Konect Bathgate May 2019

MAY 2019

CKET READER TI OFFER!

PLUS: HEALTH & BEAUTY, Garden Project, and more LOCAL FEATURES inside!

The monthly community magazine for Bathgate and Torphichen

2 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

THIS ISSUE

TO OUR MAY EDITION

M

any locals will recognise the couple featured on the front cover: Alan and Barbara of the Kilt Studio in Bathgate are this year’s joint Chieftains of the West Lothian Highland Games. The Games is an essential family day out, taking place in Bathgate on 25th May. I met them to find out about their role and what is lined up for this year. See pages 8-9.

It’s a busy time of year, whether you’re tiptoeing around teens “studying” on exam-leave, or spending every spare minute sorting the garden and outdoors jobs as everything starts growing fast, or looking for things to do with small children on the weekends.

Speaking of gardening, Gardening Scotland is offering Konect readers a £5 discount on the ticket price! On our doorstep at Ingliston, it is the place to be for absolutely everything to do with your outdoor space, large or small. See pages 12-13 and book online.

The Visit West Lothian column gives a rundown of what else is on in West Lothian this month. There is something for all interests, from classic cars, music at the Fly Open Air Festival, environmental photography, and Beltane family activities! And of course the John Newland Festival and Bathgate Procession is at the end of the month, culminating in Procession Day on 1st June.

There is much more; we celebrate all that West Lothian has to offer. I hope you enjoy the magazine this month as well as enjoying all that West Lothian has to offer.

SAVE £5

Who are the Chieftains of the Highland Games.............................................................. 8 Gardening Scotland: Celebrate Summer..12 Gardening: Wasps: Friends or Foes?.........15 Property Matters............................................22 Charity: Night Stop........................................24 Linda Scott: From horses to politics via catering..........................................................29 Health & Beauty............................................32 Parenting: Just Dribble it! ............................34 Clubs & Classes............................................35

COVER IMAGE: Alan and Barbara at The Kilt Studio, see P8.

Konect is delivered monthly to 10,000 homes throughout Bathgate and Torphichen.

Copies are also left at the library, convenience stores, post offices and other locations around Bathgate.

HELEN-JANE SHEARER

CHARLENE GAFFNEY

E: editor@konect.scot

M: 07772 941899 E: charlene@konect.scot

Editor

@KonectMagazines

P12

Account Manager

BATHGATE | 3

4 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 5

6 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 7

West Lothian’s own celebration of the historic Highland Games tradition takes place in Bathgate on 25th May. The hill run to the top of Cairnpapple may be more challenging than the very first hill run said to be the origin of the Highland Games tradition - King Malcolm III (10571093) summoned men to race up Craig Choinnich, near Braemar, to select his royal messenger. While the origin of the Games was all about finding the fittest and strongest men for the clan chieftain’s household, as the tradition developed music and dancing were introduced for added prestige. Today, it is a fantastic celebration of a quintessential Scottish tradition and a great day out for families of all ages. The West Lothian Highland Games are no exception.

I caught up with the joint Chieftains of this year’s West Lothian Highland Games, Alan and Barbara Waddell, to find out more about them, the role, and the Games.

Alan and Barbara run the Kilt Studio in Bathgate, where they have been stalwart supporters of the West Lothian Highland Games (and many other local events) since launching their kilt business via a field stall at the 2003 event.

“It’s a great honour to be asked as Chieftains this year,” says Alan. “We will receive the official Highland Games Crook in a ceremony on the Friday night before the Games, and besides being the ceremonial face of the event itself, will be Chieftains for the whole 8 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

year before handing over the crook to next year’s Chieftain.” Alan and Barbara will open the Games on Saturday 25th May, and present the awards and medals for the competitors - the dancers, the bands, the athletes and the runners. It’s a nod to the days when the clan chief chose the ablest people for his army and offices.

Besides the iconic heavy athletics (caber tossing, hammer throwing), music and dancing, the day includes children’s attractions, mini stream engines, stalls from local traders, a street parade, bar, and much more.

We want to spread the news of the Games, to get people to come and enjoy the day and to really put it on the map, says Barbara.

“The West Lothian Highland Games are evolving,” explains Alan, “and there are some new features this year.” One of these is the Junior Highland Games, run by West Lothian College and drawing young athletes and dancers from schools across West Lothian in order to get more young people involved.

Another new element is in the music side of the day - there will be a performance from a a modern instrumental band Drumz ‘n’ Roses, a band with a unique Scottish twist encouraging audience engagement and participation.

No Games are complete without pipe bands. This year, instead of a pipe band competition, there will be four different bands performing. In common with many other areas, there has been a decrease in the number of bands entering the competition, so it is being done this way to maintain a strong pipe band element.

The Kilt Studio has outfitted eight of the West Lothian Chieftans over their past 16 years in business. They have supported the Games via their expertise in tartans, outfitting, and all things Highland. They sponsored the creation of the West Lothian Highland Games mascot, Hamish the Haggis, several years ago.

They take a unique and very inclusive approach to their business. “We called it the Kilt Studio as the emphasis is on the studio itself as a space for getting together, discussing what people need to make @KonectMagazines

their outfit or event work well, running open evenings and so on. “We are the opposite of an ‘exclusive’ outfitter,” explains Alan. “We want to include everyone, support the local community and give back to the community that has supported our business in the town for 16 years. We have made so many good friends via the Kilt Studio.”

Alan hails from Glasgow, studied design at Art college and started his career in graphic design; Barbara is from Ayrshire, and was working for a bridal company and involved in events when, comparing notes of the work they were doing, Alan and Barbara realised they could do something creative together.

So the Kilt Studio came about more via the design and events management side of the business than purely kilts. Together they have gained a reputation for their tartan design, attention to detail in the outfitting, custommaking accessories and being very creative.

They want to use their role of Chieftans this year to boost the West Lothian Highland Games and all it stands for as much as possible. io, Alan and Barbara of The Kilt Stud this year’s Chieftains

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after speaking with Alan and Barbara at The Kilt Studio in Bathgate.

Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazine and lives in West Lothian with her family.

BATHGATE | 9

10 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

delivering more Put yourself in safe hands with our highly experienced legal and property teams.

Estate Agency and Conveyancing Buying, selling and marketing of residential and commercial property.

Private Client Wills, trusts, inheritance tax, powers of attorney, guardianship.

Family Law Divorce and separation, contact and residence, adoption.

Immigration All visa applications , citizenship, EU Law, appeals.

