Konect Linlithgow December 2020/January 2021

DEC 2020 / JAN 2021

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LOCAL HISTORY:

CHARITY:

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:

Friends of Scottish Settlers:

“Because you would do this for me ”

PLUS: PROPERTY MATTERS, Garden Project, and more LOCAL FEATURES inside!

THIS ISSUE

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rap up, settle in: locked in or not, December’s going to be very different for most of us this year, but getting cosy in your Christmas jumper is definitely on the agenda.

We’re wearing ours on the cover this month! Go ahead and top dress in yours for your vid calls – on Christmas Jumper Day on 11th December at least!

An extraordinary local charity called “Friends of Scottish Settlers” is the focus for our local charity feature this month.

The stories of some of the new Scots that the charity helps are truly moving; the article doesn’t go into them in detail, but focuses on the support that is provided and how you can get involved.

I hope you enjoy all our columns this month. As ever, we focus on the upbeat and the positive, and the things to celebrate despite everything. A special version of the regular Property Matters column from Turpie & Co celebrates West Lothian as a great place to live and work.

My Christmas wish is for all our readers to stay strong and to be able to enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday period, whatever challenges it brings.

Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations this year.

P25 Local Charity: Friends of Scottish Settlers..............8 Feature: It’s official: West Lothian is THE BEST place to call home..........................................................12 Garden Project: Bringing joy & comfort in midwinter............................................................................15 Parenting: A puppy is for life... .................................22 Puzzles.......................................................................23 / 24 Vet’s Tip: Local Heroes................................................24 Local Environment: Welcome to the undergrowth......................................................................25 Life Coaching: Even Christmas can Change....26 Local Lab: Engineering for the future.....................27 Film Review: Wolfwalkers............................................28 Local History: Linlithgow 1921..................................29

Konect is delivered monthly to 7,500 homes and businesses in Linlithgow, Linlithgow Bridge and the surrounding area. Copies are also left at the library, post offices and other locations.

HELEN-JANE SHEARER Editor

E: editor@konect.scot

CHARLENE GAFFNEY Account Manager

M: 07772 941899 E: charlene@konect.scot @KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 3

WEIR GAS SERVICES Former Scottish Gas engineer

Tel:

07981 366 988

Central heating - service, repairs Gas fires, cookers, hobs installation, service & repairs General Plumbing services Garden taps, washing machines, dishwashers Landlord safety inspections email : lesweir@blueyonder.co.uk

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A message from the LINLITHGOW HIGH STREET TRADERS

2020 has been a challenge, but Linlithgow still has one of the best High Streets in Scotland and we’re here to make your Christmas as easy as possible!

As we head into Tier 4, many shops will offer: CLICK & COLLECT, LOCAL DELIVERY, NATIONAL POSTAGE Check the Linlithgow High Street Traders Facebook page to find out more & for regular updates on opening hours & offers.

Including a brand new gift initiative: FROM LINLITHGOW WITH LOVE

We wish you all a safe and happy festive season!

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LINLITHGOW | 5

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LINLITHGOW | 7

Friends of

Scottish Settlers: “BECAUSE YOU WOULD DO THIS FOR ME ”

“You would do this for me,’ is the response we all give to the question, ‘Why are you doing this?’” says Muna Ausat, one of a group of Falkirk residents who helps to welcome new Scots into the community here, predominantly from Syria.

“If the tables were turned and I arrived in a country to start a new life, with nothing, would any of these people refuse to offer me help?” It’s a rhetorical question of course; Muna has made fast friends with a number of the families who have arrived here since she became involved around four years ago, initially to offer English lessons via Scotland Welcomes Refugees (“although we don’t use the term ‘refugees’”) and by offering her home for temporary accommodation. Leaving a corporate life in London five years ago for a better lifestyle here in Falkirk, Muna is a community and social activist who is passionate about supporting displaced people.

The diverse group of other local people similarly motivated have now formalised their support into a registered charity, “Friends of Scottish Settlers” (FOSS).

Whilst Falkirk Council has the responsibility for co-ordinating housing, children’s services, employment and social work, the supports offered by members of the community are the kinds of things you would do for your friends and neighbours.

