Konect Linlithgow April 17

APRIL 2017

linlithgow

John Aitken: Pride and Passion for Linlithgow Girlguiding - Could you be a Leader? local Easter Holiday Activites Plus businesses, community KITCHEN REVAMP! information & more!

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The community magazine for the Linlithgow area

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FEATURE

MES S AG E FR O M THE ED ITO R

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inlithgow was the first town in West Lothian to register a company of Girl Guides, 100 years ago. So Guiding in West Lothian is celebrating its centenary this year. They asked us for help to look for new leaders – see the article on pages 8-9.

We had a range of topics to cover in this issue of Konect – the Easter school holidays are upon us, so check the What’s On pages for a few ideas of things to do locally with the family. And if you’re in the market to buy your first home, you need to read the special property feature in the West Lothian section of this magazine.

Most Linlithgow residents will recognise the plaque on the front cover – they are dotted all around Linlithgow, but I hadn’t realised who was responsible for them until I did the interview for the Local People column this month.

Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

CONTENTS 100 years of Guiding in West Lothian 08 Local People 10 Walk Feature 38 Vet’s Tip 40 Puzzles 42 What’s On 44 Useful Information 44 Clubs & Classes 45 WEST LOTHIAN VIEW

Home Improvements LIFT Property Scheme Property Matters Parenting in West Lothian Visit West Lothian

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

WL3 WL14 WL16 WL21 WL22 46

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk ADVERT BOOKING DEADLINE: 10th of the month prior to print.

Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

Cover Image: “St Michael is Kinde to Straingers” plaque from the Linlithgow Heritage Trail

ARTWORK/COPY DEADLINE: 13th of the month prior to print.

The Konect magazine is delivered to 7500 homes and businesses in Linlithgow, Linlithgow Bridge and the surrounding area. Copies are also left at the library, post offices and other locations.

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KONECT LINLITHGOW | 3

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SPECIAL FEATURE

OF GUIDING IN WEST LOTHIAN 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of Girlguiding in West Lothian. Linlithgow and Broxburn were the first towns in West Lothian where girls formed companies to join what in 1917 was the new Guiding organisation, soon followed by other towns.

Today there are Girlguiding groups in most towns and villages in West Lothian. Guiding provides fun, friendship and a whole lot of other things for girls from ages 5 to 25. The organisation is structured by age group, with Rainbows for ages 5-7; Brownies for ages 7-10; Guides for ages 10-14; and a Senior Section for ages 14-25.

Emma Brash is a leader for Mid Calder Brownies and is also responsible for promoting Guiding all over West Lothian. She met with me to enthuse about the organisation that she has been involved with since she joined as a Rainbow.

Being a Leader is a great experience “For me, Guiding is about adventure,” says Emma.

“Adventure simply means doing something different, something new, that you wouldn’t otherwise do in your everyday life. For example, we recently went badgerwatching with the West Lothian Country Park Rangers; our local brownies put on a play together; and we had a STEM themed pack holiday weekend where we linked in a visit to the Museum of Flight” In their weekly sessions, the girls help decide what activities they would like to do, which includes working towards gaining badges in a range of 8 | KONECT LINLITHGOW

interests, everything from art, music and reading to sports and outdoors skills. Besides this, there are opportunities for experiencing adventures out and about, and meeting up with Guides from other areas for special camps. It’s about challenges, expanding horizons, firing the imagination and pushing boundaries; as well as friendship and security. “My favourite memory from Brownies is the sleepover at the science centre, all the games we played and the parties we have,” says one of the Mid Calder Brownies.

In 2017 you can’t avoid the question of “why girls only?”

Emma says, “Girlguiding is a place where girls can come together and be given the chance to be heard and the chance to do what they want, without being told they can’t. All girls are welcomed in Guiding as it’s a space for them to learn, thrive and meet new people.”

Adventure simply means doing something different, something new, that you wouldn’t otherwise do in your everyday life

LEADERS NEEDED Leaders are needed all over West Lothian. You don’t need to have Guiding experience in order to volunteer as a leader – everyone has different skills they can bring. All you need is an interest in working with young people and making sure the girls are enjoying what they are doing.

“Being a Leader is a great experience. You learn new skills that you can transfer to your work and other areas of life,” says Emma. “It’s also like a big support group – Leaders support each other, you make great friends, and meet people from all over Scotland and further afield via the regular group camps. I have loved volunteering for Girlguiding to give a little back of what the organisation has done for me.”

If you are interested in becoming a Leader with any group in West Lothian, please contact us at westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com or find more information at www.girlguiding.ork.uk/get-involved.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN 1st Linlithgow Guide Company was the first company registered in West Lothian, in December 1917. A group of teenagers from Linlithgow Academy, having heard about Guiding – which was at that time a relatively new movement having been set up in 1909 – were keen to have their own local company.

They approached one of their teachers at the academy, who knew about Guiding as her sister was already involved in Guiding in Broxburn.

She was enthusiastic in her support and arranged the formation of the 1st Linlithgow Guide Company. The 1st Broxburn Guide Company was registered in February 1918 although they had been meeting prior to this.

1st Linlithgow Guide Company

HOW TO JOIN If your daughter is interested in joining, please visit the girlguiding website at www.girlguiding.ork.uk/get-involved, email westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com or check the Clubs and Classes pages of this magazine where details of the local companies are listed every month.

CONTRIBUTOR: Helen-Jane Shearer interviewed Emma Brash of West Lothian Girlguiding for this feature Helen-Jane lives in West Lothian with her family and is the editor of Konect magazines.

KONECT LINLITHGOW | 9

LOCAL PEOPLE

JOHN AITKEN: Pride and passion for

“Linlithgow is a fantastic place and a very attractive visitor destination,” says local resident John Aitken, and I think we can all agree with him! Being a fantastic place doesn’t happen all by itself though; there is a veritable army of volunteers behind the scenes. I caught up with John to find out about the various projects he is involved with.

