Konect Linlithgow March 2026 by Konect Magazines

LOCAL HISTORY: SPOTLIGHT: WHAT’S ON:

We’ve enjoyed pulling together a pot pourri of different content for Konect this month. There is no particular seasonal theme but as ever, highlighting and supporting our fantastic local organisations and businesses, and celebrating everything our area has to offer.

Local business Volta Automotive shares their expertise on what to look for when purchasing a second hand electric vehicle, and how there is more than meets the eye to understanding EV battery life, see page 11, while Bruce Jamieson takes us (along with The Princess Royal) on a history tour of the Kirkgate.

HippFest returns to Bo’ness Hippodrome for its 16th year this month. Besides a thorough celebration of silent film and live music from the early 20th century, HippFest includes other events and workshops centred around the interwar years, the jazz age and art deco style. The Hippodrome features on our front cover, and there are behind the scenes tours of the building running on 7th and 19th March. There is also a free Art Deco walking tour of Bo’ness on 22nd March. See the HippFest programme via hippodromecinema. co.uk for full details.

“Core memories are made where little boots explore” is the message from Almond Valley (page 27) and is so true. Almond Valley is a fantastic day out within West Lothian, for outdoors fun and adventure for kids - and indoors areas for rainy days too!

I hope you enjoy Konect this month! If you are involved in community groups or events that you would like help publicising in future issues, please drop me a line.

All enquiries, E: M: editor@konect.scot 07854 492638

I was honoured during the royal visit in December to conduct The Princess Royal down the Kirkgate and impart a few fascinating facts about the street which takes its name from two Norse words meaning the roadway to a church.

I pointed out the four panels on the archway outside St Michael’s showing the chivalric orders held by King James V – father of Mary Queen of Scots.

The Orders of the Garter, the Thistle, the Golden Fleece and St. Michael

I mentioned that it was James himself, the seventh Stewart monarch, who commissioned

the construction of the arched approach to his palace in 1535. The roadway leading to it became the new entry to the royal dwelling, replacing the circuitous route round by the Peel, over a drawbridge and through an oaken-doored, portcullis-ed entrance.

In order to construct the Kirkgate, it would seem as if an area of the church burial ground had to be cleared. In the course of laying cobbles up the Kirkgate, the remains of several bodies were uncovered. On one occasion, I was asked to assist an archaeologist who had uncovered bones up near the church cemetery gate. I inspected the pieces of skeleton which had been uncovered and declared that, given the history of the site, they probably dated to the early 16th century. Later, I was informed that they were indeed around 500 years old.

The Princess Royal’s visit to Kirkgate (December 2025)

An archaeologist uncovers bones

On my recent tour with Her Royal Highness, I indicated, on the east wall, the plaques marking the line of descent from Mary Stewart to our present monarch, the princess’s brother, King Charles III. The tablets were initially placed there in 1953 at the instigation of the Linlithgow Girl Guides as their contribution to the celebration of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II – The Princess Royal’s mother – the longest ruling British monarch, having been on the throne for 70 years and 214 days. Thanks to the Linlithgow Burgh Trust, the plaques have recently been updated.

Briefly, I covered some of the events which had taken place on the Kirkgate: Protestant insurgents intent on demolishing all signs of ‘Popery” from off the walls of St Michael’s; poverty-stricken individuals on their way to the Kirkgate Alms-house; Cromwellian troops intent on stabling their horses in the church; Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobite followers heading for a reception in the Palace; Robert Burns on his way to visit what he called “a poor, pimping place of Presbyterian worship”; King George V on his visit in 1914 and Queen Elizabeth, on two occasions, in 1955 and 1989.

Before she entered the Burgh Halls, I finally directed Her Royal Highness’s gaze to the cottages on the west side of the Kirkgate, mentioning that they dated to the 17th century and were originally thatched. On the visit of King Charles 1st in 1633, the thatch which was in bad condition and infested with rats was removed and replaced with slated roofs – as indeed they still are today.

This article was contributed by Bruce Jamieson, Local Historian

Royal Visit (1955)

BUYING A SECONDHAND EV? QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK ABOUT THE BATTERY

“With petrol or diesel cars, buyers base a judgement about engine condition on age and mileage. But EVs are not like this. The most important element is the battery, and its condition can vary significantly based on several factors - even if two cars have identical mileage and age,” says Kevin Mackay, Director of Volta Automotive.

