of enthusiasm and fresh ideas. Luckily one of the original Gala Committee members was happy to join the crew and bring his much needed knowledge of running a Gala Day. Planning meetings began in Autumn 2007 with an initial decision by the new committee to work on a fun-filled... cont. page 9
As you can see we have made a few changes, based on your feedback, including some short and snappy news items for you to digest quickly. This issue celebrates tourism and business in Kirknewton. Over the last few years a number of tourism based businesses have been developed in and around Kirknewton. The more people who visit, the more employment is available on your doorstep. The Kirknewton Community Development Trust are happy to promote what you can see and do locally. With the primary school being shut and the closure of the Post Office a number of local businesses have had a difficult year. In this issue we welcome the opening of the new Post Office in the already established pharmacy and we are promoting local business on your Main Street. Please shop local when you can. If you are thinking of opening your own business then why not try ‘ditto’ – off the shelf ideas that can have a social purpose. Or try out our new PC/Laptop upgrade or repair service. You can find out more in this issue.... Tony Foster
NEXT ISSUE OCTOBER 2016 - DEADLINE 31st AUGUST facebook.com/groups/kirknewton
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psa princess and superhero ball
The recent Kirknewton Primary School fundraiser at the Stables raised a whopping £900 for playground development. Well done to all attendees and volunteers on such a great achievement.
10am – 4pm Monday & Friday. So give Norman a call if you’d like him to look at your laptop or he can do a home visit for larger desktop PC and printers. A health check is free and tune ups start from £25.
£10,000 bags of help for kirknewton
Kirknewton Community Development Trust has received £10,000 for a Sensory Garden based in the community woodland. Tesco teamed up with greenspace scotland to launch its Bags of Help initiative across Scotland. The scheme will see three community groups and projects awarded grants of £12 ,0 0 0, £10,000 and £8,000 from the UK plastic bag tax.
new kids sports club
A-Star Sports classes started in the Village Hall on Friday 26th February in the Village Hall, for Nursery Age children 1.30-2.30pm, School Age children 2.30-3.30pm.
new pc and laptop repair service
Want to tune up or fix your PC? We have started a trial PC repair service in the Green Room. Contact Norman Keddie on: 07778 779 975, nk@quali-it.co.uk or pop in to the Green Room from
yarnbombers at it again! The Yarnbombers added some extra colour at the Re me mb r a nc e Sunday parade in November with an extra special poppy beside the Kirknewton memorial. They also gave us the 12 Days of Christmas coundown in the old Post Office shop window. Recently they’ve been leaving floral easter messages on the benches around the village. Who are these mysterious people and where will they strike next?
pharmacy opens p.o. firework success After consulting with Post Office Ltd, Kirknewton Pharmacy have reached an agreement to open a Post Office within the pharmacy. From 17th March the Kirknewton Pharmacy and Post Office will provide much the same services as the previous Post Office including all Postal Services, Personal Banking (deposits & withdrawals), Bill Payments (Electricity and Gas Top Ups) and Government Services (PO Card payments). See page 5.
harperrig reservoir car park
The Kirknewton Community Development Trust, working in association with West Lothian Council, have been awarded £25,000 by LandTrust and Avondale Environmental Ltd to develop the car park at Harperrig Fisheries at the entrance to the Harperrig Nature Reserve. This will provide greater access to walks around this area and opens up the Pentlands in West Lothian.
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The first Kirknewton Community Firework Display was a fantastic success with 1000 people in attendance at the park. The event exceeded expectations with a ten minute display that thrilled the audience. The event was so successful we hope to run the fireworks again this year on Thursday 3rd November, so pencil the date in your diary now!
new childrens book features kirknewton
A new childrens book is out - with a Kirknewton twist. The Railway Mice of Countesthorpe tells the story of McGee who accidentally gets locked in a van and finds himself in Countersthorpe, England. The story tells of his adventure to return to his clan back in Kirknewton http://www.sharonlakerauthor.com
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4 Sharon Laker, who lives in Canada, says of her children’s book “When writing my book I pulled out a map of Scotland to find a home for one of my characters, Kirknewton stood out to me more than the other towns. So McGee who is my main character found his home there.”
station mews granted consultation begins The development for 35 retirement homes at Station Mews was rejected on park changing room but has now won its appeal with the Scottish Government. The arrangement includes land for primary school expansion if required.
lottery awards trust £150,000
Available on Amazon
hydro projects on hold
Recently the Department of Environment and Climate Change announced, the scrapping of pre accreditation and degression of the Feed In Tariff twelve months earlier than expected. This has decimated nearly all potential hydro projects across Scotland, including the six projects KCDT was working on. This means Cares can no longer justify funding development costs. They are currently consulting with the Scottish Government to see if there is any way these projects can be revived. Meantime all Kirknewton hydro projects are on hold.
land purchase of camps junction
The Big Lottery Fund Scotland has awarded the Kirknewton Community Development Trust an additional £150,000 funding to support the Kirknewton Development Plan, facilities and projects from August 2016 to July 2018. This allows the Trust to develop a sustainable funding plan and seek additional funding to support their work as a local anchor organisation. They intend to continue to develop projects for young people, local events, improving facilities and new initiatives such as zero energy housing for the elderly. Stewart McKenna, Chair of the Trust, said, “We’d like to thank the Big Lottery for their continued support of our work and providing this award.” Tony Foster, CEO of the Trust, said, “We hoped that ongoing funding for Kirknewton would have been provided by the community benefit fund from Fauch Hill wind farm, which was due to be in the region of £100,000 a year. Sadly this was not to be and now funding from renewable energy projects is becoming more challenging for community groups. This Big Lottery award gives us time to support the fantastic work volunteers and projects do for the benefit of those who live and work in Kirknewton and find a way forward to maintain that beyond 2018.” See page 8.
West Lothian Council HAVE agreed to sell Camps Junction (land at the east of the village) to the Kirknewton Community Development Trust for £75,000.
New £350,000 changing rooms are due to be installed in the Kirknewton Park, on the current location of the temporary Playgroup nursery. Consultations with West Lothian Council are due to begin shortly.
green room is 2
The Kirknewton Green Room celebrated its second birthday on Thursday 25th February. The zero energy eco building, developed by Kirknewton Community Development Trust (KCDT), has been self sufficient in heating and lighting thanks to a 4.0 kW solar photovoltaic system and high levels of insulation.