The organisation Pride and Passion Linlithgow promotes Linlithgow for residents and visitors alike. John is a founder member. One of their projects is producing the Linlithgow Visitor Guide leaflet, which gives lots information on the town and area, including a town map and a 48-point heritage trail. You will have noticed the “St Michael is Kinde to Straingers” plaques (see this month’s Konect cover image) dotted on buildings along the main street – they denote buildings of historic or cultural interest featured in the guide. When you live in a tourist town it can be easy to take it for granted, but why not make a point this year of picking up the Visitor Guide, and check out all the places on it? The updated 2017 edition is available, free of charge, from the Library and many other places.

“Besides the visitor guide, we have installed live webcams at the Cross and at the Linlithgow Canal Centre and we look after the visitor and non-commercial aspects of the Linlithgow.com 10 | KONECT LINLITHGOW

website,” explains John. He set up the original Linlithgow community website twelve years ago. It has been overhauled and is now run

by Linlithgow Town Centre BID (Business Improvement District).

One of the pages that John still administers is the What’s On calendar; if you run events locally, email details to john@linnet.co.uk to get your events onto the calendar.

Make a point over the Spring/Summer this year to pick up the Linlithgow Visitor Guide and check out all the places on it

John is at pains to point out that he is just one of many volunteers working behind the scenes in Linlithgow. He moved here just over 40 years ago and was a founder

member of the Linlithgow Union Canal Society; he is still to be found there often during the summer months (“my second home!”) driving the canal boats St Magdalene and Victoria for schools and charters. He has served on the Deacon’s Court, ARK Housing, Abercorn Curling Club, Carers of West Lothian, Linlithgow Handicapped Parent’s Group, the Linlithgow and Linlithgow Bridge Town Management Group and Linlithgow Civic Trust.

“My wife Lyn and I love travel and I believe that twinning arrangements can help to forge lasting links with other communities. I am currently Treasurer of the West Lothian Grapevine Twinning Association; Lyn and I have hosted visitors from Grapevine, Texas and we have been made very welcome over there, our last visit being for Thanksgiving and the run up to Christmas 2016. I do my bit, but it’s along with many others jointly that we achieve quite a lot for Linlithgow.”

Helen-Jane Shearer interviewed John Aitken for this feature.

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

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BEFORE

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n a i h t o West L

VIEW

his section of Konect celebrates all things West Lothian! With new developments and the population ever-growing here, it’s an exciting time for all of us, as services and facilities spring up to accommodate.

If you have information or services you would like to share with 40,500 households in West Lothian every month, please get in touch with us. We can help spread your message if you are a business, charity, social enterprise, running an event or have an inspirational story to share. See page 3 for our contact details.

Look inside this section for: SPECIAL FEATURE Buying a property for the first time REVAMPING YOUR KITCHEN This month’s Home Improvements feature focuses on ideas for revamping your kitchen without breaking the bank PARENTS IN WEST LOTHIAN Our regular column on surviving parenthood in West Lothian EASTER HOLIDAYS Some suggestions on what to do locally this Easter holiday

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

on a budget You know the feeling - the kitchen cupboard door is about to fall off its hinges and you can’t bear to look at that burn-mark on your worktop any longer. There’s only one thing for it - you need a new kitchen.

There’s just one snag – although you’ve set aside a budget, you can’t afford a brand-new, fully-fitted one. Don’t despair, there is a solution – it’s time for a kitchen revamp!

A kitchen revamp gives you the chance to mix and match door colours

A revamp can give your room a whole new lease of life, yet cost a fraction of the price of a brand new-kitchen.

But, what exactly does a revamp involve? Here are some options to give your kitchen the wow factor without breaking the bank.

Replacing doors and worktops - Check the condition of your existing units. Are they solid enough? If so, you can simply choose new cupboard doors which will set the tone for your overall style. For example, opt for sleek, minimalist doors in a bold, contemporary colour to make a statement. Or, choose traditional Shaker doors to give your kitchen a homely, unfussy country-feel. Worktops can either complement or contrast with your doors and they come in a range of hardwearing materials that are designed to last.

Upgrading appliances and sink taps - Upgrading your appliances is a great way to give your kitchen a shiny new look while saving energy costs. By simply replacing your doors and worktops instead of the whole kitchen, you could save enough to add a larder style unit with an integrated oven. Setting your oven at eye-level saves bending down to load up your Sunday roast. Modern ovens like the Neff ‘Slide & Hide’ oven has a door which, as the name suggests, slides underneath so you can get closer to it. Plus, it has an A energy rating which is better for the environment and easier on your pocket.

Corian® can be moulded to fit any shape from a simple worktop to an additional one-piece island with combined breakfast bar.

Adding a Quooker® instead of a tap gives drink ready boiling and cold water

If you don’t want to buy a new sink, you can simply upgrade your kitchen tap. It’s amazing the difference even that small change can make. If you use a lot of boiling water for tea or coffee, then invest in a Quooker instead.

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An accent on lighting - Every kitchen needs good ‘task’ lighting so you can see what you’re doing when preparing dinner. However, how about creating some ‘accent’ lighting too which is designed to focus on certain items such as ornaments or artwork.

Flooring options - Now that you’ve saved some money on your units how about revamping your flooring as well. Choose between new tiles for a Mediterranean look, engineered-wood flooring for a more rustic feel, or hardwearing vinyl-tiles from a quality manufacturer such as Karndean.

Creating space - Revamping your kitchen also gives you the chance to plan it around your changing needs. For example, if your children have flown the nest maybe you don’t need as many cupboards. Why not take one away and create space for a breakfast bar instead? And, by downsizing your dishwasher to a slimline version – you might find more room for a wine cooler! Sunday brunch with Prosecco anyone?