“I’ve met families when they come to the mosque, invited them home, organised lunch, presents for the children, and so on,” explains Muna. “I was volunteering at the Falkirk Foodbank when the first families arrived, and I was tasked with making up food donations that would make them feel more welcome, for example substituting tinned spaghetti hoops with couscous and grains. I had to learn about Syrian food; it’s been a wonderful learning curve in many ways in fact, and a fantastic 8 | LINLITHGOW

community to be part of.” Speaking of Syrian food, one of the issues they come across is that our “standard issue” set of saucepans are never big enough for cooking the typical Syrian dinner!

The community includes, amongst others, the head of the Falkirk Muslim Forum; Al Masaar in Falkirk (a charity that focuses on women with young children, and organises weekend football); Falkirk Trinity Church, and the Polmont Quakers. FOSS plans to pull together the various strands of work that these organisations are doing, as well as augmenting the wonderful work done locally by the Rainbow Ladies, with the aim of all the individuals and groups pooling resources to provide a more coherent and comprehensive welcome and support network for the new Scots.

Everyone’s story is different, but most of the families who arrive have been out of Syria for at least four years; fours years of displacement, being away from family, children’s education disrupted, not able to settle and put down roots.

So being helped to integrate into a friendly network means a huge amount. Muna mentions some recent examples, such as parents with young children being helped to find out what their children need for school; understanding correspondence from the school; how the bus timetables work; making doctors appointments; those with teens getting help to arrange work experience from the networks of longer term members of the community, and so on. @KonectMagazines

Cultural and social trips are also on the agenda. They recently organised a trip to Stirling Castle for a number of Syrian families, hosted by The Conservation Volunteers and Historic Environment Scotland. Learning about the natural and historic culture of Scotland is a vital – and fun – part of the integration journey.

Muna had invited the local diversity officer from the police service to join them on the trip too to help promote the role of the police service here, which is very likely to be different from where they have come from!

A neighbouring organisation, Forth Valley Welcome, provides a regular “Snack and Chat” meet ups for new Scots, and they have a befriending scheme in place. FOSS would love to get to the stage where they can offer befrienders in Falkirk, so that every new Scot here has a buddy for those everyday questions and one to one conversations.

“It’s also important that the direction for the activities and guidance we provide comes from the new Scots themselves, not us organising things based on what we think they need!” says Muna.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE INVOLVED? If you are interested in getting involved in this wonderful community in any way please get in touch with FOSS. They are particularly looking for people who can help with befriending, but there are plenty of group and activities to help out with – once life-after-Covid19 returns to normal.

Please email foss.falkirk@gmail.com

be announced as soon as possible) and other councillors and MSPs have been very positive about the activities FOSS provides.

Ultimately the aim is for new Scots to be fully integrated with their own networks, and to get involved in supporting the next families to arrive; and that is already happening.

Please follow the FOSS facebook page “Friends of Scottish Settlers” or visit fossfalkirk.org.uk for more information, to get in touch and keep up to date. The FOSS launch event will be publicised as soon as possible, and will include speakers and delicious Syrian pastries!

All the elected members have been hugely supportive. Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn was due to speak at the FOSS launch event this month (it has been postponed– new date to

This article was contributed by Helen-Jane Shearer after speaking with Muna Ausat. HelenJane is the editor of Konect magazines.

New Scots visiting Stirling Castle (*pre-social distancing) @KonectMagazines

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LINLITHGOW | 11

West Lothian is the BEST place to call home West Lothian was recently named as the “most financially viable” area to live in Scotland.

The word may be getting out. Those of us lucky enough to live here already know that West Lothian is a great place to live. It’s an overlooked gem in many ways that our city-dwelling neighbours are largely unaware of. Now, some research recently carried out gives it a new label: the “most financially viable” place to live in Scotland.

It’s an interesting label to add to the list of good reasons to live here.

The research was carried out by finance company Moneybarn, which ranked nearly 400 locations across the UK using a range of financial indicators. West Lothian scored very highly on rent affordability, rates of pay and house prices, boosting its total score to the number one most financially viable place to live in Scotland.