DO YOU HAVE A STORY? Contact: infokirknewton@gmail.com 01506 883 988
Full story by Kenny Birch on page 26
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post office re-opened in village Kirknewton Post Office branch has re-opened at 24 Main Street, Kirknewton, EH27 8AH, where it will operate as one of a new local style Post Office branch within the Pharmacy. The new style Post Office will operate from a serving point located on the shop counter, enabling customers to carry out a wide range of Post Office products and services alongside retail transactions. The original proposal and feedback received during the public consultation period was carefully considered as well as the impact on local residents and the wider community. The new branch is suitably located and this new way of offering Post Office services will meet customer needs, whilst helping to provide long term viability and future sustainability for Post Office services in Kirknewton.
The new service opened on Friday 18th March 2016 at 2pm.
KIRKNEWTON POST OFFICE 速 SERVICES AVAILABLE Customer Helpline 03457 22 33 44
www.postoffice.co.uk
Mail First & second class mail
Home Shopping Returns
International Parcels (up to 2kg)
Stamps, Stamp Books
Inland S,M & L Parcels
Printed Papers (up to 5kg)
Special Stamps (Christmas issue only)
Express 24 & 48 Parcels
Articles for the Blind
Postage Labels
British Forces Mail
Royal Mail Redirection Service
Signed For
Int. Letters (inc. signed for & Airsure)
Local Collect
Special Delivery
Int. Postcards (inc. signed for & Airsure)
Drop & Go
Withdrawls, Deposits and Payments Post Office Card Account
Postal Orders
Personal & Business Banking
Moneygram
Automated Bill Payments
Key Recharging
Change Given
Bill Payments Travel Pre-order Travel Money
On Demand Travel Money (Euros) Travel Insurance Referral
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FREE HEALTH CHECK
Kirknewton PC Repairs Upgrades, Repairs and Support
Kirknewton Green Room, 12 Main Street, EH27 8AH Monday and Friday 10am til 4pm Home and business visits across West Lothian can be arranged Low cost repairs from ÂŁ25 Friendly, local and low cost support service for all your PC needs Come in or contact us for a quote to refresh your PC!
Call
tel: 01506 883 988 mob: 07778 779 975 email: nk@quali-it.co.uk facebook.com/groups/kirknewton
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7
The Kirknewton Community Development Trust celebrates its 10th birthday this year and our new home, a zero energy eco building the Green Room was 2 years old on 25th February! Thanks to the 4.0kW solar photovoltaic system and highly insulated nature of the building, we have paid nothing for heating and lighting. A true example of a sustainable community owned building. In two years of operation we focussed on an area very important to us. Supporting the development of young people. We have been proud to see the development of our Youth Club, see kids be able to achieve their Saltire, John Muir and Duke of Edinburgh awards. We have been able to watch kids improve communication and management skills, learn a language, have the opportunity for music for all ages, encourage reading and the enjoyment of books, fundraise for their activities, see Santa and take part in conservation, art and sport projects. We have even had fireworks (not in the Green Room, I hasten to add!) Behind the scenes we have provided support for a number of projects, including the development of the local playgroup helping parents to take a well earned break, catch up in their busy lives or continue to work. More than that, the Green Room has been a location where new parents can meet others before they reach the school gate. They can compare experiences of parenthood, share locations to take their kids to (around Kirknewton and beyond), develop their own support groups and occasionally let their hair down using their local Green Room for a chat, movie showing or drink sampling night! And when the time is right we even provide job, welfare advice or hot desk space when parents are ready to get back into the big, bad world of work and juggling child care.
This Summer we are launching our local children activity weeks during the school holidays, to ease the burden of parents who need a break or have to work. The cost is minimal and also supports employment of professional child care workers. If successful we hope to run them during every holiday, and on the forthcoming Scottish election and EU referendum days. None of this would have been possible without the people of Kirknewton, Chair Stewart McKenna and the Board of the Trust plus an army of dedicated volunteers. The community told us what they wanted during two community consultations which led to our Development Plan. The need, funding and development of the Green Room came out of this process. We also learnt the importance of working alongside all the community groups who make a significant difference to those who live and work in Kirknewton. This has led to both the Village Hall Committee (KCC) and the Gala building a closer working relationship with the Trust which will benefit us all. We have just launched our second plan, which will focus our resources over the next five years. Volunteers form a big part of that and will be encouraged and supported to help Kirknewton ‘punch over our weight’, certainly to August 2018 thanks to continued funding from the Big Lottery Scotland. It is lovely to support volunteers too with local people nominating their own community champions to attend our free bi annual volunteer awards dinner - an event in itself run with the help of our younger volunteers
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working hard in the kitchen! Of course, we have had our disappointments. Our future sustainability was to come from profits from an anaerobic digester project (tendered to large waste companies) wind farm benefit and investment (project rejected by local council and Scottish Government), hydro projects across Scotland (currently mothballed following recent Department of Energy and Climate Change Feed In Tariff changes), and a potential second wind farm project (under threat due to DECC announcement). However we have been able to support other community groups who will benefit from renewable energy projects in their area and show them what they could achieve with the funding such an opportunity brings. Hopefully you will agree we have helped enrich the lives and education of children, improving and supporting the lives of people young and old, empowered the community to work together that make their lives better. Here is to the next 10 years and beyond.
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get into local volunteering! Kirknewton certainly does have community spirit and this was highlighted by our 2015 Community Consultation. With close to 200 volunteers in the village, people are definitely willing to lend a hand. Every two years we have a Volunteer Awards dinner, where members of the community celebrate those who have gone over and beyond the call of duty. You can volunteer at any time, around your lifestyle.
BOOKBUGS
For babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their families to enjoy together. The session is run by a trained volunteer. The Green Room is happy to arrange Bookbug training for interested volunteers. Each session lasts around 40 minutes and includes songs, stories and rhymes. There is usually no need to book, they take place in a very relaxed environment and are a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your little one.