Choosing new New worktops will completely transform your existing kitchen and there are many hardwearing materials to choose from depending on your needs.

Granite - If you do a lot of cooking, granite worktops are ideal. Hardwearing and heat-resistant you can move hot pots from your hob to your worktop without fear of it marking.

Hardwood - Hardwood can last for years but will initially need sealed with oil over a period of time. Hardwoods such as teak or iroko are ideal for breakfast bars, island or around sink areas due to their water-resistant features.

Silestone - Silestone is made from 94% quartz which is hardwearing and highly scratch-resistant. It comes in a wide range of colours and is non-porous which means it won’t stain and is bacteria resistant – perfect if you need to be extra careful about hygiene.

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GARDENING PROJECT

SPRING POTS It’s Spring and it’s time to have a good look at your garden pots again: are they looking good; do any permanent plants need some tender loving care; do you need some new pots?

It is too early to risk planting your summer display plants into the pots because we will still get some killing frosts over the next few weeks. But it’s a good time to cheer up your existing planted pots and perhaps treat your garden to some new pots.

This season’s trend is for soft pastel coloured pots, both in glazed ceramics and plastic. The soft greens, blues, creams and beige pots compliment your plants and don’t fight with them for your attention.

We have popped in a selection of our

evergreen ‘Carefree Plants’ collection and they are all tough plants that only require water and food from you all year round. Choose plants like these to decorate your pots and patio this month.

Existing plants in pots will need feeding and tidying up now and replace the top 2” layer of compost with fresh compost and pop in some pansies or viola for some extra colour.

Then sit back and enjoy your display!

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With Nestled in a secluded position on the South side of the pretty conservation village countryside in directions, this offers the lifestyle open countryside inall all directions, thissemi semirural rural location offers thehome. lifestyle ofopen Torphichen, Cathlaw Lane is an idyllic setting forlocation a modern family With benefits for those seeking the reassuring comforts of a thriving village community benefits for those seeking the reassuring comforts of a thriving village community open countryside in all directions, this semi rural location offers the lifestyle with convenience of commute to withthe the convenience ofan aneasy easy commute toboth both Edinburgh &Glasgow.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

STEPS TO YOUR NEW HOME 1. Speak to a financial advisor of your choice about your mortgage suitability 2. Submit an application to the LIFT scheme at: www.linkhousing.org.uk/LIFT 3. LIFT assesses your application based on the information you provide 4. They let you know if you are eligible, what your minimum financial contribution is, and the maximum price of property you can buy 5. You then have 12 weeks to find your new home. If it times out, you need to re-apply 6. Send LIFT the details of the property you want to buy and they will let you know if you can make an offer using the scheme 7. If your offer is accepted, you can finalise your mortgage with the mortgage-provider of your choice 8. Your solicitor will confirm the terms of the sale and arrange for the paperwork to be signed 9. LIFT will claim the relevant funding from the Scottish Government 10. Your solicitor will gather the funds for the sale price and transfer them to allow you to move in.

CONGRATULATIONS, you have bought your new home!

WL14 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

Running successfully for 9 years, the Scottish Government’s LIFT scheme is all about helping first time buyers get on the housing ladder. It’s a fantastic scheme yet not many house buyers have heard of it.

LIFT stands for Low-cost Initiative for First Time buyers, and although is aimed primarily at first time buyers, you may also be eligible if you are a social rented tenant, have special housing needs due to disability, are armed forces personnel or a recent veteran. In a nutshell, it means if you meet the criteria, the Scottish Government will fund a percentage of the purchase price of any property advertised on the open market.

The scheme is administered on behalf of the government

by Link Group Ltd, a social enterprise in the housing sector. I visited them at their premises in Falkirk to find out more about this scheme, which seems too good to be true.

“It really is as simple as it sounds,” insists Danielle Lynch, marketing officer at Link Group. “If you’re in the market for a new home you’ve probably heard of the Help to Buy scheme, promoted by the large house builders because it is specifically for new builds. But you may not have heard of LIFT, which is similar but applies to any home advertised on the open market.” It works on the basis of shared equity, where the Scottish Government funds between 10% and 40% of the cost of your first home, depending on your eligibility. For example if you fund 80% of the property, the Scottish Government retains a 20% equity stake. It’s not a loan accumulating interest or needing to be paid back like your mortgage; you own the property outright and have full title to it but if and when you sell, you repay the 20% back to the government from the proceeds. Or in the meantime you have the option of increasing your stake or purchasing the government’s stake completely.

It puts home ownership within reach for many who would otherwise not be able to afford a suitable home. The percentage the government puts in may reduce

the amount of deposit you will have to contribute, reduce your monthly mortgage payments and therefore make living more affordable and sustainable.

A recent beneficiary explained, “I work hard, long hours in a personally rewarding job, yet remain on a pretty low income due to the sector within which I am employed.

As a result I was growing increasingly disheartened with the prospect of ever being able to own my own property.

Having managed to save enough for a deposit I still found myself in the position of being unable to secure a reasonably-sized mortgage. Thanks to the LIFT scheme I was able to find and put an offer in on a property that I would otherwise have been unable to secure finance for, despite being able to meet the monthly costs of ownership.”

Eligibility is means-tested, and there are of course some limits on the price and size of a property you can purchase. The maximum price depends on the area you’re purchasing in as house values vary. The pricing thresholds are published on the website (details below).

And the type of house needs to be appropriate for your needs. For example, a single person is unlikely to be eligible for help to purchase a four-bedroomed home, but a family of four probably would be. Each application is considered on its own merits.

The first step is to speak to a mortgage provider of your choice. Once you have completed your mortgage application and got your Mortgage Promise, you can apply to LIFT to have it “topped up”.