Volta Automotive is a local business specialising in testing the State of Health (SoH) of EV and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle batteries. “The health and longevity of a battery are affected by factors such as the number of fast charges, whether the battery has been left on charge for long periods of time, temperature, day to day management of the battery, and repeated extreme charging and discharging,” Kevin explains.

As a buyer of a secondhand EV or PHEV, there is no way you can tell how the battery has been treated, and consequently it’s difficult to judge how much life you can expect to get from itand what its true value is.

That’s where Volta Automotive comes in. They provide a professional Battery State of Health assessment, which is a measure of the battery’s current performance compared to its original condition.

The chart illustrates how one car might have covered 124,300 miles with a battery health of over 90%, while another with the same mileage might have a battery health as low as 65%. A sample of cars manufactured in 2023 found that battery degradation was approximately 1.4% per year on average. This means one of these cars could have an additional 17 years of battery life compared to the other. Purchasing the one with the lower battery health would make a costly battery replacement necessary for continued viability – and this would need to be reflected in the sale price.

“The benefit of the tests I provide is the independent verification for buyer confidence and assurance,” says Kevin. “Overlooking the

battery State of Health when purchasing a used EV could be a very expensive mistake.”

If you already own an EV or PHEV, it’s worth getting a battery SofH assessment done to check on the range capacity, detect any hidden defects, predict battery replacement and to discover ways you can maximise your battery’s lifespan. When it comes to selling your car, a battery certification can also lead to a higher sale price and faster sale.

For more information on tests available, contact Kevin at Volta Automotive on 07701 260 120.

As we get older, hospital stays can become more frequent. While being discharged is often a relief, a safe return home depends on having a well-planned discharge process. Without the right support in place, people can quickly become unwell again and risk readmission.

NHS discharge teams play a key role in planning what happens next. A good discharge plan should look beyond the hospital doors and consider both immediate practical needs and longer-term care.

In the short term, this means making sure the person isn’t returning to an empty fridge and has essentials in place until family, friends or carers can help. Medication should be clearly explained, with easy-to-use packaging such as blister packs where possible, to avoid confusion at home.

Many people need ongoing support after discharge. The hospital may arrange a care

assessment to see whether NHS continuing healthcare or local authority support is appropriate. If state-funded care is delayed, it’s worth asking about direct payments or personal budgets, which can be used to arrange alternative community care and may speed up discharge.

Good communication is vital. Families should be given notice of discharge, especially if they need to provide care temporarily. Hospitals should also coordinate closely with care providers so that support is in place from day one.

Discharge planning should include onward referrals, such as rehabilitation services, and practical arrangements like transport home, suitable equipment, and access to new supplies such as continence products.

When discharge planning is done well, everyone benefits: hospitals free up much-needed beds, and people return home safely, with the right support to recover and stay well.

The Living Well column is contributed by Home Instead West Lothian. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 346046, email info.westlothian@homeinstead.co.uk or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/west-lothian

There’s an old saying that goes, ‘laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone.’ This has always felt harsh, implying as it does that we have to stuff our feelings down in order to be socially acceptable and to fit in.

How many times has someone we don’t really know told us to cheer up or smile, and how annoying can that be, especially when we might be feeling a bit overwhelmed and smiling to order might be the last thing we want to do. Apart from the intrusive nature of these messages there are times in all of our lives when we just don’t feel like switching on the cheer.

Most of us were raised to be polite, to say please and thank you and to brush off our own feelings if they risk causing upset to

others. So, if someone tells us to ‘cheer up’ we never say ‘no I don’t feel like it thanks’ and offer instead one of those forced half smiles that has nothing at all to do with genuine jollity, because that’s what is expected and we don’t want to make anyone feel uncomfortable.

In an effort to make others feel good we often ignore our own comfort and squash our own feelings down. How much better could all our lives be if all our smiles were genuine and came from the heart? The next time someone tells you to cheer up, remember it’s ok to ignore them and be exactly who you are.

The Life Coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr, NLP coach, hypnotherapist & reiki practitioner. Francine is based within Linlithgow Chiropractic on Wednesday afternoons and is also available online. See www.orrganise.co.uk

0131 235 1048

A few years ago we talked about the Auricula Theatre in our entrance courtyard. Sadly time took its toll and the wooden shelves rotted and started to collapse.