ACTIVERESIDENTVOLUNTEERING ALLOTMENT ASSOCIATION
If you have green fingers, the allotment association is for you. A group of very enthusiastic gardeners with a site located beside Potter Around, Overton Farm. Please visit their website for more information:
Here is a list of the established community groups in the village:
EARLY YEARS VOLUNTEERING KIRKNEWTON PLAYGROUP
Friendly playg roup for children ages 2 to 4.5 years. Open Tu e s d a y, Wednesday and Friday between 9.15am and 11.30am based in Kirknewton Village Hall. The Playgroup is supported by a team of helpful parents/carers who help out preparing snack or assisting with other tasks. The group is always looking for volunteers to help out during the sessions. Please contact the group if you are willing to lend a hand. kirknewtonplaygroup@yahoo.co.uk
organise a n n u a l e v e n t s such as the Spring Fair and frequent fundraisers. The Parent Council works as a bridge between the school and parents. Both Groups are run by parent volunteers. For more information contact Kirknewton Primary School on: 01506 881461
kirknewtonallotments.wordpress.com
Contact The Green Room for further info: 01506 883 988
FAMILIES VOLUNTEERING KIRKNEWTON PRIMARY PSA
Kirknewton Primary school is supported by a dedicated PSA and Parent Council. The PSA
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GALA COMMITTEE
The gala is run by a group of local volunteers and takes place in the Kirknewton Park each June.
The group consists of committee members as well as individuals willing to lend a hand on the day. Although it is an annual event, the group is busy all year
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9 planning and organising. The gala committee also organise the annual Torchlight Procession in the run up to Christmas. More information can be found on Kirknewton Gala page on facebook.
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
KCA is a voluntary group, part of the Kirknewton Community Development Trust, which is involved in the running of the village hall in Kirknewton. The main contact for the KCA is Gill Greaves Mobile: 07816 880 175
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Kirknewton Community Council (KCC) meets in The Green room at 6.45pm on the second Tuesday of every month (except July). Meetings are open to any member of the public. Feel free to pop in, all are welcome. Community Councillors are elected, or held elected, for three years. Local councillors regularly attend meetings and KCC has had some success in requesting action from WLC as well as promoting Kirknewton community activities. If you would like to contribute to your community by becoming a Community Councillor please contact the Chair, Hugh Hunter Gordon: HHunterGordon@gmail.com
KCDT aims are to: • Promote opportunities for learning and education • Encourage community-led development • Help and encourage local people to develop new skills
The Trust is always keen to recruit new volunteers, especially those with specific skills such as project planning experience, finance, communications consultancy and community development. Please contact The Green Room for more information: 01506 883 988
WORK EXPERIENCE YOUTH CLUB
Kirknewton Youth Club is open to young people from P7 and above. The group meets each week in either the Kirknewton Village Hall or The Green Room, and is supported by a team of trained volunteers. The session runs each Friday 6pm8pm. There is fun activities for the kids, drop-ins, discos as well as opportunities for young people to volunteer. The youth club is an excellent means of gaining work experience if you would like to pursue a career working with young people. Please contact the Youth and Volunteer coordinator Jennifer Ba for more information jenniferkirknewton@gmail.com
KAFE KIRKNEWTON COMMUNITY KOSY Kosy Kafe is open to young people in Primaries 1 to 7 in Kirknewton DEVELOPMENT TRUST Community Hall from 4.00 pm – The Community Development Trust (KCDT) is a local membership organisation. It is a company limited by guarantee and registered charity. Membership is open to anyone who lives in Kirknewton and is over 18 years of age.
5.00 pm on Fridays. It is the place to relax and meet friends over a delicious cup of hot chocolate and some delicious home baking. Please contact Knec-mail@ knec4jesus.org.uk Parish Church for more information.
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from page 2 ... day, rather than spread itself too thinly by trying to bring back a full week of Gala Day activities. They also decided to exclude the traditional crowning of a Gala Queen and her court. This has proved a little controversial but the committee decided it would make for a better Gala Day with the limited manpower they had if they could concentrate on the day itself. However, it wasn’t long before they took it upon themselves to run a five-aside football tournament for all ages in the park on the Friday before Gala Day and this has also become an annual event and is a very successful event in itself, kicking off the festivities and getting the village into the swing of the Gala. The Gala Day is all about providing a fun day out for everyone in the village, where folk can spend time with neighbours, family, and friends. But like any event run for the village, Kirknewton Gala Day wouldn’t happen without the support of the whole village. The committee members give up a fair amount of their time to organise the event and they need the help of as many other village members as possible to make the whole day work. Village businesses and individuals alike are supportive and helpful, providing time, advice, money, donations for raffle prizes and more. The various stalls are run by village groups, such as the Allotment Association, Kirknewton Playgroup, and the Development Trust. The Committee could not organise the event without the much required help and cooperation of volunteers, together with donations from various organisations and sources. So if having read all about Kirknewton Gala Day, you feel you would like to help in any way, no matter how small, the Committee would love to hear from you. The more the merrier! In 2014 Kirknewton Gala won the Event of the Year Award at the Kirknewton Volunteer Awards, recognition of the fact that Gala Day is one of the best days of the year on the village calendar. Your village needs you!
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planning for our community KIRKNEWTON STATION The community remains anxious about the safety at the level crossing. The Road Rail Parntership enables the community to express its concerns directly to Netowrk Rail and WLC and has done so. Matters being addressed include a pedestrian bridge, footpath and proposed Park & Ride facilities.
PHARMACY/POST OFFICE After consulting with Post Office Ltd, Kirknewton Pharmacy has reached an agreement to incorporate a PO within the pharmacy from late March. It will offer much the same services as the previous one with Postal Services, Banking, Bill payments and Government service.
ROADS The route from the traffic lights at the West A71 (Ormiston Mains) up through Kirknewton Village down the Linburn Road to the East A71 traffic lights. This route requires an urgent assessment study and road safety evalutation which we are very happy to help with and consequently WLC should consider upgrading this route, together with lower speed restrictions and car parking considerations being carried out. The Wilkieston Bypass should be built and Edinburgh Council should be encouraged to upgrade the Wilkieston to Newbridge Road. This would potentially divert a lot of heavy traffic away from the A71 to Edinburgh.
STATION ROAD EAST Site Ref: H-KN2 The above site is allocated for 90 housing units in the West Lothian Local Plan but it has been requested to be de-allocated from that use by Kirknewton Community Council to a Community Land asset for Recreational Facilities.