INFORMATION For more information please visit the Link website at www.linkhousing.org.uk/LIFT or contact the LIFT team on lift@linkhaltd.co.uk or 0330 303 0125.

Link Group Limited is a registered society under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, Registered Number: 1481 R(S).

Registered Office: Link House, 2c New Mart Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1RL. It is a charity registered in Scotland, Charity No: SC001026.

CONTRIBUTOR: Helen-Jane Shearer interviewed Danielle Lynch of Link Group Ltd in Falkirk for this feature. Helen-Jane lives in West Lothian with her family and is the editor of Konect magazines.

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KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL15

PROPERTY MATTERS

For those who are still saving for their first home, they may need less of a deposit than they think

The media regularly devotes headlines to the plight of the first-time buyer trying to get a foot on the property ladder, along with a considerable focus on the contribution first-time buyers apparently make to the property market, with house prices being significantly “fuelled from below”.

These headlines conjure up images of struggling first-time buyers who have just got their first job and are having difficulty raising enough money to purchase their first home. However, this sector of the market possibly has less of a bearing on the market than one might expect because of the changing definition of the first-time buyer.

Far from being “real” first-time buyers, 20% of those recorded as such have actually owned property in the past and are re-entering the market. Financial institutions have been known to label anyone who does not currently own a property as a “first-time” buyer as it categorises them as valuable “new business” to be pursued.

Likewise, estate agents often refer to anyone who has no related sale as a “first-time” buyer as it defines a purchaser unencumbered by a linked transaction, i.e. a hot buyer!

The chances are that some of these buyers may well have large deposits (we regularly come across “first-time” buyers looking up to £250,000). Many of these buyers are likely to be at least into their 30’s and may have been renting following a sale, a job transfer, a divorce, or travelling.

WL16 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

For those who are still saving for their first home, they may need less of a deposit than they think. There are mortgages available now that require only a 5% deposit – from lenders they’ll know from the High Street. They may also be eligible for the Open Market Shared Equity Scheme, otherwise known as the “LIFT” scheme. This scheme is currently open to all first time buyers and aims to help buyers on a low to moderate income on to the property ladder with minimum capital outlay. Lenders normally require a small deposit, although it may be possible to secure lending with no personal deposit whatsoever.

Any void left by the “youngsters” is being amply filled by the buy-to-let market, which is supplying the rented accommodation for those very people who would otherwise be first-time buyers themselves. It certainly keeps the market afloat, albeit at the expense of those who would prefer to own their own home earlier in life!

This month’s Property Matters column is contributed

by Gillian Greenwell of Greenwell Financial Services, Bathgate. www.greenwellfinancialservices.co.uk

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WL20 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

PARENTS IN WEST LOTHIAN

guard against travel-cot related injuries by curbing one’s hoarding tendencies...

Every so often in one’s life, there comes a time when one is forced to look oneself in the eye, jaw set, and with an even stare say, “Nicola, are you becoming a hoarder?”

its unexpected embrace, a single thought penetrated my startled brain. These things must go.

Today is just such a day.

I definitely inherited my ‘keep everything, just in case’ gene from my mother, who strangely got hers from rebelling against HER mother who constantly threw things out, regardless of how valuable, important, or sentimental they were.

My behaviour has been kept partly at bay by my long-suffering husband, despite the fact that during out last house move, things which I deemed important enough to move from oldhouse to new-house included: several empty Pringles tubes; an unusablybroken sock-dryer; half a brick.

With the advent of our children, my ‘keep everything’ tendencies have had to be seriously addressed. Much as I might wish otherwise, the laws of physics actually do apply in my house, and within its confines there is a finite volume of occupy-able space.

Wait a minute – KidzEco! Nestled in what used to be the Blockbuster video unit on the outside of the Almondvale Centre in Livingston, or smack bang in the middle of the little pedestrian precinct in the middle of Bathgate, KidzEco has been a Godsend for us. It is a social enterprise which sells pre-loved baby things, and runs discounted baby-classes in both shops. You can get everything there, from prams to potties, bottle-warmers to baby-slings, snow-suits to swimsuits, books to Bob the Builder toys, and bedding to bikes. So extensive is the range that whenever the babies need something new – most often Quinn needing new trousers since they appear to disintegrate when exposed to his Tasmanian-devil style of play - we ALWAYS check out Kidzeco first to see if we can get them there.

And this morning that regrettable fact revealed itself once more when I nearly ended myself opening a cupboard to be enthusiastically greeted by a falling travel-cot. As I steeled myself for the impact of

So what better place to let our redundant baby stuff get a new lease of life? We began the process of

Turns out we have rather a lot of baby stuff that really serves no purpose to us now, but I’ve never wanted to throw it away because it’s way too good for the bin. So what to do?

ferrying items to the shop, including several bags of baby clothes, baby coat hangers some foam playmats, and a baby bath. We then made arrangements for the staff at KidzEco to collect the bigger items that we couldn’t transport, i.e. the rocking chair and the travel cot. So now we have cupboards and drawers simply yawning with free space, and a de-cluttered living area and mind to boot.

Now to go shopping to fill them up again … only joking!

Or am I … ?

The monthly Parenting column is contributed by Nicola Jengaenga.

Nicola lives in West Lothian with her two pre-schoolers and hubby Channa. They juggle hectic work schedules with the ever-evolving demands of their two tiny overlords and also squeezing in time for each other!

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL21

VISIT WEST LOTHIAN

SEASONAL

HOP ON THROUGH WEST LOTHIAN THIS EASTER!

EASTER HOLIDAY IDEAS IN WEST LOTHIAN

That’s right – it’s time again for the Easter bunny to start delivering all those scrummy Easter eggs! Enjoy an egg-stra special Easter with the family this year in West Lothian; you can expect lots of fun activities and fantastic days out!