A replacement was needed as we get so much enjoyment from the displays every time we come in or out. This time I used pressure treated timber but built the theatre to the same as the original as that had worked very well. I bought some lead roof flashing for the top to throw off the rain, but we still need to water regularly as no rain reaches the pots.

Facing west it receives no direct sunlight so we can only display plants that like partial shade We pot them up into terracotta pots with saucers beneath. The Primula auricula varieties, with fleshy leaves and incredible ‘painted’ flowers make their best displays

in late spring and early summer, so we supplement the displays outwith the peak Auricula season.

Early in the year primroses bring colour, along with winter flowering heathers and dwarf bulbs like crocus and irises. After the auricula season we add ferns and houseleeks followed by bright spots of colour from cyclamen. For the festive season we add jam jars full of variegated holly, indeed pots of flowers help to freshen up the display throughout any of the seasons.

The Gardening Project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

Sharing a day in the hills with your dog can be very rewarding experience but needs plenty of preparation and planning.

Puppies should not start hill training until they are fully grown. While their bones, joints and soft tissues are still developing, it is extremely important not to over-exercise them to prevent long-term skeletal damage.

Hill-walking suits some breeds better than others, but with sufficient training, any breed can become a fantastic mountain companion.

Firstly make sure they are in the best health for the hills with a health check with your vet, then start off with short days, gradually building up the time, distance and ascent. Dogs which have only been walked on grass will have softer pads which can damage easily on rough terrain but paws can toughen so incorporate this into your training plan.

Remember that at all times on the hill, you are responsible for your dog’s safety and wellbeing, as well as making sure they don’t disturb other animals.

Plan ahead for weather conditions and routes, bearing in mind you may need to put your dog on a lead in case of livestock or terrain. Take water and food for your dog, a waterproof coat and towel, a light-up collar in case of mist and ensure ID and microchip details are up-to-date and ID is visible

It is also important to allow your dog plenty of time to recover afterwards.

Contributed by Stuart McMorrow, head vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic, Unit 42 Mill Road Road Industrial Estate, Linlithgow EH49 7SF. 01506 844 165 | www.westportvets.com

MARCH CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the APRIL edition

ACROSS: 7. Swap over (6), 8. To be on a ship (6), 9. Not new (4), 10. Outside (8), 11. Angry (7), 13. Funeral fires (5), 15. Almost two pints (5), 17. Below (7), 20. Observing (8), 21. Story (4), 23. Educational establishment (6), 24. Required (6).

DOWN: 1. Female sheep (4), 2. Recording room (6), 3. Burglars (7), 4. Belief (5), 5. Every sixty minutes (6), 6. Widest (8), 12. Inconvenience (8), 14. Combining (7), 16. Calculate (6), 18. Respect (6), 19. Foolish (5), 22. Vegetable (4).

MARCH SUDOKU

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Please call or WhatsApp: Dean 07931 101 523 Michelle 07739 509 839 Office 01506 885419 @PentlandBrickworks

HippFest, Scotland’s Silent Film Festival, returns for its 16th year to the historic Bo’ness Hippodrome from 18th to 22nd March, promising five flapper-filled days of silent film and live music.

The festival, which is a project of Falkirk Council, will showcase the earliest decades of 20th century cinema with a sensational line-up of film screenings, live music, workshops and more.

Centred in and inspired by Scotland’s first and oldest cinema it features exceptional screenings, commissions, workshops, community events and touring. It’s an emphatic celebration of the silent era, pairing the magic of the silver screen with the virtuoso talent of some of the best musicians and accompanists on the live circuit today.

In anticipation of this year’s HippFest, Festival Director Alison Strauss said, “We cannot wait to welcome audiences to the 16th edition of HippFest. This year’s programme contains a wealth of musical talent, both Scottish and international, with a spectacular selection of silent film, from rediscovered classics to revelatory new discoveries. Whoever you are and wherever you’re from we invite you to join the Festival community. You’ll discover not only great films and live music but also the beautiful town of Bo’ness and the surrounding region where each day is packed with screenings, activities and opportunities to get involved. We hope you’ll join us for this celebration of cinema at its best.”