COMMUNITY HALL & RECREATIONAL FACILITIES The Village requires a new Community Hall and better recreational facilities. Fiona McBrierty has been sent details of our proposals for recreational facilities. It was acknowledged in the main issues report that there is planning consent for a Community Hall. CONSERVATION AREA We would like to increase the existing conservation area which itself requires some consultation input from ourselves to protect the historic buildings and natural environmental areas in Kirknewton. We would also like better protection for the area from WLC. Plans are underway to sign post the Kirknewton Conservation Area. RAF KIRKNEWTON The Station is in the City of Edinburgh administrative area which has recently undergone a substantial improvement programme. The Station is used to train RAF Cadets to fly principally gliders. It will continue in this role for the forseeable future. SCHOOL There is a view here that perhaps we do not want a bigger school or village however at the moment capacity for a large intake of pupils is preventing further housing development. HOUSING DEVELOPMENT There are sites here which have WLLP Planning Permission granted but the roads here are potentially unable to accommodate larger numbers of traffic of all sizes as they all require improvement. There has been a Planning Permission in principle applications for 7 units in a small development at H-KN3 for retirement housing at the East side of Kirknewton. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT We are very fortunate to live close to the Pentland Hills and would like to thank WLC in continuing to provide funds, for example Selm Muir to Little Vantage Footpath and encouraging recreation and fitness.
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CHANGING PLACES IN PUBLIC PARK Councillor Dave King further confirmed at the last Community Council Meeting that West Lothian Council intend to replace the Nursery, when they move back to the school, with a Sports facility. STATION MEWS H-KN4 Planning Application 0691/P/14 for Planning Permission in principle for the erection of up to 35 Retirement Homes with associated car parking. The applicant has made a request to the Scottish Government, Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals against West Lothian Council’s decision to refuse planning permission. You can view the Appeal Documents online at the DPEA website (www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk) using the reference DPA400-2060 where you will also find Kirknewton Community Council’s response. ORMISTON WIND TURBINE Planning Application: 0820/FUL/15 Despite being refused Planning Permission but because of time pressures West Lothian Council has received a Notice of Review submitted by Solicitors on behalf of the applicant that the planning service had not determined the application within the statutory timescale of two months. This proposed Turbine is a 500kW very powerful alternative to the original one proposed, it would stand 61 metres high with a blade diameter increased from a previous 33 metres to 52 metres, where the swept area of the blades would increase to 148%. The impact of the turbulence from the downwind wash of the rotating blades could be felt 832 metres downwind of the site. Within this downwind there are 7 properties all within this range, of which 6 homes are occupied, the nearest one is Cockmylane which is only 364.7 metres away from the turbine, the next one is at Lawheads which is 393.3 metres away, where this property has also been erroneously listed as derelict/ unoccupied and has been excluded from all noise, visual, and environmental assessments. Vic Garrad Planning Secretary, Kirknewton Community Council
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Visit Kirknewton
& the surrounding area The gateway to the Pentland Hills, Edinburgh and beyond There’s so much to see and do in and around Kirknewton. We’ve got all the information you’ll need here in this handy guide.
For more information call: 01506 883 988 or visit www.kirknewton.org
Do Business with a Difference
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Book your meeting or training day...
Add your team building activity...
Choose your Accommodation
In this Zero-energy Eco building with excellent state of the art training facilities. From ÂŁ15 per delegate.
Choose from the likes of quad biking, clay target shooting, pottery, go karting and paintball.
Unique Glamping experience, or quality B&B’s all in an idyllic rural setting. (Subject to availability).
For more information call: 01506 883 988 or infokirknewton@gmail.com
HillyCow WigWams
Activity
Stay on a working farm in West Lothian and enjoy the comfort of camping in our heated wigwams, with the beautiful views of the Forth Valley and the Pentland hills. Hilly Cow Wigwams can offer you all the sights of the farm, walks and cyclist routes but is close enough to enjoy all the attractions of Edinburgh and the Lothians. Open all year.
Telephone: 07824 770 568 Visit: hillycowwigwams.co.uk
Activity
Potter Around Potter Around is a pottery painting studio with a difference. Set on a working farm you can paint ceramics, spin the potter’s wheel, make your own candles, learn to paint and much more. Open all year.
Telephone: 01506 238 961 Visit: potteraround.co.uk
Receive 10% OFF at Potter Around with this leaflet.
MadMax Adventures
Activity
Located in the heart of the splendid & beautiful 800 acre Kirknewton Estate, MadMax Adventures is just 30 minutes west of Edinburgh city centre and offers a wide range of activities at competitive prices. Individuals & groups are all welcome to take part in our activities. Quad Bike Safari, 4x4 Offroad Driving, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Archery & Mini Highland Games.
Telephone: 0131 333 0066 Visit: madmaxadventures.com
Ratho Climbing Centre Built in a disused quarry, this is the biggest indoor climbing wall in the world! You can take part in activities such as climbing, abseiling or take on the aerial assault course to name a few.
Telephone: 0131 333 6333 Visit: eica-ratho.co.uk
Activity
Jupiter Artland Visit this contemporary sculpture garden in the grounds of Bonnington House, near to Kirknewton. A unique attraction for art lovers and a great place just to go for a leisurely stroll. The artworks are landmarks, events, confrontations on a journey of discovery. Open May to September.
Telephone: 01506 889 900 Visit: jupiterartland.org
Things to See At Kaimes Hill and Dalmahoy Hill you will find 2 hillforts and evidence of prehistoric man and the woodland clearances of the Iron Age, while Cup and Ring marks can be seen at Bonnington Mains. Near Camilty Plantation you can see the archaeological remains of the Roman fortlet Castle Greg. You can walk from Kirknewton station, up Leyden Road to Selm Muir Wood where a new pathway past HillyCow Wigwams takes you to Little Vantage Car Park, the Cauldstane Slap and on to Peebles.
Activity
Visit: heritagepaths.co.uk/ pathdetails.php?path=19
Ratho Bridge Inn You are assured of a warm welcome at the Bridge Inn. All of the team work hard each day to provide you with the best that Scotland has to offer in food and drink. The AA ‘Pub of the Year Scotland 2012’.