64 South Bridge Street, Bathgate EH48 1TL

T: 01506 656645 W: drummondmiller.co.uk

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 11

Celebrate Summer at Gardening Scotland 2019

SAVE £5 on the gate pric e to Gardening Scotland 20 19 by entering promo code KON19 when you bo ok online at www.garden ingscotland .com/ tickets

Scotland’s national festival of flowers is 20 this year, so come along and celebrate summer at the show that makes gardening fun.

The event opens on Friday 31 May at the Royal Highland Centre Edinburgh and for three days the focus is on plants, people and glorious gardens.

Want to fill your garden with colour? Then find everything you need, including beautiful flowers, expert advice and all the tools you need to tend your flowers. The Floral Pavilion will be packed with plants, courtesy of top nurseries from all over the UK and the growers are all eager to share their knowledge, with tips and guidance on how to get the best from your flowers.

Planning a party on the patio? At Gardening Scotland you’ll find plenty to inspire you, including a centrepiece show garden by designer Lynn Hill, that’s made with entertaining in mind, including an outdoor bar fashioned from Italian glass and a fully-functioning outdoor kitchen. It’s just one of the show gardens designed to make you rethink your own space.

And what about that bit in front of the house where you have to squeeze in wheelie bins and the car? Take a stroll down College Street, with its perfect front plots, and you’ll realise that your own garden can be practical and gorgeous at the same time.

12 | BATHGATE

And that’s not all. In the Living Garden you’ll find all kinds of environmental organisations, including Plantlife Scotland, ready to answer all your queries about the threat to our wildlife and how gardeners can help. Visit the Plant Village and be bowled over by what’s on offer. Want instant colour to brighten up your doorstep? A climber to scramble over a drab wall? Armfuls of annuals or reliable perennials that will come back year after year? They are all on sale here.

The Big Back Garden will be packed with fun and games for all the family, and the good news is that under-16s go free to Gardening Scotland.

Or why not make a celebration of your day at the show by booking a delicious afternoon tea or popping into The Secret Herb Garden’s ‘Secret Gin Garden’ for a special Gardening Scotland cocktail or an amazing, colourchanging Old Curiosity Gin, made with botanicals grown at the foot of the Pentlands.

Plus there’s the Craft Pavilion with its home and lifestyle accessories; original artworks; artisan food stalls and lots more, and it all adds up to a perfect day out in the garden.

For more information visit www.gardeningscotland.com

@KonectMagazines

SAVE ÂŁ5.00 on our gate ticket price!

Enter Promo Code KON19 to get this special offer.

14 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

GARDENING PROJECT

Wasps - friends or foes?

Wasps suffer from bad press every year from July onwards.

But from now until July they are a gardener’s best friend! The worker wasps collect aphids from our garden plants to feed the newly hatched wasps in their nest. In return they are fed sweet sucrose until the queen wasp stops laying eggs in mid-summer. Then sweet rewards stop and the workers have to find sweetness for themselves, becoming mischievous in the process. They are also tired as the end of summer approaches and being bad tempered now as well as hungry they are quick to sting us.

Now is the moment to keep them at bay without stopping the good work they will do for the first part of summer. If you hang up ‘wasps away’, which are designed to mimic wasp nests, you will deter the queen bees building nests within 10 metres of the fake nests. They see your nests and

@KonectMagazines

fear attacks by enemy wasps so won’t set up home nearby.

You can keep them away from Wasp away patios and children’s play areas. decoy We hang a few around our tearoom terrace here at the gardens to keep nest the hungry workers away after July.

You don’t notice many wasps in early summer because they are too busy working and helping to control aphids in your garden.

Tearoom Terrace The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens.

Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

BATHGATE | 15

ALL YEAR ROUND LANDSCAPES Local, reliable, professional paving - patios - driveways monoblocking - fencing

Call Ryan 07723 587389 or email ryantosney@live.co.uk 16 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 17

LaFood,Piuma: Family, Friends

Daniele Tuveri, proprietor, La Piuma

I’m visiting Daniele Tuveri at La Piuma, the restaurant he and his wife Gayle run in Hopetoun Street, and over a very nice coffee learning his story.

way we look after our customers, is all very important. You experience food you would not make yourself, but you feel at home.” All the pasta and bread is made by their chef onsite, who coincidentally is also Sardinian. Daniele tells me one of their waitresses said “At some places I have worked I used to dread asking customers how the food is. But here, I love it, because they are always so positive!”

So having picked the right location, La Piuma opened in August 2017, to serve excellent Scottish food with an Italian twist. “In Italy, food and family is a really important part of growing up. Food brings the family together to spend time, you spend time with your grandparents and learn from them, experiences that money cannot buy. I come from a farming background and fresh food, family and friends was always part of my life.”

With three industry awards under their belt, including Gold at the 2018 Scottish Food Awards, Taste our Best from Visit Scotland, and being fully booked most weekends, Daniele and Gayle must be doing something right. “I’ve been told we could be even busier if we moved the restaurant into Edinburgh.

But we wouldn’t have the community we have here, and that means a lot to us.”

“We got lost one day in the car, and ended up in Bathgate by mistake. It was Procession Day, a few years ago.

All the flags were out and there was such a fantastic community atmosphere that I loved it immediately, and knew it was the right place to open the kind of restaurant I wanted.”

“I moved to Scotland from Sardinia 15 years ago after meeting Gayle. I’ve worked in hospitality since I was 13 years old, and after working in many different restaurants, I wanted to create a restaurant where you could not only get excellent food, but a place you could feel at home.”

Daniele’s passion for food is obvious, along with his passion equally for community, friendliness and the human touch. “We know our regular customers by name; they pop in for coffee and many have become firm friends. Here are La Piuma we create dishes you wouldn’t necessarily make at home. I believe you go to a restaurant for an experience, not just a plate of pasta. So the way we plate food up, the way we serve it, the 18 | BATHGATE

Besides the A La Carte menu, there is a Market Menu, priced at £7.95 for one course, £11.95 for two courses and £15.95 for three courses. The focus is on fresh Scottish produce, stunningly presented.

Plans for the restaurant this year include an outdoors dining area in the private back garden of the restaurant.

For more information and the current menu, please see www.lapiuma.co.uk 52 Hopetoun Street, Bathgate, EH28 4EU. Reservations 01506 650388

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after visiting La Piuma. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family. @KonectMagazines

Would you like to advertise your business to over 50,000 homes throughout West Lothian and Edinburgh (West)?

Our contact details are on page 3.