View the programme and book your tickets at: www.hippodromecinema.co.uk/hippfest HippFest is a project of Falkirk Council, supported by Screen Scotland and Creative Scotland, with additional support from National Lottery funding through Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFI’s Film Audience Network.

Spring is in the air! Buds are bursting into bloom and the evenings are stretching out. The change is season invites us to swap our bold, fireside winter reds for something fresher and brighter. Spring is a time of renewal, and your wine glass should reflect that!

This springtime, think zesty, aromatic whites; perhaps an English Bacchus, bursting with elderflower and citrus, or a crisp Albariño with notes of sea salt and sunshine. Rosé season officially begins, with Provence-style pinks offering delicate strawberry and lime notes which are perfect for a picnic.

As temperatures start to rise, look out for light, juicy reds. I really like Fleurie from Beaujolais, it has gorgeous floral label and the wine has delicious notes of raspberry and very light tannins. Beaujolais and cool climate Pinot Noirs can be slightly chilled, making them delicious pairings with cold cuts of spring lamb or asparagus dishes.

Wine tasting in spring is an experience all its own. The fresh air sharpens your senses, making floral and fruity notes pop!

To celebrate the arrival of spring, I will be drinking a glass or two of Fiano di Sicilia, a white wine made on the island of Sicily. Fiano has a delicate floral nose, with a light perfume and bright citrus notes.

The acidity is fresh and clean, and the wine perfectly pairs with grilled fish or seafood.

Spring is fleeting, but a glass of this will make it last just a little longer!

The monthly wine tasting column is contributed by Joanne Frette. Joanne lives in Juniper Green with her husband and three children. For wine recommendations, reviews and details of future tasting events, please go to swirlsipsocialise.com

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

WEST LOTHIAN SAILING CLUB

- A group of friendly locals who sail on picturesque Linlithgow Loch on Sunday afternoons. We welcome beginners and experienced sailors to sail a range of club dinghies or your own boat, for fun, to develop skills, to race, all with safety equipment and support. Dinghy sailing is many things - social, good exercise, challenging, exciting, competitive, confidence building, scenic and relaxing. For more info: westlothiansailing.org.uk E:membership@westlothiansailing.org.uk

LINLITHGOW CYCLE KITCHEN

- Bring your bike along for free advice and support for repairs and maintenance from qualified mechanics from 1st Step. Fortnightly on Tuesday evenings, 5-7pm, at the Hub (6-7 The Vennel, Linlithgow). Drop in on the day, or book a free stand via Eventbrite (Linlithgow Community Development Trust). Visit movefogood.org or the LCDT social channels for more information and future dates. E: hello@trust-linlithgow. org.uk T: 01506 846991

LED BUGGY AND SLING WALKSEvery Wednesday, meet at 10.30am at the Hub (Linlithgow Community Development Trust, 6-7 The Vennel, Linlithgow). Short walks around Linlithgow with a friendly qualified walk leader. Free. Drop in on the day. Buggies, prams, carriers, slings all welcome! Visit moveforgood.org for more details.

E: hello@trust-linlithgow.org.uk T: 01506 846991

BADMINTON GROUP

(LINLITHGOW) - Any badminton players out there, looking for somewhere to play? Join us at Springfield Community Wing (next to Springfield primary school) on Monday nights 7.30 to 9.30. We are a friendly group who are looking for some more players to join us (preferably not beginners). If you are interested please phone or message Rachel on 07956 410167

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTIVE LIVES - Cyrenians OPAL (Opportunities for Active Lives) works with people aged 60+ promoting active and fulfilling lives, creating and enriching communities which empower all to remain independent, living at home and socially connected.

OPAL supports over 25 Community Groups throughout West Lothian for people to attend, engage with others and build new friendships. They also provide a time limited one-to-one befriending service built to improve confidence. To find out more please contact 01506 815 815 or opal@ cyrenians.scot

BLACKNESS SCOTTISH

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE - A friendly group who usually meet on the 1st Wednesday of the month (Sept to May) at 7pm, Blackness Community Hall (beside former Blackness Primary School). New members and visitors welcome. Come along to make new friends, hear speakers, see demonstrations and learn new craft skills or revisit old ones. Contact Maureen on 07546 552970 for more details.