Telephone: 0131 333 1320 Visit: bridgeinn.com
Activity
Kirknewton Riding School Come along to the Kirknewton riding school and gallop around this fantastic facility situated in the village. You can visit on your own or as part of a group for a fun filled day with the ponies!
New for 2015 Pony Parties! Telephone: 07702 118 360
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Almondell Country Park 01506 882 254 Almond Lodge Broxburn EH52 5PE
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Knightsridge
Houstoun Interchange
Pumpherston
Houstoun Interchange Houstoun Interchange
Designer Outlet Centre Interchange 01506 423 600 Almondvale Ave d Livingston EH54 6QXD
Dedridge 5
Adambrae
Livingston CentreB8046 01506 432 961 The Centre, Livingston EH54 6HR
Livingston
Calder Wood
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Williamston Interchange
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Howden
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Cousland Interchange
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Ladywell
Murieston
Morton Clay Targets 01506 884 500 Morton Road Livingston EH53 0JT
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Clifton H
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Xtreme Karting 0131 333 0195 2 Huly Hill Rd Newbridge EH28 8PH Claylands
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Ratho Bridge Inn 0131 333 1320 Claylands 27 Baird Rd, 2 Ratho EH28 8RA
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Ratho Climbing Centre 0131 6333 U nio333 n Canal South Platt Hill Newbridge EH28 8AA
Ratho
B7030 A1 Paintball 07773 780220 Haggs Road Wood Burnwynd EH27 8ED
Juniper Artland B7030 01506 889 900 Wilkieston, Edinburgh EH27 8BB Riding School 07702 118360 B7015 Humbie Holdings B7015 Kirknewton EH27 8DS
A71
Kirknewton
The Dalmahoy 0131 333 1845 Kirknewton, Edinburgh EH27 8EB
A71
WilkiestonCyrenians Farm 0131 333 1392 12 Humbie Holdings Kirknewton EH27 8DS The Green Room 01506 883 988 12 Main St, Kirknewton, West Lothian EH27 8AH
Dalmahoy Hill
Potter Around 01506 238 961 Overton Farm, Kirknewton EH27 8DD Kirknewton B7031 Stables 01506 881 235 House Stables, Kirknewton EH27 8DA
Mad Max Adventures 0131 333 0066 Whitemoss Farm, Kirknewton EH27 8DA
Kirknewton
lm Muir Wood HillyCow WigWams 07824 770 568 Leyden Road, Kirknewton EH27 8DQ
A70
A70
A7
Cyrenians Farm
Activity
Cyrenians Farm is a Social Enterprise located just west of Edinburgh. As well as a working farm producing local fruit and vegetables, Cyrenians help vulnerable people back into work and education. Visit and you’ll experience a day full of different activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Telephone: 0131 333 1392 Visit: cyrenians.org.uk
Livingston Designer Outlet Enjoy a unique indoor shopping experience with over 70 shops offering discounts of up to 60%. The ideal place for you to explore with family or friends. Relax at one of the restaurants, catch a movie at the eight-screen cinema or just shop.
Telephone: 01506 423 600 Visit: livingston-designer-outlet.co.uk
Activity
Morton Clay Targets Morton Clay Targets offers excellent purpose built facilities for clay target shooting, perfect for individuals and groups. The venue also plays host to major competitions as well as boasting a brand new rie range.
Telephone: 01506 884 500. Visit: mortonclaytargets.co.uk
Harperrig Fisheries
Activity
For a fantastic day’s fishing visit Harperrig. A well-known large compensation reservoir, visible from the A70 Lanark Road on the North West Slopes of the Pentland Hills, Harperrig is the only Brown Trout Fishery in the Lothians. Fly Fishing only. Open from March to October.
Telephone: 07771 594 802
Go Karting Newbridge Xtreme Karting. Edinburgh's ONLY official 5 star rated karting centre, is setting new standards for karting in Scotland. Visit us at our centre in Newbridge where you will experience the thrill and adrenaline of motorsport racing!!!
Telephone: 0131 333 0195 Visit: xtremekarting.co.uk
Activity
Pentland Hills For lovers of the great outdoors, the Pentland Hills are easily reached from the village and the regional park offers many opportunities for you to explore peaceful places and the fabulous scenery. There are also many walks around the village and at East Calder.
Visit: pentlandhills.org Try the new walk from Selm Muir Wood all the way to West Linton.
Almondell & Calderwood Country Park
Activity
This Country Park is tucked out of sight in the valley of the River Almond covering 220 acres between Broxburn and East Calder. Take a stroll here and you’ll discover one of the best kept secrets in West Lothian.
Telephone: 01506 882 254
The Centre, Livingston Situated in the heart of Livingston, The Centre offers an elegant environment in which to shop and dine. Enjoy all the restaurants and style you would expect from a high street whilst being tucked away from the elements.
Telephone: 01506 432 961 Visit thecentrelivingston.com
Activity
Dalmahoy & Ratho Golf Courses These nearby 18 hole golf courses are sure to put your golf skills to the test. Enjoy the spectacular views and club houses where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere and refreshments.
Ratho. Telephone: 0131 335 0068 Visit: rathoparkgolfclub.co.uk Dalmahoy. Telephone: 0131 333 1845 Visit: marriott.co.uk
The Green Room
Venue
Come along to this zero energy community building which is available for hire all year round. With activities from craft to knitting, drumming for kids to wine tasting for the adults, there’s something for all the family. If you run your own business you can use the Green Room to hold meetings & events too.
Telephone: 01506 883 988 Visit: kirknewton.org
Venue
The Stables Kirknewton House Stables is an exclusive and intimate venue. You will ďŹ nd the gardens and parkland just 25 minutes from the centre of Edinburgh, yet, the beautifully restored Stables provides complete privacy and individuality, whether in Summer or Winter, for any wedding or event.
Telephone: 01506 881 235 Visit: kirknewtonestate.co.uk
training
Support and advice to help West Lothian residents into work
volunteering
Looking for work? Access2employment is an employability service delivered by West Lothian Council to help local residents into employment, training or education. Our team of experienced Employment Advisers will help you achieve your individual goal by providing advice based on your personal circumstances and needs.