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 19

PROPERTY MATTERS

There’s no substitute for the genuinely personal

It is perhaps one of life’s little ironies that in a world of seemingly endless consumer choice so many businesses have lost sight of the customer experience.

We’ve all experienced the pain of trying to deal with utility companies, banks and internet service providers. All too often, we find ourselves caught up in automated phone or online menus where nothing makes sense or is relevant to us as an individual customer. Instead, we are faced by generic options and responses that really underline just how far companies and whole sectors have lost sight of customer needs - including of course the need for human contact for particular sets of circumstances. It’s one thing to check a product price online for example, but it’s quite another to discuss your precise requirements and explore options with the benefit of (hopefully) expert advice. Costs and the restructuring of organisations have of course driven much of this, but the damage to customer relationships has in many cases been incalculable. The thing is though, it really doesn’t have to be this way.

Smaller businesses can learn from the mistakes of the big corporates by doing things differently. My sister experienced this first hand recently when she took some jewellery that belonged to our mother into a Jewellers in Glasgow to be re-sized and refurbished for her to wear and enjoy. While waiting for the work to be priced, she browsed other pieces and decided to buy a new necklace that she had been looking for. After processing the sale, the sales assistant went back into the workshop and returned a few minutes later to say that the owner of the shop wanted to waive all charges for the work on the 22 | BATHGATE

sentimental pieces and would also clean them, any time she was passing, free of charge. He said this was because he understood the emotional importance that the jewellery had for her, and, coupled with the purchase of the new necklace, wanted to make this gesture of goodwill. It’s a story that touched me, and will resonate with anyone who has experienced truly caring service that puts the individual customer and their needs first.

As the owner of an estate agency, the story hit home with me on a business as well as a personal level. The jeweller’s kindness really reflects the values of that business and speaks volumes about its principles. At Turpie & Co., our primary role is to use our expertise and market knowledge to achieve the best possible selling price for clients.

The result is critical, but so is the customer experience. Selling your home can be fraught with emotion, and how you are made to feel can be just as important. I know how I want our clients to feel. I want them to feel like my sister did when she walked out of that jewellers – that everything had been done just right, by people who genuinely cared.

That’s a feeling that is priceless and can never be undercut by a competitor.

The monthly Property Matters column is contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing. @KonectMagazines

Nightstop: “It can be the one thing that saves them from homelessness” Sometimes, a meal and a bed for a couple of nights is all that is needed to help a young person get back on track.

Or at least to stop them from sliding into homelessness. Nightstop, a programme being rolled out in West Lothian by the Rock Trust, provides just that via the homes of volunteers hosts who make a spare room available for up to 14 nights for a young person who, for various reasons, needs emergency accommodation.

“We receive referrals for a whole range of reasons,” says Mark Fieldhouse, Nightstop Development Worker with the Rock Trust.

“We help young people who find themselves in crisis, in many cases due to breakdown in family relationships. They need safe, friendly accommodation while we help them work on longer-term solutions.” There is a small number of host families already in West Lothian, and more are needed in all areas.

Bathgate resident Moreen Watson is the Nightstop Development Worker for West Lothian. The Rock Trust, established in 1991 in Edinburgh in response to youth homelessness, helps young people aged 16 – 25 by providing advice and support, keeping their education on track, finding work, and a range of other services.

Nightstop is the emergency element of this, where a young person in crisis can call a helpline and is provided with a safe place immediately, while longer-term supported 24 | BATHGATE

accommodation is arranged, or until they can return home. It is being rolled out in West Lothian.

“Nightstop West Lothian provides a safe, family based, alternative to traditional hotel or hostel emergency accommodation.” A report in 2016 by Depaul UK, the organisation which set up the Nightstop programme, reported that young people “experienced very dangerous situations in their attempts to stay off the streets, including staying with strangers while constantly in fear of assault, lodging with an uncle addicted to hard drugs, going to all-night parties with predatory men or suggesting ‘sleepovers’ to school friends simply to find a place to stay.” By staying in a local host’s home instead, they are much more likely to get the time-out and breathing space that they need in a safe environment, and to move on to a positive resolution to their issues.

Emily’s story: When Emily was 16 her living circumstances were “not the best,” and she says when her mum kicked her out of the house she went to the council. The council put Emily in touch with the Rock Trust who arranged a host for her. The first evening “the hosts knocked on my door and asked if I was hungry, and if I wanted to eat in my room or with them. I went and sat at @KonectMagazines

Could you be a host? the table. They had good banter. It was good. I tried to help them cleaning up but they said no and for me to sit and rest. ….I stayed 4 nights before going home.

While I was there I realised that I’m my own person and needed to stop doing everything for everyone else. I realised that talking to good people makes you feel better and that I wasn’t such a mess up as I thought I was.”

Could you be a host?

As a volunteer host, you are fully supported with training and support from the Rock Trust. You provide an evening meal and a bedroom for the young person, and you let them know which parts of the house they can use – just like you would in a normal bed and breakfast arrangement. (They are not at home during the day as they are out in education, work or being supported by the Rock Trust). Your expenses are covered. If you are interested in helping, please see www.rocktrust.org/nightstop or email moreen.watson@rocktrust.org. Host families are needed in West Lothian. @KonectMagazines

Do you or a young person you know need emergency accommodation?

Call 0131 557 4059 The Rock Trust, 55 Albany Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3QY. Open Mon-Fri, 8:45-17:00. www.rocktrust.org/nightstop

The Rock Trust is a charity registered in Scotland, number SCO18708.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after meeting with Mark Fieldhouse and Moreen Watson, Nightstop Development Workers for Edinburgh and West Lothian.

BATHGATE | 25

26 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 27

ESTABLISHED 1985

FOR ALL YOUR DECORATING REQUIREMENTS: Interior and Exterior Paperhanging Coving Plastering Free estimates

Tel: 07585 509 811 Email: manicstpainters@hotmail.com 71 Marjoribanks St, Bathgate, EH48 1AL

28 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

Linda Scott: FROM HORSES TO POLITICS VIA CATERING “You need to choose, Linda, is it university or the horses?”

“For me it was a no-brainer; I went with the horses,” says Linda Scott, CEO of West Lothian Chamber of Commerce and Director of Scottish Chambers of Commerce. She is talking about her early career and how she got to where she is today. “My mum said, ‘That’s ok, but if it’s the horses you fund it yourself.’”

So, aged 17, Linda set up a catering business.