SANGSCHULE – WEST LOTHIAN’S COMMUNITY

SINGING GROUP - For over 30 years, Sangschule has been bringing people together from West Lothian and around to enjoy folk songs, particularly Scottish. We’re not a traditional choir; no need to be a confident singer, or to be able to read music or remember song words – we teach tunes by ear and provide song sheets. Linlithgow Academy each Wednesday evening. Facebook: ‘Sangschule West Lothian’ W: angelfire.com/folk/sangschule T: 07557 797139

E: sangschule@hotmail.com

A SCOTTISH SEAMSTRESS

BRINGING LIFE TOGETHER - New Community Group. Create time to look at, experience and contribute with a Guest Speaker in topics of your choice in nature, pen, thread, music, colour.. Each Wednesday 123pm at Low Port Centre, Linlithgow, EH49 7HZ Room 3 ground floor. Bring your handiwork & ideas, lunch, to strengthen your own expression during our time together. Donation at the Door around £10 to cover speaker & room.

E: caroline@utterlybespoke.scot T: 07814 906355

BELLSBURN BOWLING CLUB - A welcoming and friendly lawn bowls club open for all ages and abilities. Join us for social or competitive playing. For more information, see our Facebook page and website www.linlithgowsportsclub.com/bowlszone, or email linlithgow.sports.club. bowls@gmail.com

GIRLGUIDING - Girlguides have a range of groups from age 4-14. All girls are welcome to join in, learn life skills, do crafts, earn badges and go on adventures. Visit girlguiding.org.uk for times and days available across West Lothian.

THE CARING CAFE - Alzheimer

Scotland’s Caring Cafe provides a relaxed informal meeting place that gives people living with dementia, their carers, people who may have concerns about their memory or just want to a chance to meet others in a similar situation. Every third Wednesday of the month 10.30am – 12.00pm, Queen Margaret’s Hall, 53 Blackness Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7JA.

LINLITHGOW & BO’NESS

PROBUS CLUB - We are a friendly and sociable club for retired and semi-retired men and women. We meet every second Wednesday morning from September to May in Linlithgow Rose Social Club. Tea/ coffee is available from 10.00am followed by a wide range of interesting talks. We also have occasional outings, meals, musical activities and fun games mornings. Visitors and potential new members are very welcome. Details and the current programme are available at www.bolinprobus.org

LINLITHGOW SPORTS CLUB - A friendly club with lawn bowls, squash and tennis on offer. For more info go to www.linlithgowsportsclub.com

LINLITHGOW SPEAKERS - Do you need to develop and improve your public speaking skills? We have been helping people in the Linlithgow area do that for almost 20 years. At our friendly, supportive and fun events, you will also improve your listening, thinking and leadership skills. Develop at your own pace and grow in confidence. When? Every second Tuesday. Where? Mel Gray Centre by Canal Basin. Dates and further info at www. linlithgowspeakers.org.uk. Guests are always welcome.

LINLITHGOW AND DISTRICT

ART GROUP - Mixed group of amateur artists from beginners to more advanced members dabbling in mixed mediums. Professional tutors who develop our skills, outdoor painting trips, exhibition visits and gallery talks. Meet Tuesdays 7.00-9.00pm in the Low Port Centre. We are a friendly bunch and welcome new members. Contact: Brian:

E: brianmcdonagh1948@gmail.com

T: 07909 577272

or, Margaret: E: magsbruce1@bluehyonder.co.uk

T: 07906 021875

Facebook:‘Linlithgow&DistrictArtGroup’ WEST LOTHIAN DADS OF NEURO DIVERSE CHILDREN

- A support Group for Dads and Granddads of neuro diverse children, providing a

safe space to talk about the additional challenges and benefits we face. We meet up at 7.00pm on the last Thursday of every month at Cross House, Linlithgow, EH49 7AL. You can Join the Whatsapp group by messaging Richard on 07788 583445.