We can assist you with: w CV Preparation w Covering Letters w Application Forms w Job Search w Interview Techniques w Training Research w Finding Volunteering Opportunities
Appointments available in your area. Call access2employment free on
0800 032 9768 Alternatively you can email us at: access2employment@westlothian.gov.uk
A local, independent service providing help with finding employment
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23
EACH WEEK IN THE GREEN ROOM & VILLAGE HALL MONDAY
TUESDAY
9.15am – 11.30am 4pm – 5pm Kids Highland Dance Playgroup 6pm – 8pm Keyboard Lessons 7pm – 9pm Boxcir
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY 9.15am – 11.30am Playgroup
9.15am – 11.30am Playgroup
9am – 11am EK Pilates
3.30am – 4.30am Kids Crochet
2pm – 3pm Baby Hip Hop
6.45pm
3.30am – 4.30am Kids Crochet
9am – 11.30am 2pm – 2.45pm Access 2 Employment Kirknewton Mini & Me Job Club Music Group 11.30am Bookbugs 5pm – 7pm Poco Loco Kids Zumba 12.30pm – 3.30pm A Star Sports
Every 2nd Tuesday of month
Community Council 6.45pm – 7.45pm EK Pilates
5pm – 6.15pm Rainbows
7pm
6.30pm Family Book Club
Art Therapy
6.30pm – 8pm Brownies
Fortnightly
4pm - 5pm Kosy Kafe
8.15pm – 9.30pm Adults Highland Dance Keep up to date with the news at www.kirknewton.org Follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook
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Green Room Village Hall
6pm – 8pm Youth Club
To book onto any of the courses, or for more information please email: bookingkirknewton@gmail.com or call The Green Room: 01506 883 988 We’re at 12 Main Street Kirknewton, EH27 8AH
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A programme that helps you start a business that benefits the Kirknewton community. If you are thinking about starting a business that helps your community but are lacking ideas, Ditto can help you. Ditto is a programme that uses tried and tested business models to help individuals set up their own social enterprise. A social enterprise is a business that makes profit and reinvests it into the community. The Ditto programme is delivered by Scotland’s social enterprise agency Firstport thanks to funding from Resilient Scotland. Using Ditto to create social enterprises will help meet the goals set in the Kirknewton community development plan. New social enterprises can provide volunteering and employment opportunities, increase used of spaces such as the Village Hall, Green Room and Church Hall, improve fresh food initiatives and family based Cafés, promote Kirknewton as a positive tourism destination, promote cycling to work and car share and many more... Audrey Mutongi is one of the individuals that has benefited from the Ditto programme. She started Be-Friend, a befriending service for older people in the West Dunbartonshire area. She used the home help service model, one of 12 business model available. Audrey says: “I'd always wanted to start a business that is meaningful to both me and those I serve. Firstport made that dream a reality for me. The funds and support I receive will help me help others and excel into the person I'd always wanted to be in my community”. Audrey received £5,000 funding to start her business. facebook.com/groups/kirknewton
Gary Hughes, who lives in Buckhaven, has used the mobile bike maintenance model to set up a bike recycling, maintenance and training hub. It will offer recycled bikes for sale, servicing and bike builds whilst providing maintenance classes, and employability and skills development. He received £4,000 in funding. One of the most recent businesses created using Ditto is Carol Gilchrist’s social enterprise. She used the nearly new retail business model to address a very current issue. She set up a second hand retail shop and distribution centre providing free clothing, toiletries and household goods to refugees and other people with financial trouble in Govan. She also received £3,300 in funding to help her with her new enterprise. The 12 business models can be adapted and several models can be combined to create a business that fits your vision. The Ditto programme will give you access to resources, expert advice and funding. If you want to help your community and are inspired by one or more of the Ditto business models, get in touch now on 0131 558 2724.
Come and meet us at the
9am, Tuesday 26th April 2016 The Green Room
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The Ditto programme gives you access to 12 free, tried and tested business models to help you start your social enterprise.
Ditto has already helped dozens of individuals set up their own social enterprise, all over Scotland. Community Bakery Childcare Service Craft Retailer Home Help Service Nearly New Retail Community Car Club Gardening Maintenance Mobile Bike Maintenance Community CafĂŠ Kids Goods Boutique Community Transport Community Hub
Funded by
Want to find out more? call 0131 558 2724 www.firstport.org.uk/ditto facebook.com/groups/kirknewton
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26
community trust purchase camps junction land by Kenny Birch
KCDT, working in partnership with Kirknewton Community Council, are pleased to announce that they have secured an agreement with West Lothian Council (WLC) to buy the small, currently derelict site, Camps Junction, at the East side of Kirknewton. This has been made possible by a grant from the Scottish Land Fund, and the use of KCDT’s own funds. The idea for this kicked off early in 2014, when it became known that WLC were intending to sell the land. It had apparently been on the market several years, with no interested parties. The land originally belonged to Hillhouse Farm, and was taken over by Lothian Region to construct a new road, when the level crossing was closed. The site is the part left over between the new road and the railway line. This was transferred to West Lothian Council when Lothian Region was disbanded. KCDT looked at the possible use of the land--ranging from simply improving the state of the village entrance, to other community use including a ‘community orchard’’. The WLC sale price of the land was based on the potential use as a house building site, and the creation of a more suitable ‘entrance’ to the village, so the price required was geared to building site use rather than farmland. The land was originally a field, then, after the road construction, a paddock used by Riding for the Disabled, but had become overgrown and weed ridden over the years. KCDT were concerned about this site for some time and felt something had to be done. Community consultations had already been carried out in Kirknewton, to establish what inhabitants think of the place,-- and would like it to see done to improve it, --and one of the many things which had been highlighted, was the complete lack of any designated or targeted accommodation for elderly or disabled people in Kirknewton. There had been instances where a person who needed- say a ground floor-- house had been moved to another village— away from family, friends, and the place they had been brought up. The site is obviously not ideally located for retirement housing (At least there is a bus service), but since there is no other ground available for this, KCDT
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decided to investigate the idea of ‘Affordable Passive Retirement Homes’. PASSIVE, —Ultra Low Energy--, is the principle behind the Green Room building—which uses so little electricity, and generates so much from the solar panels on the roof, that it has been able to generate and sell energy back to the national grid, every year so far. Normally new houses are described as ‘to the highest standard latest building regulations’. This is quite misleading—as the latest building regulations are actually the lowest standard you can build a house to. The new houses would be designed to PASSIV (or PASSIVE) HOUSE standards, where the whole year’s electricity could be paid from the winter heating allowance—or less. Many houses on the continent have been built this way—and a few in Scotland. A further community survey and consultation was carried out to make sure this was a real need—and it definitely was. The Scottish Land Fund then awarded Kirknewton a grant to help buy the site for this purpose. A year or more of designing, feasibility studies, site investigations and negotiations with WLC followed, with a Planning in Principle Application for 11 houses being put to WLC. This has still to be finally approved, due to the need to prepare a SECTION 75 agreement. This is where the ‘developer’ has to pay the Council sums of money per house for various things—eg graveyards, artworks, and social housing, school extensions etc. This can be £18,000 per house or more—depending on which area/village you are in. Kirknewton has a very high schools charge, but since retirement homes would not generate any extra schoolchildren, we are hoping that it will not apply. Similarly, there is a ‘social housing’ charge, but since these are intended to be social housing, it would not be unreasonable that the money should come to the houses from other developments?