CREATIVE

Grab your clue sheet, sharpen your pencil, and tear around the Almond Valley Heritage Centre (1st -17th April) collecting clues on the springtime trail. Enjoy some ‘Easter Eggcitement’ by keeping a look out for hidden eggs that might win you a prize, whilst in the craft area you can make bonnets, masks and other springtime decorations. There will be still further special attractions over the four days of Easter (14th to 17th April), including our famous plastic duck race along the mill lade.

Why not drop into Hopetoun Estate and enjoy some of their Easter activities! You can try the trail, find hidden treasure and makes some Easter Crafts – all great fun for the family! Pop along anytime between 12noon and 3pm on Saturday 16th April for a hopping good day!

And as if all this excitement wasn’t enough, why not try your hand at making your own chocolates this Easter! Getting Gooey Chocolate Workshop located in Livingston is the perfect place to indulge a little, make your own personalized chocolates in the studio, and eat your creations at home later on – what’s not to love! A great location for children’s parties, hen dos or even just as something to do during the holidays!

Look out for our new West Lothian Visitor Guide 2017/18, which will be appearing in schoolbags & leaflet racks soon!

For the latest on all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit: Website: www.visitwestlothian.co.uk Facebook: VisitWestLothian Twitter: @teamwestlothian Instagram: @VisitWestLothian WL22 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

Drop in anytime to Potter Around (1) craft studio, for pottery painting, decopatch and other activities, see www.potteraround.co.uk. Overton Farm, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Open 10am-5pm, Sundays 11am-4pm.

Getting Gooey Chocolate Workshop (2); the name says it all – lots of chocolatey fun for all ages! Please visit www.gettinggooey.com. Booking is essential, call 01506 411978 or email hello@gettinggooey.com. Livingston Business Centre, Kirkton South Road, Livingston, EH54 7FA

ACTIVE Join in the fun at Jump Station, trampoline park for all ages and skill levels! 6 years and up can jump without an adult, 5 year olds can jump with a paying adult. Contact venue for times for under 5s. www.jumpstations.co.uk.

3 Kingsthorne Park, Livingston EH54 5DB. Xcite West Lothian* run kids holiday clubs at all of their leisure centres, most need to be booked in advance. Full details at www.westlothianleisure.com. Swimming is free for West Lothian kids aged under 16 during the school holidays, Monday – Friday, 10.00am – 4.00pm at Xcite Armadale, Bathgate, Broxburn, Linlithgow, Livingston and Whitburn (* Subject to availability).

WILDLIFE & ANIMALS Get closer to local wildlife with Historic Environment Scotland Rangers in Linlithgow. Tuesday 4th April at Linlithgow Peel, 10.30am-12.30pm. Learn about the clues wildlife leave behind to find out who makes Linlithgow Loch their home. Suitable for ages 8-12. Free, but booking essential, call Historic Environment Scotland Rangers on 0131 652 8150 or email rangers@hes.scot.

Almond Valley Heritage Centre is alive with the cheeps and bleats of baby animals. Grab your clue sheet and tear around the farm between Saturday 1st April to Monday 17th April, collecting clues on the springtime trail. Keep a look out for hidden eggs that might win you a prize. In the craft area, make bonnets, masks and other springtime decorations. Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. Tel 01506 414957

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MUSIC REVIEW

WINDING HIS WAY DOWN TO BAKER STREET If you need a break from the all-conquering King Sheeran and his divide then this is a good month to relive the early work of another solo singer songwriter in his mid-twenties – assuming that you remember it was AD1971. After a period of only being available for silly money second hand, Gerry Rafferty’s first full solo album following his increasing domination of the Humblebums, the overlooked and mostly forgotten “Can I Have My Money Back”, has finally been rereleased albeit with minimum fanfare.

From this perspective the album appears to perfectly presage the 1978 City To City era, right down to the John Bryne/Patrick cover and Hugh Murphy production, to such extent that you could leapfrog over the intervening Steeler’s Wheel years and never hear the join. That voice, comprising equal measures of smoke, whisky, and a passionate dispassion is instantly recognisable. The themes of emotional disconnection and alienation are also present, only lightly hidden beneath the chirpy pop production.

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The maturity of certain tracks is striking. Every songwriter between 1966 and 1975 was, by law, required to write their own version of Eleanor Rigby. Rafferty’s take on this, “Mary Skeffington” has no hint of toytown psychedelia or patronising “look at the little person” attitude. The portrait of an elderly woman remembering her childhood holidays is genuinely moving - unlike the occasional dip into what does sound like juvenilia on sketches such as the resolutely un-amusing “Mr Universe”.

Rafferty was his own prophet on the frighteningly prescient “Sign on the Dotted Line” and “One Drink Down”, which gives this collection another edge. Highly recommended.

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The monthly music review is contributed by James Kerr.

James presents the Regal Music Club show on Regal Radio (www.regal-radio.net) and is a member of the local band Snakeskin Shoe Review.

WL24 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

KONECT LINLITHGOW | 37

WALK

WALK My favourite kind of walk has to be one involving water - a riverside ramble, a stride along the seashore, looping around a loch...fresh air, great views while getting exercise.

A real favourite at any time of year is the shore walk that takes in the Dalmeny Estate near South Queensferry. This walk has been incorporated into the John Muir Way, a seven to ten day walk coast to coast across the best of central Scotland with many places of natural, historical and industrial heritage along the way. You can read more about the John Muir way at www.johnmuirway.org. You can take a little of the walk at a time and there are a few segments near to us. As John Muir put it, “It is a good thing, to make short excursions now and then”, and to “saunter rather than hike”. I so agree with him.

DALMENY HOUSE: Built in 1817 to a Tudor Gothic design by William Wilkins.