As we wrap up this gruelling year, we decided to take an uplifting look at why else living, buying, renting or investing in West Lothian has a rosy outlook.

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TOP OF THE CLASS

In The Times Scottish School League Tables published earlier this year, West Lothian has six schools in the 50 top performing secondary schools in Scotland. The six are Linlithgow Academy, West Calder High School, James Young High School, St Margaret’s Academy, Whitburn Academy and Inveralmond Community High School.

AND RELAX: GREEN SPACES AND SCENERY We don’t have the drama of Highland landscapes, but we do have plenty of open spaces and beauty spots. This year has highlighted more than ever the value of spending time in green spaces. Properties with access to green spaces, for both buyers and renters, are in very high demand - and West Lothian has plenty. You can have a some of everything here, with the Bathgate Hills, the country parks, Union Canal, woodlands...the possibilities are endless.

WORK / LIFE BALANCE

Nestled as we are between Edinburgh and Glasgow with excellent transport links, the cities are within very easy reach for both work and play. With many people

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now working from home too, and some who may never go fully back to the office, housing needs are changing. There is increased demand for properties with a study/home office or space to run a business, so there’s a lot of movement just now - and West Lothian is again a perfect destination to get the space to work from home but retain proximity to the cities.

EVERY KIND OF SHOPPING

The Centre in Livingston is the third biggest retail centre in Scotland and there is virtually nothing you can’t get here. And there’s more: for different retail experiences, West Lothian’s smaller towns offer a variety of boutique and independent businesses, with a strong “shop local” ethos to support our independent traders and eateries. Widespread working from home may lead to a resurgence in demand for products and services in our town centres and local high streets, further developing and enhancing the character of our towns and villages.

PLENTY OF CHARACTER

The character of our towns and villages is partly a result of an incredibly rich historical heritage.

West Lothian has been the oil capital of the world in the shale oil heyday; the birthplace and playground of royalty; a religious headquarters, when the powerful Knights Hospitalier had their moment at the top. It’s been a commanding location for a long time! And fantasy history?

Our characterful sites are frequently used as a filming locations, most recently for the hit TV series Outlander, which has boosted tourism to the area.

So it’s not surprising that some of the best properties for sale or rent in the country are in West Lothian. And, as the most financially stable part of Scotland, you can buy, sell, invest and rent property here with more confidence than anywhere else.

This article was written in conjunction with Turpie & Co Estate & Letting Agents who have extensive knowledge of the West Lothian Property Market.

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Website: www.turpies.com

Tel: 01506 668448 Social Media:

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Bringing Joy and Comfort in Midwinter We all need some comfort and joy during these dark days. Lesley has a tactic for cheering us up: just remember that Spring will come, and they can’t take that away from us!

Let your garden bring comfort and joy to you during the winter, we don’t even have to wait for Spring to be delighted by flowers, leaves and fragrance. Our patio doors look out onto this Oriental Hellebore and it started flowering at the beginning of November and will continue to produce its glorious and hardy flowers into March.

There are many different varieties available with a great range of colours and they are very easy to grow. They prefer a little shade from the full rays of the summer sun.

A few evergreen shrubs in pots arranged

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Oriental Hellebore where you can see them from inside can work wonders for our happiness in the winter.

We have a top 10 evergreen plants for pots on our purple piglet project for ‘bringing the outdoors indoors’ by looking outdoors to your patio from the cosiness of indoors.

Choose plants like Pieris, Viburnum, Skimmia, Variegated grasses and Golden Choisya.

Pick up the leaflet on your next visit and get some good cheer!

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

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

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Stay visible, reach more customers “Konect has really enabled us to reach people who aren’t on Facebook” The School Bank West Lothian

Please contact us for help to arrange your affordable LOCAL advertising package for 2021. Our details are on page 3.

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LINLITHGOW | 21

PARENTING

A puppy is for life, not just for Christmas...

…or at least that’s what they used to say. But 2020 has brought fears of a new puppy crisis, meaning Christmas might not be the biggest problem.

I put my hand up and happily say that we are one of those families who have welcomed a new arrival this year. But ours was by no means a pandemic puppy. On the contrary it was a long time coming. After careful consideration we decided the time was right. Who could have known the right time would turn out to be so wrong in so many other ways.