“I couldn’t cook,” she says, “but my mum was a home economics teacher and very supportive. She lent me £600, I bought a fridge and cooker and set up in business in the utility room.”

Linda is a high energy, live-life-to-the-full businesswoman. Her choice to go straight into work from school is one that has led her to championing Developing the Young Workforce, a Chamber of Commerce initiative that supports young people, businesses and educational institutions to explore the many pathways into work for young people.

“University or college is not for everyone, and there is a huge number of options out there.”

Within a year, Linda had opened a coffee shop and business was going well. A chance meeting led to a job riding horses and attending horse shows all over the UK – an opportunity she leapt at, leaving the coffee shop in her mum’s hands. She was earning very little but loving it, then from the equestrian contacts an opportunity to cater in shooting lodges came along. Again with the support of her mum, who helped with devising menus, how to set out the tables and so on, she ended up being hugely successful. “I could command my price,” she says, “I was cooking for some of the wealthiest people in the UK, @KonectMagazines

as well as politicians and members of the Royal Family.”

Although she did ride horses too for a while, the catering business grew to become one of the largest bespoke caterers in Scotland with international clients such as Coca Cola, Samsung, and many banks on its client list.

When Linda was asked to sit on the board of West Lothian Chamber of Commerce, and quickly became vice chair, she realised she loved it. “It was better than carting boxes around in vans doing the catering! So I sold most of the business, retaining just the highest-end contract at Gosford House, a beautiful venue where we still cater for large corporates and international clients.”

As a Director of Scottish Chambers too Linda is involved in advising government on business, and sits on education advisory committees. “We focus on other routes into a career besides university and college, something I am very passionate about.”

With two children, international travel, the catering business and a penchant for taking on huge physical challenges, Linda has to be ferociously organised. From Tough Mudder, the first CEO Sleep Out and her latest challenge - a 100 mile charity trek across the Sahara - Linda packs in a lot. “I live life to the full; we have a very, very short time here, and I want to make the most of it.”

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after speaking with Linda. HelenJane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family.

BATHGATE | 29

BUSTER THE DOG

We repair Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers, Electric Ovens, Dishwashers and Washer Dryers

0772 965 1692

info@home-appliancerepair.co.uk www.home-appliancerepair.co.uk Like us on Facebook

30 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

Ayrton Veterinary Hospital is proud to serve the West Lothian Ayrton Veterinary Hospital is proud to the Lothian Ayrton Veterinary Hospital to serve serve theWest West Lothian Community with the highest quality veterinary care.

Community with the highest quality veterinary care.

Community with the highest quality veterinary care.

• We offer specialised veterinary services offerspecialised specialised veterinary services inWe Orthopaedic surgery, Endoscopy and • • We offer veterinary services inOrthopaedic Orthopaedic surgery,surgery).

Endoscopy and was Laparoscopy (key-hole Ayrton in surgery, Endoscopy and Laparoscopy (key-hole surgery).

Ayrton was the first practice in Scotland to offer clients Laparoscopy (key-hole surgery).

Ayrton was the first practice in Scotland to offer clients key-hole surgery.in Scotland to offer clients the first practice key-hole surgery. key-hole surgery.

• Our out of hours emergency service is provided • byOur out of vets hours emergency service is provided our nurses here at the Hospital • Our outown of hoursand emergency service is provided by our own vets and nurses here at the Hospital andour on-call staffand are on-site for hospitalised by own vets nurses here at the Hospital and on-call staff are on-site for hospitalised patients 24 hrs and on-call patients 24staff hrs are on-site for hospitalised patients 24 hrs • We have a Pet Health Club that allows you to budget monthly for your pets’ • We have a Pet Health Club that allows you to budget monthly for your pets’ preventative andthat has addedyou discounts off of veterinary treatments • We have a Pethealthcare Health Club to budget monthly for treatments your pets’ preventative healthcare and hasallows added discounts off of veterinary and procedures. preventative healthcare and has added discounts off of veterinary treatments and procedures. and procedures.

• • We and we we have havean anappointed appointedinsurance insurance Weoffer offerdirect directclaims claimsfor for insured insured clients clients and advisor here at the Hospital.

• We offer direct claims for insured clients and we have an appointed insurance advisor here at the Hospital. advisor here at the Hospital.

• • We practicewith: with:in-house in-houselaboratory, laboratory, Weare areaafull fullservice servicemedical medical and and surgical surgical practice radiography, ultrasound and endoscopy.

• We are a full service medical and surgical practice with: in-house laboratory, radiography, ultrasound and endoscopy. radiography, ultrasound and endoscopy.

• • When to stay stay in in the theHospital, Hospital,we wehave have Whenyou youand andyour yourpet petvisit visit us us or or have have to separate cat waiting areas and wards wards for theirHospital, comfort.we have separate dog and cat waiting areas comfort.

• When youdog andand your pet visit us or have to stayfor in their the separate dog and cat waiting areas and wards for their comfort.

Ayrton was awarded awardedHospital Hospitalstatus statusbyby Ayrtonisisan anaccredited accredited‘Veterinary ‘Veterinary Hospital’ Hospital’ and was the College ofofVeterinary Surgeons in 2009 (oneawarded ofonly only88in inScotland).

Scotland).

We theRoyal Royal College Veterinary Surgeons of We Ayrton is an accredited ‘Veterinary Hospital’ and (one was Hospital status by aredelighted delighted have beenawarded awarded International Cat (ICC) are totohave been ‘Gold’ International Cat Care (ICC)asasaWe a‘Cat ‘Cat the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in by 2009 (one of only 8Care in Scotland).

Friendly Practice’ recognition of the the facilities our feline patients.

Friendly Practice’ ininrecognition of Hospitals facilitiesfor forCat ourCare feline patients. are delighted to have been awarded ‘Gold’

by International (ICC) as a ‘Cat Friendly intorecognition ofand the Hospitals facilitieslike for our feline patients.

Welook lookPractice’ forwardto meeting you you We forward meeting and your pet, ifif you’d you’d likefurther furtherinformation information about our staffand and services,you please our website: about our staff please website: www.ayrton.org.uk We look forward to services, meeting andvisit your pet, if you’dwww.ayrton.org.uk like further information about our staff and services, please visit our website: www.ayrton.org.uk

T: 01501 01501 744736 T: 744736 BurnhouseIndustrial Industrial Estate, Whitburn, West T: Estate, 01501 744736 Burnhouse Whitburn, West Lothian, Lothian,EH47 EH47OLQ OLQ

Burnhouse Industrial Estate, Whitburn, West Lothian, EH47 OLQ @KonectMagazines BATHGATE | 31

HEALTH & BEAUTY

DID YOU KNOW YOUR HAIRDRESSER IS A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE? Here are some tips to make the most of your hair appointment…

• Arrive a few minutes early, to maximise the time you spend with your hairdresser and take a few minutes to relax in to your surroundings.