38 | KONECT LINLITHGOW

I began at the Hawes Pier opposite the Hawes Inn in South Queensferry - a place worth a visit as it dates back to at least the 17th century and is featured in Robert Louis Stevenson’s Kidnapped. It also features a roaring log fire - great for warming up cold feet and hands if the weather is inclement. Wait until you have finished your walk and you can feel your warming drink is well deserved.

If the Lifeboat Station shop is open you can pop in and do your bit, then take the small lane down to the left

This walk has been incorporated into the John Muir Way, a seven to ten day walk coast to coast across the best of central Scotland just after the station which heads to the shoreline, taking you to Longcraig Pier, one of several which were used as ferry points to cross the Forth. You might spot a seal basking on the pier if you are lucky. Personally I haven’t spotted one yet but I live in hope.

At the pier there is a white gate by a cottage leading into the Dalmeny Estate and the path through the woodland. Every now and then you can see the shore and the boats sitting out on the Firth. The path

ultimately leads all the way to Cramond and depending on your time and your energy levels, you can walk the entire route, rest in Cramond and walk or take the bus back; or do what I usually do - head off the path half way along, go down to the shore and do a loop, returning to South Queensferry and the Hawes Inn. There are several ways of doing the loop but my preference is to keep to the path until it emerges from the woodlands and Dalmeny House comes into view on the right. It is a well-maintained woodland path with a good surface, and at various points you can divert down onto the shore. It is approximately 4.25km from Hawes Inn to Dalmeny House.

Dalmeny House was built in 1817 to a Tudor Gothic design by William Wilkins. A rare type of artificial stone called coadestone was used in the more decorative elements on the house. The house was used as an auxiliary hospital during WWI and during WWII the stables to the rear were used by the Army for a Barrage Balloon Unit.

As the golf course opens up on the left opposite Dalmeny House, the footpath turns left onto the golf course to skirt the edge of the woodland and go down to the shoreline, then follows the shoreline along the golf course. From here you can continue all the way to

Cramond, passing Snab Point and Eagle Rock, or go down onto the beach and turn back towards South Queensferry. You will get views along the coast to Barnbougle Castle and across the Forth. Kids will love beachcombing amongst all the shells.

You will have spotted Barnbougle Castle, currently covered in scaffolding, as you approached Dalmeny House. It is on the site of a medieval tower house built by the Mowbray family which was destroyed and then rebuilt in the 19th century.

At Barnbougle the Fifth Earl of Rosebery (Prime Minister 18951895) practised his speeches in a gallery hall built for the purpose. The castle is not open to the public.

Climb back up onto the golf course via some rocks at the end of the little stretch of beach here, and take the path back the way you came. On the way back pause at Hound Point, known for the BP tanker berth and which according to folklore is haunted by a dog owned

by Sir Richard Mowbray who died on the Crusades. The views from Hound Point are magnificent with Inchcolm Island and its old abbey as well as the spectacular Forth Bridges, including the wide white spans of the new bridge.

Retrace your steps back to the Lifeboat station in South Queensferry and to that well deserved warming drink at the Hawes Inn.

CONTRIBUTOR: The walk feature is written by Karen Murray. Karen lives in West Lothian and is passionate about walking in the great outdoors having been brought up to love walking by her Father (still hillwalking in his 80s).

KONECT LINLITHGOW | 39

VET’S TIP

PET’S BEHAVIOUR Bringing a new puppy – or dog – home is a tremendously exciting and hopefully enjoyable time for pet-owners. Last month I talked about what to consider when selecting the best pet for you and your lifestyle. If that choice is a dog, the next step is to make sure their behaviour is acceptable both in your home and when out and about.

Firstly don’t leap into training the second your new pet gets into your home. He or she needs time to get used to their new surroundings and settle in first. Make sure they get plenty of good food – nutrition is key to good behaviour – and plenty of sleep. Don’t overstimulate them – owners often think that lots of exercise will wear them out and make them more docile but all that adrenaline can actually have the opposite effect.

Be patient when it comes to toilet training – the carpet might feel like the pad your puppy learned to go on at the breeder’s.

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40 | KONECT LINLITHGOW

Remember that a dog will react differently depending on the environment – just because they are reliable on a walk around Linlithgow doesn’t mean they’ll be the same on a forest walk in the Trossachs.

Once your dog is settled, I would recommend using a professional, such as Linlithgow’s own Lothlorien, even for a short period, to make sure you and your pet get into good habits and routines from the beginning.

The Vet’s Tip is contributed by Stuart McMorrow, head vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic, 8 Preston Road.

Call: 01506 844 165, or visit: www.westportvets.com

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KONECT LINLITHGOW | 41

FOOD & DRINK

PUZZLES

CROSSWORD

Spring, re-birth and a festival of fertility after the lean times of winter all contribute to our celebration rituals of Easter. The two main foods in Christian Europe have been lamb and eggs, symbols of hope and plenty for millennia. Many traditions of decorating eggs, making breads enriched with eggs, exchanging gifts of eggs and eating spring lamb can be directly traced to ancient pagan Gods of Greece and the Middle East.

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Solution on Page 46

SUDOKU

42 | KONECT LINLITHGOW

The giving of chocolate eggs has been a huge marketing opportunity for the confectionery industry; the fantastically elaborate gold and bejewelled eggs given by the Tsars to their family are perhaps the most luxurious gift eggs; but the tradition of decorating eggs can still be enjoyed by you and your children with a few hard boiled eggs and poster paint. Then they can be rolled downhill till the shells crack off! In Greece they dye eggs dark red and bake them into a nest of rich milk-bread. The Italians make an egg rich cake and in Germany they dye eggs and make special bread with fruit, poppy seeds and marzipan.

Eggs are very easy to digest and are a nourishing food.