I have no doubt that there are many out there who have jumped into puppy parenthood without enough thought about night-time walks in the rain and picking up poop for the next however many years. And of course, about what to do when life and work returns to something more “normal”. But that doesn’t mean all new puppy parents have jumped into it without forethought.

We spent weeks and months thinking and researching before finding our breeder. Of course, there was still lots to learn when our new arrival finally came. Not the least of which was finding out where to go to get all the things they need like food, toys and advice.

One gem of a place we’d never had need of until now is Scott’s Pet Supplies in Pumpherston.

We popped in just the other day in search of the perfect puppy advent calendar.

While there we couldn’t resist

picking up some treats from what can only be described as a puppy pick ‘n mix. And we were lucky to get useful tips about run free fields and training treats as well. The kids were busy spying dog toys– safe to say the dog will be getting more presents under the Christmas tree than me this year!

Turns out having a puppy is more like having a baby than I ever could have imagined. Sleepless nights, trouble with feeding, constantly worrying if you are doing the right thing…only they reach the terrible twos a lot quicker than kids and when it comes to teething, they are already the proud owners of a set of razor-sharp puppy teeth.

But we wouldn’t be without our fur baby now.

Like with kids I can hardly remember what life was like before. And I certainly don’t take any small amount of joy for granted this year.

So to new puppy parents I’d give the same advice as to new parents…if you are worrying about it that probably means you are doing a great job, it does get easier and in the meantime don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

To prospective puppy parents…don’t rush into it, good things come to those who wait.

Have a pawsome Christmas everyone!

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.

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PUZZLE

Solution in the February edition of Konect

NOVEMBER CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Used for measuring (4), 3. Goes before (8), 9. Against (7), 10. Removes sensation (5), 11. Immediate environment (12), 14. Uncooked (3), 16. Edition (5), 17. To colour (3), 18. Very keen (12), 21. Not dead (5), 22. European country (7), 23. Simultaneously (8), 24. Happy (4).

DOWN: 1. Item of clothing (8), 2. Writing material (5), 4. Stick, cane (3), 5. Significant (12), 6. Broken (7), 7. Type of window (4), 8. Amazement (12), 12. Birds dwellings (5), 13. Received gladly (8), 15. Not losing (7), 19. Spin around (5), 20. Sour (4), 22. Farewell (3).

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LINLITHGOW | 23

PUZZLE

2020

NOVEMBER SUDOKU

HASN’T BEEN ALL BAD

So here we are in December, about to say goodbye to a very strange year. And I’ll be far from the only person who will be pleased to welcome in a new year, with all its new hopes.

But 2020 hasn’t been all bad. Here at Westport we were so touched by the acts of kindness in the town that in April we started our Local Hero Awards. Veterinary Nurse Carena Schmid came up with the idea after being inspired by Lily, now six but then just five, who had donated pictures to Linlithgow Lily, a Local Hero Care Home.

This month’s crossword puzzle can be found on page 23. See page 30 for Sudoku solution.

Since then our winners have included bagpiper Christie Mcnab, Rory Millar, Iain Withers from Linlithgow Farmily, primary pupil Jamie Taylor, photographer Rebecca Holmes, Eli Jacks, and Teresa Sumerfield and her daughter Ruby.

More heroes to follow!

Of course it’s been very different here at the clinic. With all the restrictions in place, we are well aware there are fewer opportunities for wee chats - sometimes on a different subject to the one you came in for - that can make all the difference. Thank you for bearing with us and don’t forget, we are still on hand if you have any concerns.

Lastly I think it is worth paying a salute to our pets. They are always well-loved but during this difficult year, we’ve all appreciated the companionship of our furry or scaly friends just that bit more.

The vet’s tip was contributed by Victoria Macklin. Victoria is a vet with a postgraduate certificate in ophthalmology at Westport Veterinary Clinic, 8 Preston Road.

01506 844 165 | www.westportvets.com 24 | LINLITHGOW

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

Welcome to the undergrowth As I write this, the weekend is nearly over and there’s only one word to describe it - dreich (surely, it’s the best Scottish word). The mist has hung heavy making the air feel thick and the drizzle soaked us to the bone.