• Be honest: I can’t stress this enough!

Be honest with your expectations, your hair’s chemical history and any problems you have with it, what you like and what you don’t like. Just be open and honest, your hairdresser will help you.

Would you like to advertise your business to over 50,000 homes throughout West Lothian and Edinburgh (West)?

Our contact details are on page 3.

• Bring pictures: It’s a myth that hairdressers don’t like images! It’s great to have a visual. Even if it’s not the exact cut or colour you want it will give a visual insight that words can’t describe. This is particularly good when visiting a new stylist. Remember to be realistic!

• Ask about maintenance: A great hairdresser will talk you through a styling regime to keep your hair looking like it’s just left the salon for weeks. Take in information about condition, how to style your hair, and ask for easy ways to change it up. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, most hairdressers are a little bit geeky when it comes to hair!

The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.co.uk 32 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 33

PARENTING

Just Dribble it!

Gill Mudie The brains

ibble behind Dr

Before you have kids you get to know the place where you live. You know where you like to go out for lunch, you have your favourite hangouts for coffee and cake, places you like to go for fun or to relax…then along come kids and the place you thought you knew is like a whole new world.

Suddenly your needs are completely different and your favourite haunts just don’t cut it anymore. Ever find yourself wondering where you can go that will have space for a buggy, or that has nice changing facilities, a good kids menu, or a play area? Well now, there is an app for that!

Dribble is a new childfriendliness review app, the brainchild of an Edinburgh mum who found she was asking herself these exact kind of questions far too often and not coming up with enough answers. Using the app you can discover places close by that have been tried and tested by other parents and you can search for things according to your needs, whatever they may be!

So rather than furiously texting your friends for help when you are stuck or at a loose end, all the info is at your fingertips with Dribble. And all the venues are suggested and reviewed by real people.

For new parents especially 34 | BATHGATE

it makes the idea of getting out of the house just a little bit less daunting. And you can add your own comments too to help other parents – pay it forward an’ all that.

Plus Dribble is not just an app there is a whole community growing around it on Facebook and it seems it is a great supporter of local businesses with lots of new partners offering discounts to so-called ‘Dribblers’ including in West Lothian - 20% off Kids Gone Wild, 15% 0ff Turtle Pack Swim Academy, free coffee at Tot’s Spot in East Calder, and one month free with Enjoy-a-Ball to name but a few.

So, whether you need a child-friendly café, a nearby playpark to meet your mum mates or something to do on a rainy day – Dribble has you covered. There’s even a handy ‘Inspire me’ button if you just want some fresh ideas for things to do locally.

I went looking for some inspiration for my girls and it suggested Conifox Adventure

Park, Aerial Adventures Livingston and Kids Gone Wild for my biggest girl who is outdoorsy and adventurous.

For my youngest it was Gooey Events, the Stick Man Trail in West Calder and Potter Around in Kirknewton.

Next up finding somewhere for my tea and cake!

Dribble currently covers Edinburgh, the Lothians, and Fife, but they are really keen to grow their West Lothian listings so why not download the Dribble app now or find out more information at www. dribbleit.co.uk and you could be adding reviews about your favourite spots and putting West Lothian local businesses on the Dribble map!

The parenting column is contributed by Laura Archibald. Laura lives in West Lothian with her family and their campervan Hank. She is mummy, wife, blogger and full-time personal assistant to her two girlie girls.

@KonectMagazines

CLUBS & CLASSES

May With summer only a matter of weeks away, here’s a quick rundown of events going on across West Lothian this month.

Linlithgow’s Classics have begun their monthly meetings for 2019 – located in The Cross.

Check out an array of preserved classics in the historic Burgh of Linlithgow. The event takes place on the fourth Saturday of every month (until October) from 10am.

Nearby at Blackness Castle, you can retrace the footsteps of the leading Scottish American environmental conservationist John Muir.

Explore the area through a photography exhibition by Ken Paterson that shares the beauty of both the Scottish and American wilderness that John Muir was so passionate about. The event takes place during normal Blackness Castle opening hours and is included in the admission to the castle (free to Historic Environment Scotland members!).

In Livingston, at Almond Valley Heritage Centre join the fun family event “Brilliant Beltane” daily 3rd to 7th May. Get back to nature and celebrate a simpler time when life was closer to nature.

There is a daily programme of light-hearted family activities that delight in the mysteries and wonders of a traditional springtime.

Saturday 18th marks the start of Fly Open Air festival at Hopetoun House. Their biggest festival yet set in the beautiful grounds of Hopetoun House, one of Scotland’s finest stately homes. Tickets are available for the full weekend, or each individual day.

Why not check out some of West Lothian’s Hidden Gems by taking a look at our newly updated website? You can see videos of locations before you go, as well as finding opening hours and more.

Follow us on social media to stay up to date with the latest attraction information: www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/SeeWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian @KonectMagazines

SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...

BATHGATE WEST LOTHIAN FENCING CLUB runs on Friday nights in Bathgate Academy at 7pm, Tuesday nights in St Kentigern’s, Blackburn at 7pm. Both classes suit beginners, people who have fenced before, adults and juniors (aged 8+). First two classes free, all kit is provided. Email coach@ fencing-club.co.uk for more details. Beginners and families very welcome. Come and have a fun night learning a new sport which is suitable for all.

KIDS FRIDAY CLUB Calling all P1-P7 children!

Looking for some fun? Come & join us every Friday (during term time) from 2pm -3.30pm for a wide range of activities including face /nail painting, arts and crafts, games, baking, snooker and lots more. £1.50 donation per week. Bathgate High Church, Gideon Street, Bathgate. Email; info@bathgatehigh.com.

COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS BATHGATE Bathgate Partnership Centre, 21 South Bridge Street, EH48 1TL. Manager Liz. Contact: 07591735823.

Open Monday to Friday 9:15am to 11:30am, Mon & Wed 12:30 to 2:15pm. £7.50 per session.