In Larousse Gastronomique (The French Dictionary of Food) there are 30 pages of recipes for eggs, either poached or boiled and made interesting by the addition of anything from foie gras and truffles, a cheese sauce or okra and prawns.

Temperature is critical when cooking eggs. Storing eggs in the fridge makes it even more difficult to get things just right. Alas most houses don’t have a cool, airy larder, but if you can, try to keep eggs away from a fridge. As theshell is semi-permeable, eggs absorb the flavours around them and the fridge taste is often what makes people dislike boiled or poached eggs.

The most difficult egg dish to prepare perfectly is the most simple. It is the subject of a wonderful essay by Elizabeth David and the test piece in the 2014 Helen Mirren film

“The Hundred Foot Journey”; an omelette. It is worth learning the tricks because an omelette and a salad is a perfect, quick meal.

OMELETTE (Per person) • 2 large fresh eggs • Walnut sized lump of butter • Salt • Pepper • A splash of cold water • Chopped chives or parsley or marigold petals METHOD: Heat a small frying pan. (There are many expensive, specifically designed pans to make omelettes; they are lovely tools but are not necessary) Crack the eggs into a mug or small bowl. Add a grind of pepper, a pinch of salt and a splash of cold water. If you like add the chopped herbs and mix it well with a fork.

Have everything else you want for the meal ready.

Now cook the omelette: Melt the butter in the pan but don’t let it become brown. Pour in the mixed eggs really quickly and using the fork, pull the setting sides of the egg mixture to the middle of the pan. How set you want the finished dish is very personal; I like the last bit just not quite set. Hold the pan above your plate and roll the omelette on to it. The whole operation will take about 3 minutes!

Eggs can become the most amazing pudding; from meringues to soufflés, roulades or baked custard. Whipped eggs trap air which expands on cooking and as the protein sets a light structure is supported.

Perhaps one of the cleverest egg dishes is Norwegian Omelette, otherwise known as Baked Alaska.

FAST ASSEMBLY REQUIRED!

BAKED ALASKA • Plain madeira sponge cake from which you cut a good 2” thick slice • Blackcurrant or raspberry jam • The whites of 3 large eggs • 6oz sugar • A block of vanilla or chocolate ice cream, cut so its footprint is just smaller than the cake (Keep it in the freezer until the last minute) METHOD: Heat the oven to 180oC Make the meringue: Whip the whites till stiff and then with the beater still turning gradually add the sugar and continue beating till the meringue is really thick and stands in peaks.

The rest is a fast assembly job!

Put the cake on a shallow oven proof dish. Spread with jam. Do not let it dribble down the sides. Place the block of ice cream on top and then cover the whole lot with a thick layer of meringue.

Bake for 10 minutes till the spikes of meringue are a pale biscuit colour.

The cake and meringue are insulation and the trapped air prevents the ice-cream melting.

EGG-CEPTIONAL! - “It is worth learning the tricks because an omelette and a salad is a perfect, quick meal”

The monthly recipe and food notes are contributed by Anne Pinkerton. Anne is a local cook who believes that everybody can enjoy seasonal food and take pleasure in preparing meals for their friends and family.

KONECT LINLITHGOW | 43

USEFUL INFORMATION

WHAT’S ON | LINLITHGOW

LIBRARY INFORMATION

Sunday 2nd April

Linlithgow Library

Beecraigs Past and Present - Ever wondered how Beecraigs Country Park came to be the park it is today? Delve into Beecraigs’ hidden past and find out about the new waymarked trails and what’s planned for the future with this guided walk around the park.2pm-4pm. Meet outside Beecraigs Visitor Centre. Free, booking essential, call the Rangers on 01506 284516 or email mail@beecraigs.com

The Vennel, High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7EH Tel: 01506 775490 Email: linlithgow.lib@westlothian.gov.uk

Monday 3rd to Saturday 8th April

LAMP presents “Annie”, Linlithgow Academy Theatre 7.30pm. Tickets £12/£10/family £40. Book on 07949 or online at linlithgow-musicals.co.uk. See page 37 for details.

Saturday 15th April

Livingston Highland Society Monthly Ceilidh Strathbrock Community Centre, Broxburn, 7.3011.00pm. Band will be Dick Black’s Band. Piper -Alvis Kerr. Guest singer – Robert Hardie. Members - £6.00, Non-Members - £7.00.

Sunday 16th & Monday 17th April

Easter Eggcitement at Hopetoun House Drop in anytime between 12noon and 3pm and take part in Hopetoun’s Easter activities. Try the trail, find hidden treasure and makes some Easter crafts. Fun for all the family! Grounds entry fee £4.55 adult £2.80 child. Drop in - no need to book. Please pay at ticket Kiosk upon arrival.

Contact the ranger service for more information on: ranger@hopetoun.co.uk or 0131 319 3956 Saturday 22nd April

Family Fun Day In aid of Cancer Research UK. At The Church Hall, 2 Church Street, Broxburn, 1pm-4pm.

Charity fun afternoon with something for all ages. Animal Man’s mini zoo, local fire service, second-hand children’s clothes, toys and books, craft stalls, tombola, refreshments.

Entry donation £2 adults, £1 children.

Opening hours: Mon & Fri: 9.00am - 5.00pm. Tue & Thur: 9.00am - 7.00pm. Wed: 9.00am - 3.00pm. Sat: 9.00am - 1.00pm.

STORYTIME: Stories and art activities for children 3-4 years during term time - every Monday and Friday 10.30am.

LINLITHGOW BOOK GROUP: Meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6pm to discuss their chosen novel.

BOOKBUG SESSIONS: Stories, songs & rhymes suitable for all under 3’s and their grown-ups.

Council Information Service (located within the library) is open 9-2.30 Monday to Friday

THEATRES

HOWDEN PARK CENTRE has a busy programme of events including live music, dance, theatre, workshops and exhibitions.