WINCHBURGH SPEAKERS

CLUB - Would you like to develop your speaking skills, overcome nerves, gain confidence, build strong leadership skills, and improve your communication in a relaxed and friendly environment? Come along or send us a message to find out how Winchburgh Speakers Club can help. We meet fortnightly in Winchburgh Bowling Club (from midAugust to May). Contact: president@ winchburghspeakersclub.org.uk

SAMBALISTIC - A friendly bunch of people covering all abilities and ages, enjoying drumming/percussion together. Practice - Thursday evenings during term-time at Linlithgow Academy (7.30 - 9.30pm). All instruments supplied. No musical knowledge required. We offer performances throughout the year. You may have seen us at local galas/ fairs! Why not come along and have a go? Or if you wish to discuss an event, just turn up on Thursday or email sambalistic@live.com

LINLITHGOW FLORAL ART CLUB

- A friendly group who meet on third Wednesday of each month (Sept to May) in the Rose Social Club, Braehead Road, Linlithgow, 7:30 pm. Come along, bring a friend and sit back and enjoy an entertaining and colourful demonstration by a qualified demonstrator, followed by refreshments and a chat with your friends. All designs created in the demonstration are raffled. Contact Pamela Galloway: E: pjgalloway.18@gmail.com T: 07742 060877

WINCHBURGH ART CLUBWe meet on Thursday mornings between 9.30 – 11.30 in Winchburgh Community Hall. Any level, any medium are all welcome. If interested, please contact 07980 321989 or email maureenandjohn1@hotmail.co.uk

WEST LOTHIAN EAGLES –AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL

- Come along and try Australian Rules football! We are recruiting for the 2022 season for both our men’s and women’s teams. If you’re looking for a new sport, new friends and looking to get fitter then get in touch today! No experience is required and our team of coaches are on hand to teach you all there is to know! We train at Linlithgow Academy every

Thursday 7.00pm-9.00pm, see you there! Find us on social media. W: linktr.ee/WestLothianEagles E: westlothianeagles@gmail.com

TABLE TENNIS - LINLITHGOWWednesdays - Longcroft Hall, Philip Ave, Linlithgow. Main Hall 8.00pm9.45pm. Annual Membership £12.00 [Under 18’s £6.00] Play Table Tennis in a friendly atmosphere. The Club has “Active Assured” status (West Lothian Council Accreditation scheme) and is affiliated to Table Tennis Scotland. For those of a more competitive nature there is the opportunity to represent our team in the Stirlingshire & Midland Counties League. Contact Allan Scott T: 07485 001819 E: linlithgowlttg@gmail.com

W: linlithgowtabletennis.co.uk

WHITBURN AND DISTRICT

PROBUS CLUB - A local association for retired and semi-retired men to meet for fellowship and friendship. Meetings are held at the Hilcroft Hotel each Wednesday morning at 9.30 and usually conclude around 12 noon. An extensive programme of speakers is planned throughout the year and periodic lunches, dinners and outings are planned. Interested? Contact Rod Dow (Probus Secretary) on 01506 462772 or come along any Wednesday morning for a coffee and a warm welcome.

WEST LOTHIAN u3a - Retired or semi-retired and looking for a new way to spend your free time? Why not try u3a? u3a is a UK wide movement for retired or semi retired people who wish to make new friends, continue learning in an informal setting, and keep active. Most groups meet at Uphall Community Centre. No formal qualifications are required and non given. For more information see; W: u3asites.org.uk/westlothian/home Facebook: www.facebook.com/WestLothian-u3a-106310894889317 E: memsecwlu3a@gmail.com T: 01506 844274

LINLITHGOW STRING

ORCHESTRA - We are a friendly group who meet weekly on Monday’s 7.30-9.30pm (term-time) at Linlithgow Masonic Lodge. Any players with a minimum standard Grade 5 or equivalent (no audition) from Linlithgow and the surrounding areas are welcome. Please bring music stands. Contact us via email: linlithgowstringorchestra@ gmail.com through our website: linlithgowstringorchestra.co.uk or search for us on Facebook.