BATHGATE FAIRTRADE GROUP Bathgate Fairtrade is a small group and welcomes more members locally to promote fairtrade in Bathgate and West Lothian, providing information about fairtrade and opportunities to buy fairly traded food and other items with stalls in various locations. If you are interested or want to know more please contact the secretary Gillian Reid on 01506 653366 or Email: mrs_g@btinternet.com RAINBOWS, BROWNIES & GUIDES Rainbow units - (girls aged 5 - 7 years old) take place on Monday and Wednesday nights. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org. uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

Brownie units - (girls aged 7 - 10 years old) take place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org. uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

Guide units - (girls aged 10 - 14 years old) take place on Thursday nights. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

BATHGATE & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB We are a friendly group who meet third Monday of each month, Sept to June (except Dec), 7.15pm in the United Reform Church Hall, Majoriebanks Street, Bathgate. We have a Floral Art demonstrator at each meeting who designs around 5 arrangements which are given as raffle prizes. Contact Nan Tait, Chairman, tel: 01506 676965.

BATHGATE | 35

BATHGATE ...cont.

GENERATION ARTS – CHOIR or DANCE Generation Choir Silver Tones meet Mon 1.15pm - 2.15pm in the Royal British Legion, Bathgate. All age 50+ welcome - no experience required and no auditions. Generation Dance meet Fri 10.30am - 11.30am at St Mary’s Hall, Livery Street, Bathgate.

All age 60+ welcome regardless of mobility, independence and experience.

BATHGATE HISTORY GROUP A friendly group who meet on Wednesdays at 2.00pm in the Tryst behind St John’s Church, Mid Street, Bathgate. We have interesting speakers on various topics with tea and coffee served. A warm welcome awaits old and new members. We meet from the first Wednesday in September through to the following April. For further information contact Christine on 01506 656499.

SIMPLY PLAY Provides flexible after school care and holiday programmes for children aged 5-14. Our clubs are based in Simpsons Primary School Community Wing, Balbardie Primary School, and Bathgate Partnership Centre. We offer a range of indoor and outdoor play experiences until 6pm Mon-Fri. Sessions are paid for as they are booked with no fee for `holding` an unused space. For more information visit www.simplyplay. org or call 01506 856444.

31ST WEST LOTHIAN SCOUTS Scout Hall, Majoriebank Street. Thursdays 7:00pm-9:00pm BATHGATE CONCERT ORCHESTRA We are a friendly, enthusiastic group of musicians and are always happy to welcome new players of whatever level. We rehearse on Friday evenings during school term time from 7:30pm-9:30pm at Unit 6, Interchange Business Park, Houston Road, Livingston, EH54 5DW. Anyone interested in coming along to join us should contact the Secretary Joan Proven at Joan_Proven@hotmail.com Tel: 0131 331 3187. See www.batchgateconcertorchestra.org.uk.

You can also find us on facebook.

WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS NETWORK New members always welcome for educational, social, recreational and cultural activities. Monthly meet-ups, visits and day trips. Over 25 different activity groups, including arts, crafts, walking, theatre etc.

See www.westlothian50plusnetwork. co.uk or call 01506 635510. Office hours Tue - Thu 10am - 2pm.

YOGA CLASS For people living with long term conditions. Bathgate Community Centre, 5–6.30pm on Wednesdays. Class is run by KICC Active Lothian, a partnership with MS Therapy Centre Lothian. £5.50 per class or £20 for four weeks. First class is free!

Call Joanna on 07436 102726 to book.

36 | BATHGATE

BABY AND TODDLER ACTIVITIES Kidzeco, 20-24 George Street, Bathgate, EH48 1PW. Range of baby and children’s activities including Hartbeeps, Yoga Babiez, Baby Sensory, Iyengar Yoga Warriors and Kids Iyengar Yoga Warriors. Please see our events page on facebook www.facebook.com/ kidzeco for class times and prices, or call Kidzeco Bathgate on 01506 815534

sport for the first time. Whether you are seven years old or 70...Everyone is welcome! Meet at Bathgate Academy.

For further information contact: David Stephen, Club Secretary david. stephen2@sky.com or 07979 095772.

See www.wlttc.co.uk.

BATHGATE PLAYGROUP Bathgate Partnership Centre. Mon–Fri 9-11.30am and afternoon sessions Mon & Wed 12.30-3.30pm

WEST LOTHIAN RUN Little Runners – free kids running classes, Sundays at Boghall Community Wing 11am – 12pm.

See www.westlothianrun.org.uk for details and to register.

2ND BATHGATE GIRLS’ BRIGADE Meets on Wednesday evenings in St John’s Church Halls, Mid Street.

Explorers P1-3 Girls: 6.15pm - 7.30pm.

Juniors P4-7 Girls: 7.00pm - 8.30pm.

Brigaders S1-S6 Girls: 7.00pm - 8.30pm.

Please contact Alison Weddell (Captain) on tel 07710 619264 or email alison. weddell@gmail.com for further details.

NEWLAND CONCERT BRASS Friendly band based in Bathgate.

We welcome brass and percussion players of all ages and abilities. Training Band Mondays 6 – 7pm in Bathgate Partnership Centre. Junior Band Mondays 6.30 – 7.30pm in Bathgate Partnership Centre. Senior Band Mondays 7.45 – 9.30pm in the band hall on Belvedere Rd. For more information see the website at www.newlandconcertbrass.org.uk

REGAL MUSIC CLUB The Regal Theatre, Bathgate. For anyone who loves music. We meet fortnightly on Wednesdays. 7.30pm – 9.30pm. Come along to chat, discuss, meet new people, eat biscuits. You don’t need to play or sing but if you do there is always a chance to perform. Check out the facebook page or just drop in. £2.00 including refreshments.

BATHGATE READING GROUP Simpson Library, Bathgate. Meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 6.00pm, all adults are welcome.

BATHGATE MEMORY CAFE A meeting place and caring supportive group for people with dementia and their carers. The Memory Cafe runs the first Monday of every month between 1.30pm and 3pm at Rosemount Gardens, Mid Street, Bathgate (Sheltered Housing Complex). For further information contact Alzheimer Scotland on 01506 533 108 or just turn up and be assured of a warm welcome.

FRIENDS OF POLKEMMET COUNTRY PARK Group meets on the second Sunday each month between 10am – 12pm to carry out practical conservation projects in Polkemmet Country Park. Dates for 2015 are: 12/04; 10/05; 14/06; 12/07; 09/08; 13/09; 11/10; 08/11. Please contact the Ranger Service on 01501 743905, Polkemmet@ westlothian.gov.uk or visit the Friends of Polkemmet Facebook page if you would like to join us.