See their website at www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk for complete up to date listing or contact the box office: 01506 777666

Saturday 22nd April

Linlithgow Farmers Market - The Cross, High Street, Linlithgow.

Saturday 29th April

Cadenza Choir At St Michael’s Parish Church, Linlithgow, 7.30pm. Tickets £10, available from St Michael’s Parish Church Office and Far From the Madding Crowd.

TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@KONECTDIRECTORY. CO.UK. CHARITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE, THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR OTHER LISTINGS. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS. WWW.KONECTDIRECTORY.CO.UK TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE, PLEASE EMAIL EDITOR@KONECTDIRECTORY.CO.UK

44 | KONECT LINLITHGOW

BATHGATE REGAL hosts an exciting programme of film ,music, theatre, comedy and children’s events. For upcoming events see website at www.bathgateregal.org for complete listing.

SEE PAGE WL22 FOR LOCAL HOLIDAY ACTIVITY IDEAS!

CLUBS & CLASSES

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

2nd West Lothian Scouts The Scout Hall, 6 Dog Well Wynd, Linlithgow. Beavers (age 6-8) meet Wednesdays; Cubs (age 8 - 10.5) meet Mondays; Two Scouts troops (age 10.5 -14) meet Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact Group Scout Leader Nick Moody at scouts2wl@hotmail.co.uk. Substantial waiting lists for all sections - new adult volunteers always welcome.

The Caring Cafe Low Port Centre, 1 Blackness Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7HZ. The Caring Cafe is a meeting place where people with dementia and their carers have a chance to meet others in a similar situation. Meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday of every month 10am - 12noon (Lunch available after the café in the Lowport Centre cafeteria). For people who are able to attend safely on their own or who are accompanied by someone to support them. Contact Margaret or May from Linlithgow Link on 01506 845137 or email Co-ordinator@linlithgowlink.org.uk Linlithgow Bridge Playgroup Chalmers Hall, Main Street, Linlithgow Bridge. Tue-Thu: 9:15 am - 11:45 am during term time. No minimum number of sessions. £7 per session. For more information contact lbplaygroup@gmail.com Linlithgow Speakers Are you and your staff interested in improving speaking in public and leadership skills? Do you know about Toastmasters?

Linlithgow Speakers is a local voluntary group that can help develop these skills. We are looking for new members in Linlithgow. Come and visit on Tuesday night (we meet every second Tuesday at 7.30 at the Low Port Centre in Linlithgow.

Please contact me for more information: Sheila Fraser 01506 650953 or 07968 233324.

Linlithgow Keep Fit Club We meet every Thursday from 19:00 - 21:00 at the gym at the rear of Linlithgow Academy. We have limited spaces for new male members. We resume on the 27th August. Call Brian on 07984 930235 or email gallacherbrian@hotmail. com for further information.

Linlithgow String Orchestra The Linlithgow String Orchestra for adults (18+) with a minimum standard Grade 5 meet weekly on Monday’s 7.30-9.30pm at St Peter’s Episcopal Church, High Street Linlithgow (£3 per week). New players from Linlithgow and the surrounding areas are welcome. Please bring music stands. Please contact us in advance on: linlithgowstringorchestra@gmail.com or search for us on Facebook.

Badminton Club Small, friendly club meets Wednesday evenings at Lowport Centre, 7-9pm. We are looking for new members who have played before. Adults only please.

Linlithgow and District Embroiders Guild Linlithgow and District Branch of the Embroiderers Guild meet the last Wednesday of the month in Linlithgow Academy Library from 7pm till 9pm, September to May. Variety of Speakers and classes. Beginner or experienced, or not a stitcher all are welcome.

Sunshine Singalong Kirk Hall, St Michael’s Parish Church, second Thursday every month 12 – 1.30pm. Caring for those living with memory loss. Light lunch then singing your favourite songs. A warm welcome awaits you, no church connection needed, just turn up on the day. Disabled parking in the Vennel Car Park adjacent to Kirk Hall.

Seedlings – Tots and Toddlers church St Michael’s Church Hall, Thursday’s 10-11am. Bring your 0-5 year old children or grandchildren for craft activities and singing. Coffee, cake, new friends. Just come along on the morning.

Scottish Seniors Computer Club Star and Garter (The Bistro Café), Station Road. Wednesday nights 7pm – 9pm. 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! Contact: Dougie Baird, Linlithgow Computer Club. Call 07929 120129 or just call in.

Physio Led Pilates The Scout Hall in Linlithgow, Monday evenings 6pm & 7pm and Sunday mornings at 10am. The Old Pavilion in Linlithgow Wednesday evenings 6:30pm.

At Physio Led Pilates you can feel assured that exercises will be performed safely, effectively and modified to the appropriate level for you under the expert guidance of an experienced Physiotherapist. For booking and further information please see www.physioledpilates.com Monthly Mindfulness Meditation & Qigong Class Starting Sunday 12th March 1:15-3:45 at The Old Pavilion at Linlithgow Cricket Ground. FREE class for cancer patients (past and present) and their families / carers and friends - no expereince required. Email: Trish@bosombudsofscotland for more information All details are on our website: www. bosombudsofscotland.org Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Senior Section Rainbow units (girls 5 - 7 years) Mon, Wed & Thurs nights in Linlithgow. Brownie units (girls 7 - 10 years) Mon, Tues, Wed & Thurs nights in Linlithgow. Guide units (girls 10 - 14 years) Mon, Wed, Thurs & Fri nights in Linlithgow. Senior Section unit (girls 14 - 25 years) Fri nights. For more information see www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or email westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

KONECT LINLITHGOW | 45

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

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46 | KONECT LINLITHGOW

IT’S TIME TO...

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