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27 However WLC have said all their social housing budgets are fully spent or allocated for some time. Towards the end of 2015, a site investigation was carried out to prove the ground was suitable for building on, and it uncovered a huge amount to builders debris—soil, pipes, plastic, wood, metal, manholes and other concrete kerbs etc—all mixed up and laid over the site from about 1 to 4 feet deep, with some soil on top—this had all been hidden by the high weeds when the site was first surveyed and valued. Two more site investigations and contamination tests were carried out, and budget costs obtained for cleaning it up or clearing it all away. This was found to be far too expensive, and the Architect’s solution of getting rid of some debris, and digging much deeper foundations to the old level, was also very expensive—making the whole scheme financially impractical. Further discussions with the Scottish Land Fund and WLC resulted in a compromise being agreed, where KCDT would buy the land for Kirknewton at the original price, SLF would pay the grant as already agreed to make the purchase possible, and WLC would give KCDT a grant to cover the reasonable cost of site remediation. If the site was not sold to KCDT, WLC probably would have all the debris to deal with anyway, before they could sell it, and Kirknewton would have lost the grant-and the land. It seems very likely that the debris (up to 3000 tons) came from Strathclyde Homes building site on the adjacent field—Hillhouse Wynd. Since they are no longer in business, it was not possible to make them pay for the clean up. There is one small area where diesel has been spilled and left in the ground—probably the builder’s fuel tank area, and this has been taken into account when the remediation was considered. West Lothian Council Executive approved the sale deal on 15th March 2016, and legal matters are now proceeding to have the land become the property of Kirknewton. Subject to final approval of the Planning in Principal Application, KCDT are now aiming to raise funds to get a detailed design and construction plan together, and get the site cleaned up, and houses built. There have already been quite a number of Kirknewton residents interested in the houses, but a list has not yet been opened. The rules on who is eligible, what the rent will be, and who will run it when completed, have still to be sorted out—and will be probably be subject to conditions applied by the lenders and
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funders for the building work-as well as the SLF, who helped with the land purchase. Generally these bodies have many rules to prevent waste of grant and loan money, and they can vary from one another—we need to get them all sorted out first. No contractors have been appointed either, as there is not a final design or affordable price agreed. Optimistically, remediation of the land will start before summer, and the building late 2016 or spring 2017, if money becomes available. KCDT would like to thank West Lothian Officials for their co-operation over the last 2 years, in achieving the first stage of the project –securing a piece of land. KCDT would particularly like to thank Councillor Dave King --the Depute Provost and a representative of Kirknewton, East Livingston and East Calder, and Councillor Carl John, also a representative of Kirknewton, East Livingston and East Calder, for their support in supporting the project through to this stage. Our next stage is to arrange for the removal of all the waste material in an environmentally friendly manner—sending metal for scrap value, bits of concrete, bricks etc for crushing, to make ‘hardcore’ for possible use on the site later, salvaging any stone from the old roadside wall (which was bulldozed into the ground and mixed with the waste), checking the remainder of the rubbish for any dangerous materials, removing and safely disposing of plastic, wood, and any other non-inert materials, which are unsuitable for ‘normal’ tipping, and then disposing of the inert subsoil, and any recovered topsoil. The small amount of known contaminated waste will be dealt with as advised by specialists and the whole site surveyed for any potentially harmful or unsuitable material, so it becomes effectively a field again and construction of building works can take place.