WEST LOTHIAN TABLE TENNIS CLUB West Lothian Table Tennis are a friendly club who are always happy to welcome new people who have played in the past or would like to pick up the

PARANORMAL INVESTIGATION GROUP We’re looking for people to join our small group. Will meet on the first Wednesday of the month 7.30pm venue tbc. Investigations to be carried out approximately every 6-8 weeks at various locations around West Lothian and beyond so own transport essential.

Both believers and skeptics welcome.

Must be over 18. Please contact Tracey at ghost.scotland@outlook.com for further information.

WEST LOTHIAN GENERATION ARTS Helps people stay healthy mentally and physically by offering classes of seated dance, singing and arts. Classes are held in St. Mary’s Hall, Livery Street, Bathgate, for over sixties, on Fridays at 10.30am and Howden Park Centre, Livingston, on Thursdays at 1130 a.m. Further info frome: generationarts.coordinator@ gmail.com w: www.generationarts. co.uk ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Ex-service male/female organisation.

The Club offers comradeship, social activities, e.g. golf, fishing and bowling events. Bingo, cabaret and dancing.

Our function hall is available for hire by members, families and friends. Friday night bingo 8.00 pm; Karaoke Saturday night in the Lounge. Watch notice Board for special events.

BATHGATE BRIDGE CLUB Meets every Thursday from first Thursday in October until the last Thursday in May at EU Church Hall, Church Park, Marjoribanks Street, Bathgate. 6.45 for 7.00pm start. All Welcome. Contact Georgette Nicol 01506 203498 for more information.

THE REGAL YOUTH COMPANY Regal Community Theatre, Bathgate.

Music workshops for 13-25 year olds - Monday evenings 7pm to 9pm, £2.

Drama workshops for 13-25 year olds Wednesday evenings 7pm to 9pm £2.

For info see www.rycbathgate.com or contact us via facebook.

THE TREE CLUB Office at 19c South Bridge Street, Bathgate. West Lothian’s only afterschool club for children and teenagers with additional support needs.

Stimulating and creative activities with high staff to child ratio. See www. thetreeclub.org.uk KIRKTON PARK TENNIS CLUB Interested in improving your tennis game? Check out our club info at KirktonParkTennisClub.co.uk We offer a free trial social session!

Hope to see you on the courts soon.

Learn, Play, Enjoy!

@KonectMagazines

SCOTTISH SENIORS COMPUTER CLUB The Ballencrief, Hopetoun Street, Bathgate. For the over 50s to find out what you can do with your computer, laptop, iPad/tablet or smartphone device. Enjoy the experience; learn and share! Thursday mornings 10am - 12 noon. Contact : Chris Cosgrove. Bathgate Computer Club. Call 01506 656153 or just call in.

WEST LOTHIAN SUB AQUA CLUB Come along and join us on a Tuesday evening at Xcite Bathgate swimming pool. Not sure if scuba-diving is for you? No problem, we can offer you a taster ‘Try Dive’ to let you experience the freedom of diving. Training is carried out at your pace and our instructors are fully qualified and experienced divers so you will be in safe hands. As a not-for-profit organisation you will be surprised how little our training costs. To find out more, visit our website www.westlothianscuba.co.uk or come along to Xcite Bathgate at 8pm on a Tuesday for a chat by the pool.

NIBBLE N NATTER Fortnightly get together in Royal Scot Court, Bathgate, where we enjoy coming together and meeting new people. Have a chat and a choice of biscuits and cakes with a cup of tea. A welcoming atmosphere awaits you! Cost is just £1 and all are welcome.

Group run by Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives), 01506 815815, email opal@cyrenians.scot or visit our website www.cyrenians.scot ACTIVITY GROUP Are you over 60? Looking to get out and meet new people? Come and join in our activity group in Rosemount Gardens, Bathgate - a mix of gentle physical activity, quizzes and games. We also love a good chat over a cup of tea! All welcome, cost is just £1 per session. Get in touch if you’d like more information, with Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives) on 01506 815815, email opal@cyrenians.scot or visit our website www.cyrenians.scot PILATES St. Mary’s Hall, Livery Street, Bathgate. Monday evenings 6pm for intermediate/advanced levels and 7pm for beginner/intermediate levels.

Improve posture, flexibility, strength and stability with classical pilates.

For booking and further information, contact Maria on 07513 116490 or mariahybszerpilates@gmail.com or check out website mariahybszerpilates.weebly.com

WESTER INCH WESTER INCH KARATE CLUB A community based club with classes every Wed at Simpson Primary School. 18.00 – 19.00 Dragon Ninjas Class: suitable for 5 – 7 year olds; 19.00 – 20.30 The class is suitable for adults and children from 8 years. The first class is free, thereafter there is a special rate of £35 which includes two months of classes and a karate suit. Membership includes free entry to Livingston Karate Club. Register your interest via our website www.westerinchkarateclub.co.uk

@KonectMagazines

WESTER INCH PARENT & TODDLER GROUP Thursday mornings 9am - 11am. £1 per adult and 50p per child. For more information contact us via our facebook page Wester Inch Parent and Toddler Group or email on westerinchtoddlers@hotmail.com SIMPSON ART CLUB Meet every Tues 7pm-9pm in the Community Wing of Simpson Primary School, Leyland Road, Westerinch, Bathgate, EH48 2SG. All over 18yrs, including beginners, are welcome. We have professional artists giving demonstrations mid month, and a tutor teaching at end of month, both teaching new techniques, and giving us time to try. We work in all mediums, first month free, and fees are £80 twice yearly. For further information email simpsonartclub@gmail.com or contact 07762 933138.

CENTREPOINT CHURCH Simpson Primary School. Sunday Worship Gathering, Weekly 10:30am. Contact: Tom Jackson m: 07540391081 e: tom. jackson@centrepointchurch.org

MESSY CHURCH Held by St. John’s Parish Church in Community Wing, Simpson Primary School. 2nd & 4th Thurs of each month 6.45pm-8.15 pm. Join us for fun, games, craft activities, stories and singing. All ages welcome. No charge, donations welcome. For more information contact Parish Minister, Rev. Duncan Shaw on 01506 653146 or westlothian@churchofscotland.org.uk or Rev. Zoltan Safrany on 07411 444 743 email safiref@gmail.com

WEST INCH NETBALL Meet on a Tuesday night at Simpson Primary School, Bathgate. Arrive anytime after 7 pm, games played between 7.30 and 8.30 pm. £3 per person, per week. All are welcome.