It’s not all bad news though, as the colours of autumn fade and we await the first snowfall there is still plenty for us to admire thanks to mother nature. During a cycle I was so dis-tracted by the way the cobwebs were weaving through the gorse bushes I cut it short near Armadale, returned home and promptly went out with the camera.

The work undertaken by the spiders was mesmerising and incredibly varied. The mist didn’t burn off like I’d hoped but somehow it seemed to make the cobwebs even more beautiful.

On top of that, I heard the high-pitched call of the long tailed tit as they bounced through the air followed by the goldcrest - what a discovery! The smallest bird in the UK was flit-ting between trees looking for insects but sadly evaded me for any @KonectMagazines

decent pictures. The cycle path between Bathgate and Blackridge is an excellent place for bird watching, es-pecially as those who inhabit the territory will be used to people passing so frequently.

Next month we can’t wait to bring you a picture of the bohemian waxwings which have now made landfall in Scotland for winter. They’re just a wee bit too far north for us at the moment!

This column is contributed by Clare Harte and Kate Stevenson, who grew up in Edinburgh and now live in West Lothian. Together they run Scottish Sisters Photography and travel around the country to watch and photograph amazing wildlife and scenic landscapes. Follow them on Facebook @ScottishSistersPhotography LINLITHGOW | 25

LIFE COACHING

Even Christmas can CHANGE We have all been confronted with so much uncertainty this year and many of us are feeling stressed and tired and just want life to return to something we recognise as ‘normal’.

But, if Covid has given us anything, it is the knowledge that there is no ‘normal’. Change happens to all of us and, this year, has reminded us that we have far less control than we ever realised.

There is no doubt that 2020 has been a challenging year and our Christmas celebrations certainly won’t look the same. There will be no office parties, no seasonal markets and no large gatherings. But, we are being given a golden opportunity to rethink our priorities and do things differently. We can still spend time with our loved ones and, who knows, we may even enjoy the toned down celebrations

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so much that we make them a permanent feature of the festive season for years to come.

Traditionally, Christmas is followed by a headlong dash to make those life-changing resolutions. Year after year, we declare that we will give up chocolate, go to the gym, take up running or write that novel. This year, we can still do our Vision Boards but, alongside those career and social goals, we could include positive images of friendship, love and contentment to draw those positive things into our lives.

Along with the challenges it brought, 2020 has shown us all just what we are capable of.

Let’s celebrate that and take that new- found confidence forward into a healthy and happy new year.

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

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LOCAL LAB

Engineering for the Future Picture in your mind what an Engineer looks like. Are they wearing a hard hat and looking at a complex schematic drawing? Are they wearing a lab coat and looking down the lens of a microscope? Or are they sitting in front of a computer writing code?

These might seem like different jobs, but they are all engineering.

In the UK there is currently a shortage of engineers and importantly within the current engineering workforce there is a lack of diversity. There have been several initiatives to attract teenagers to By the time study engineering, children reach the age of but they have 7, they have not been very already ruled successful. out career paths Research as not being for suggests that them – or not a reason for being for people this is because like them” by the time children reach the early age of seven, they have already ruled out career paths as not being for them – or not being for people like them e.g. based on gender, ethnic or socio-economic background, or perceived cleverness.

Dr Helen Bridle, an engineer from Heriot-Watt University is trying Percentage to deconstruct old of Males & Females stereotypes about Employed what engineering is and who does engineering in her new project called Engineering Science Capital, funded by the EPSRC. She is bringing together engineers and creative arts professionals to design and run fun activities with children aged 3-7 to showcase the breadth and diversity in engineering. @KonectMagazines

Working with nurseries, schools, parents and teachers, she hopes to inform and inspire about the wide range of engineering careers that exist.

Helen’s project will find out what activities and approaches work best to engage 3-7 year olds with engineering, and the results will recommend the best ways to include engineering in early years education.

By opening-up the world of engineering to children now, we will help build a thriving and diverse engineering sector in the future.