CARERS OF WEST LOTHIAN

- Support and social activities for Carers, Young Carers and Disabled

Adults. All our carers groups are offered blended – both in person and face to face, as are our social groups: weekly Coffee Morning; monthly Mental Health Support Group, Evening Support Group & Bereaved Carer Support Group as well as groups for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers. Regular Social Groups for Adults with disabilities. Power of Attorney Clinic (face to face) & Benefits Advice (phone or face to face). For information: T: 01506 448000

E: office@carers-westlothian.com

W: www.carers-westlothian.com

GENERATION ARTS - Creative activities for adults across West Lothian to increase arts engagement in a non competitive, expressive and inclusive way. Promoting independence, confidence and good mental and physical health through dance, music and song, visual arts, creative writing and cinema. Contact: E: generationarts.info@gmail.com T: 07521 358 239

MACMILLAN CANCER INFORMATION & SUPPORTA free, confidential service providing a ‘listening ear’, emotional and practical support, help to access benefits/financial advice and other local services. Expert information for anyone affected by cancer – yourself, a relative, friend or carer. Face to face appointments at Partnership Centres in Bathgate, Livingston North, Broxburn, Fauldhouse and Blackburn. Phone and email support also available. Please call 01506 283053 or email MacmillanWestLothian@ westlothian.gov.uk

WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS

NETWORK - Social activities for the over fifties. Run largely by volunteers we offer a wide range of interest groups to help you stay fit and healthy in both mind and body, whilst socialising with others. Something for everyone, but, more importantly, the chance to meet up and join in with old friends or make new friends along the way. Annual joining fee £36. Follow our Facebook page, visit: westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510

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SOLUTION TO FEBRUARY CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7. Tomato, 8. Treaty, 9. Swim, 10. Portions, 11. Absence, 13. Tipsy, 15. Argue, 17. Vinegar, 20. Gripping, 21. Ache, 22. Client, 23. Absorb.

DOWN:1.Cobweb,2.Warm,3.Compact, 4. Start, 5. Decisive, 6. Stinks, 12. Equipped, 14. Diagram, 16. Rarely, 18. Adhere, 19. Dirty, 21. Also.

SATURDAY 7TH MARCH

SOLUTION TO FEBRUARY CROSSWORD

Linlithgow Artisan Market - Linlithgow’s monthly artisan market on the first Saturday of each month. Stalls on the High Street, the Vennel and also indoors in the EH49 Hub (old Library). Lots of unique and local stalls offering foods and drinks, meats, fish and game, fruit and veg, arts and crafts, dog treats, plants, and lots more. 10.00am – 3.00pm.

SATURDAY 14TH MARCH

Saxophone and Piano - Hosted by Linlithgow Art Guild. Martin Kershaw (Saxophone) joins Linlithgow-born international pianist Steven Osborne for an evening of solo piano waltzes and jazz items. Linlithgow Academy, 7.30pm. Tickets £8/£18. Information and booking via: www.linlithgowartsguild.org.uk

WEDNESDAY 18TH MARCH

ACROSS: 7. Tomato, 8. Treaty, 9. Swim, 10. Portions, 11. Absence, 13. Tipsy, 15. Argue, 17. Vinegar, 20. Gripping, 21. Ache, 22. Client, 23. Absorb.

DOWN:1.Cobweb,2.Warm,3.Compact, 4. Start, 5. Decisive, 6. Stinks, 12. Equipped, 14. Diagram, 16. Rarely, 18. Adhere, 19. Dirty, 21. Also.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 24

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Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858

West Lothian History and Amenity Society - Jade Scott, author of ‘Captive Queen: the decrypted history of Mary Queen of Scots.’ Glenalmond Hall, Mid Calder, 7.30pm, Non-members are welcome by donation. If you’d like to join the society (£20 for all seven talks), come to a meeting and speak to any committee member, or email us on wlhaas@hotmail.com

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

WEDNESDAY 18TH TO SUNDAY 22ND MARCH

HippFest - Scotland’s Silent Film Festival, venues in Bo’ness Hippodrome and other locations in Bo’ness and Linlithgow. SEE PAGE 26 FOR DETAILS

SATURDAY 21ST MARCH

Antique Fair - Queen Margaret Hall, Blackness Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7JA, Early entry 9.00am - £2, public entry 10.00am - 3.00pm - £1. Ample free parking, disabled access, on-site catering. In aid of Linlithgow Heritage Trust, Contact Bob on 07946 045149.

SUNDAY 29TH MARCH

Handel’s Messiah for the Community - This special (shortened) performance of Handel’s Messiah (parts 2 and 3) will be very much a community effort presented by musicians from the Linlithgow community. St Michael’s Parish Church, Linlithgow. 7.00pm. FREE ENTRY, retiring collection (Beneficiary TBC)