DOTEKI KARATE CLUB Meet Mon night at Simpson Primary School, Bathgate, 4 – 8 year olds 6.30 – 7.30pm and 8 years to adults 7.30 – 8.30pm and also at Southdale Primart School, Armadale on a Wed evening, same times. No previous experience necessary. Wear a t-shirt, jogging bottoms and bring a bottle of water. For more information visit their Facebook page: Doteki Karate Club; email dotekikarate@gmail.com or phone: 07917 351794 .

FOOTBALL STAR ACADEMY Meet on a Saturday and Sunday morning at Simpson Primary School, Bathgate for boys and girls aged 5 and 8 years.

Saturday’s Soccer School is between 11 am and 12 noon, Sunday’s Soccer School is 10.30 – 11.30 am. For more information visit their Facebook page: @footballstaracademy1; email footballstaracademy@outlook.com or phone: 07903877987.

TORPHICHEN BROWNIE UNIT (girls aged 7 - 10 years old) take place on Tuesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

OTHER AREAS UPCYCLING/RECYCLING CLUB Come and join us for our weekly craft recycling classes & learn new skills.

Cushion covers, decopatch, rug making and many more projects. Every Tuesday 10.30 - 12, 12.30 - 2 & 2 – 3.30 Colliery Hub, Polkemmet Business Centre, Dixon Terrace, Whitburn, EH47 0LH. Contact Sam: 07986 405900.

All materials are provided and classes are free.

LOTHIAN PHOENIX WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL CLUB Meet on Thur nights at Armadale Academy. Come along and try something new! No experience necessary, we have spare sports wheelchairs available to use.

Adults 7-9pm, Kids 7-8pm (they are welcome to stay until 9pm if you wish.)

All abilities are welcome. Contact Conor Smart - 07585 925810 to find out more or come along to one of our sessions.

WOOLY QUILTERS This self help group is the ideal place for help and craft chat with a cuppa while you sew or knit. We do a variety of crafts from patchwork & quilting to knitting & spinning, or to get you started try making our beginners quilt! Meet on a Wed 7pm- 9pm at Seafield Bowling Club, Old Rows, Seafield Rows, EH47 7AP. For more information: email: woolyquilters@gmail.com or find us on facebook.

SING WEST LOTHIAN Armadale Community Centre, Thurs 6pm 8pm. Free, and no audition and no requirement to read music. For information email westlothianchoir@ outlook.com or find us on Facebook COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS ARMADALE Armadale Community Centre, 7 North Street Armadale, EH48 3QB. Manager Arlene. Contact : 07592816761. Open Tuesday to Friday 9;15am to 11;30am £7.50 per session.

CHOOSE YOU – YOGA STUDIO AND WELLNESS HUB Wide range of classes at our permanent wellness studio in Carmondean. Yoga classes include Iyengar, Ashtanga, Seasonal, Bihar, Hatha/Vinyasa and Core Strength as well as yoga for kids, teens and men. We also offer Tai-Chi. For a full list and timetable, please see our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ chooseyouyoga, call Eva on 07810 824 195 or email info@chooseyouyoga. co.uk for more information.

TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT CHARITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR OTHER LISTINGS. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION. WWW.KONECT.SCOT

BATHGATE | 37

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS Home Appliance Repair 30 Bathrooms & Kitchens 1st Choice Living 5 Paragon Bathroom Solutions 7 S and S Home Improvements 39 BOILER SERVICES The Gas Engineer 10 CAR SERVICING, MOT & REPAIR Ace Exhausts & Tyres 6 M & S Auto Solutions 5 CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Dirtbusters Carpet Cleaning 5 James Burnett Carpet Cleaning 30 CHURCHES Centrepoint Church 33 CLOTHING, FASHION & ACCESSORIES Pretty Blossom Boutique 32 COMPUTER / PHONE REPAIRS Sprint Computer Repairs 10 CURTAINS & BLINDS Harvey Bruce 26 DOORS / WINDOWS DC Double Glazing 19 UPVC Doors 11 ELECTRICIAN DB Electrics 28 ESTATE AGENT Drummond Miller 11 Turpie & Co 23 GARAGE DOORS Garolla 4 GARDEN CENTRE New Hopetoun Gardens 15 GARDEN DESIGN / MAINTENANCE All Year Round Landscapes 16 Naia Garden Services 16 R Grieve Landscapers 14 West Lothian Garden Maintenance 16 GARDEN FURNITURE AND BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate 17 38 | BATHGATE

GLAZING REPAIRS CR Smith 21 JOINERY DJMS - Domestic Joinery & Maintenance Services 27 LANDLORD SERVICES Let Link 4 Turpie & Co. 23 LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES Beatson’s Building Supplies 16 LAWNS Green Thumb Lawn Service 14 LOCKSMITH CVC Locksmiths and Security 26 MARKETING / LEAFLETING Mr Leaflets 19 The Leaflet Lady 40 MOBILITY SERVICES Ableworld 20 PAINTING & DECORATING Manic Street Painters 28 PLASTERING Nu Walls 26 PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES Dewar Plumbing 19 Mech A Tech Home Heating Services 6 McLellan Plumbing 26 PRESSURE WASHING Scotwash Solutions 16 RESTAURANT La Piuma Restaurant 19 ROOFING G Hughes Roofing Services 10 SOLICITORS & LEGAL Purdie MacLean Solicitors 33 TAXI & PRIVATE HIRE County Cars 2 TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME West Lothian Trusted Trader Scheme 27 VET & ANIMAL WELLBEING Ayrton Veterinary Hospital 31 Riverside Veterinary Practice 30 WHAT’S ON Gardening Scotland 13

YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SCHEME Developing the Young Workforce 28

SOLUTION

SOLUTION TO APRIL CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Safe, 3. Everyday, 9. Cartoon, 10. Reply, 11. Enter, 12. Splash, 14. Lowest, 16. Editor, 19. Middle, 21. Zebra, 24. Mills, 25. Beneath, 26. Tadpoles, 27. Less.

DOWN: 1. Secretly, 2. First, 4. Vanish, 5. Rural, 6. Deposit, 7. Yo-yo, 8. Courts, 13. Breathes, 15. Whirled, 17. Dozens, 18. Pebble, 20. Disco, 22. Blame, 23. Omit.

Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement.

We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Magazine Design: Universal Appeal Ltd. M: 07729 911858 W: www.universal-appeal.com E: info@universal-appeal.com

@KonectMagazines