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local historian dies suddenly On Friday 22nd January Thomas Laidlaw Hardie (known as Tom, Tam or Tommy) passed away at St. Johns Hospital after a short illness. Just over 90 years old, Tom was perhaps best known to locals as the author of “The Kirknewton Story” which was published in 1974 when he was Chairman of Kirknewton Community Association and was the culmination of more than twenty years painstaking research by him into the lives, social and cultural activities of the people of the parish of Kirknewton. Although he was born in Edinburgh on June 12th 1925, he moved to Kirknewton at a very early age as the second oldest in a family of 4 surviving children and lived here for his entire life apart from a brief period between 1942 and 1948. During that period he worked in London and Northampton for Landing Grounds Corporation, whom he joined age 14 during the construction of Kirknewton airfield. He was called up to take part in WW2 at age 18 and during the remainder of the war was blown up in a personnel carrier and was shot through the wrist, both incidents leading to medical problems in later life. After the war he was stationed in Germany for two years running an army transport pool before he returned to civilian life working for a company in Northampton which is where he met his wife Edna Long. After their marriage they returned to Kirknewton where they initially lived with his parents at 7 Park Terrace (where their son Fergus was born) before moving to 28 Forth View (where daughter Morag was born) and finally moved to 13 Whitemoss Road (where daughter Rona was born). Strongly supported by Edna he threw himself into many local activities from politics, to becoming a JP and to local events, which culminated in his Chairmanship of the Community Association from 1968-1978. It was during this period that he brought the village hall back into use after years of neglect and revived the local football team. While all this was happening he continued with his research into village history and was persuaded by Kenneth Roy (a journalist who lived locally) that the material he had generated needed to meet with a wider audience. The first public outing was a dramatised son et lumiere in the local church, followed two years later by the publication of “The Kirknewton Story” with financial assistance from the district council. Despite being a community figure, he remained a private person with personal interests such as long country walks, gardening, reading (especially Robert Burns) and listening to pipe music: he even took up the chanter in later life claiming it helped with the medical problems from his war wound. He was buried at Kirknewton cemetry on 2nd February 2016 alongside his wife Edna, may they both rest in peace. facebook.com/groups/kirknewton
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30 ANGELA CONSTANCE MSP Last week in my role as the Education Secretary I launched the first TV campaign in the UK focused on tackling child sexual exploitation. New research shows that the vast majority of parents have heard of child sexual exploitation but around a third know only a little about it or believe it will not affect their family. The new TV advert and website - www.csethesigns.scot - show how conversations online can potentially lead to a young person placing themselves in danger and also highlight to parent and carers the warning signs to watch out for. Child sexual exploitation is happening to boys and girls in Scotland and the very nature of this form of child abuse means it is often hidden. Sadly many young people who are affected do not realise they are a victim and will not ask for help. Child sexual exploitation involves a young person under the age of 18 being manipulated, forced, pressurised or coerced into taking part in a sexual act in exchange for something. The first step in tackling this abhorrent crime is in understanding that it can happen to anyone. It can take many forms – online, through social media or on phones, as well as in person on a one-to-one or group basis. This campaign aims to help parents and young people understand the warning signs and prevent the abuse before it takes place. It is vital that we raise awareness of the risks of child sexual exploitation. For young people the internet is a place, not a thing, and just like when they are going out, parents would want to know where their child is going and with whom. I would encourage any parent concerned that their child may be involved in sexual exploitation to contact the Police. They can also call ParentLine for advice and support on 0800 028 2233. The website – www.csethesigns.scot - will provide information and advice on how to spot the warning signs and symptoms, common myths, practical advice for staying safe online and offline and tips for parents on how to have conversations with their child about healthy and unhealthy relationships.
NEIL FINDLAY MSP Hydraulic fracturing, or ‘fracking’, is a controversial technique often used to exploit hard-to-get fossil fuels. It involves drilling up to several kilometres deep and pumping gallons of water and toxic chemicals under high pressure into the borehole to open up fractures and ease the flow of gas for extraction. This technique has been used in the USA but it’s long term effects are still unknown. There are very real concerns about pollution, the water supply and the food chain. This area was at centre of the world oil industry a century ago so it is likely that developers will be once again very interested in West Lothian. INEOS who are based at Grangemouth have spent millions buying up licenses to frack across the central belt of Scotland. The next round of license sales will include the whole of West Lothian. Currently the Scottish Government have a temporary ban on fracking but I have very real fears that this will end after the Scottish Parliamentary elections. If this is the case and fracking licenses are bought up then drilling could take place under your under feet. I want to make my position absolutely clear – I am completely opposed to fracking and will be watching the situation very closely. I think you should too.
COUNCILLOR DAVE KING WILL HOLD WEEKLY SURGERIES 3pm, The Village Hall, Kirknewton Call: 01506 281 729 Email: dave.king@westlothian.gov.uk facebook.com/groups/kirknewton
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31 COUNCILLOR CARL JOHN Spring is just around the corner and the bulbs are coming into bloom, brightening up what appears to have been a long driech Winter. The days are getting longer and we can begin to hope for a decent Summer this year. Since the last Kirknewton News, there has been some good news on the St Johns Hospital front with the Scottish Government giving a share of £250 million. This will bring new services and return some that were removed in the past, back to West Lothian and the fight to retain 24/7 Children’s Wards at St Johns, which has received support from both MP Hanna Bardell and MSP Angela Constance. Another very welcome piece of news is the return of a Post Office to the village which will be sited in the pharmacy, saving residents having to travel to East Calder. The Council have pledged £350,000 to provide a changing pavilion in the park on the site of the temporary Nursery. This will benefit not only sportsmen and women but will be an asset at Gala Week. After several vehicles colliding with the house at the junction of Whitemoss Road and Main Street, I have fought for bollards to be placed at this location, preventing both further damage to the house and also the pavement. Work on the refurbishment of the school appears to be going to schedule and we can look forward to the children returning back to where they belong in August. Along with the Community Council, I am still in talks with Network Rail over the return of a pedestrian footbridge at the station and hopefully this would happen in time for the new park and ride car parks opening.
COUNCILLOR CARL JOHN WILL HOLD SURGERIES Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6pm, East Calder Community Centre Every 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5.45pm, The Green Room, Kirknewton Every 2nd Thursday of each month at 6.30pm, Mid Calder Community Centre Or by arrangement, phone 01506 281 726
HANNAH BARDELL MP The last month has been particularly busy in Westminster especially with the Autumn budget. The beginning of March started with the satisfying news that The National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) based in Livingston has secured 4 years of funding after it was threatened with closure. I had written to the Minister and campaigned to ensure funding and it’s work was able to continue. It’s a great a victory for animal protection that resources have been secured long-term to fight wildlife crime both home and abroad. In advance of Scottish Apprenticeship Week, it was a pleasure to visit Mavor and Co, letting agents in West Lothian, to discuss the importance of apprentices to their business. I was delighted to hear the owner’s vision for the local community, as well as meet with the local apprentices. We must remind ourselves that a university education can be great but an apprenticeship and real life experience can be equally valuable. During Business Questions in the Chamber at Westminster I raised the specific issue of pay for women apprentices. I asked the Minister what steps are being taken to ensure that good apprenticeships offer fair and equitable pay for all since their male counterparts can be paid as much as 21% more per hour. As International Women’s day was celebrated throughout the world on 8th March, I invited two local Higher Modern Studies students, Ailsa Nicolson and Beth Mackay, from West Calder High School to Westminster to participate in an event promoting greater equality for women in politics. They had opportunities to ask questions of the Women and Equalities Select Committee; visit Downing Street and watch the International Women’s Day debate in Parliament which was a great opportunity to see that gender need not be a barrier to any career. Male or female - the young people of our nations are the biggest investment we can make.
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NEW SERVICES • UPS Parcel Services •
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