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED AND FIND OUT MORE: • Teachers can access a classroom pack and curriculum-linked activities

• Families can receive ideas for easy, fun and low-cost activities to do at home

• Engineers can get help in communicating their work All the above is in development, please email Helen at h.l.bridle@hw.ac.uk for more details about the project, to find out when our new website will be launched and be the first to preview our Engineering song being developed with Hopscotch Songs.

Updates about the project will be posted on the HWU website and the Heriot-Watt Engage social media channels @hwengage The Local Lab column is contributed by Heriot-Watt University to engage the public in a range of their research projects.

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Right off the bat, I have to make this clear.

Wolfwalkers based solely on its animation is absolutely breathtaking. Every frame of this film is just like a work of art and in my opinion is a type of animation I feel is missing from modern kid’s films because they are mostly made by Disney or Pixar.

However, where a lot of my issues come from are its story and characters. The main character is very rebellious. We are told that no-one is allowed into the woods, yet mere two seconds later she ignores this advice. This leads to a character who is more frustrating than relatable. Sadly, this rebellious mindset from the beginning lessens the impact of scenes later on.

Due to this issue, I felt it hard to engage with the story as the main character’s actions drives the plot forward. For most people these issues will mean nothing. However, since I critically look at films, the story and the characters for the first 45 minutes didn’t click with me; but at the same time the last 45 minutes are just simple enthralling.

The characters and the story kick into high gear and I see its true potential as being a masterpiece of animation. I honestly loved the last 45 minutes and I wish the whole film was like that.

Wolfwalkers is a really good film that could have been fantastic, but for kids it’s a must-see. It’s a high recommendation from me for family watch.

100 YEARS AGO

The Film Review is contributed by Robert Ewing. Robert is passionate about film as an art form, and shining a light on films that may not be on people’s radar. Robert is from Kirknewton.

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Don’t you just love looking at old photographs? This one shows Linlithgow in the year 1921 and was taken from above the railway line then operated by the North British Railway Company.

The top of St Michael’s Church is flat - a product of the removal of the stone crown which had been taken down exactly 100 years before. On the right, is the Victoria Hall which had been officially opened 32 years earlier. It is still boasting its elaborate, Gothic towers and huge picture window.

In the right foreground is Spence’s Printing Works, where local chemist and printer, Mrs C. M. Spence, produced many different forms of stationery, a series of local postcards and several local publications including her own “Strangers Guide to Linlithgow”. By the look of things, Mrs Spence has hung her bed-linen out to dry on the day the photo was taken!

They were demolished in the 1930s to make way for a bus depot - and now it is the site of the McCarthy and Stone complex called ‘Templars Court’.

The Burgh Halls clock is showing that the time is 3-15pm and just over the road from the 17th century building is the tall British Linen Bank, opened in 1870. All along the High Street, chimneys are smoking – suggesting that the weather was cool – although it’s not winter as there are trees in leaf in the Peel and, in abundance, at the top of the Kirkgate.

High on Airngath Hill above the town, is the monument to Brigadier Adrian Hope who was killed in 1859 during the Indian Mutiny. It’s still visible today, although the surrounding trees have grown considerably.

To the left, is a large gable-end advert proclaiming the “Linlithgowshire Gazette – Best Local and County News.” The weekly journal’s HQ was just over the road in what is now “Kapital Kilts”.

What else can you spot in old Linlithgow town?

To the left of that, are some interesting 18th century buildings called Templars’ Tenements.

This article and photo were contributed by Bruce Jamieson.

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CLUBS & CLASSES

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

CARERS OF WEST LOTHIAN - Still very much here for all our carers, young carers and disabled adults. All services via Zoom/phone: weekly Coffee Morning and Young Carers groups; monthly mental health support group, disability social group, bereaved carers and young adult carers groups. Virtual Power of Attorney Clinic & Benefits Advice, phone counselling. We provide PPE for unpaid carers and personal assistants providing personal care. For more information on all services please contact Carers of West Lothian: www.carers-westlothian.com Tel: 01506 448005 Email: office@carers-westlothian.com Our ever-popular Clubs & Classes section has been on hold due to the pandemic - most clubs were unable to operate in the way they were listed.

However, if you are involved in a club, support/ social group or other not-for-profit group that is now online or has adapted to continue operating safely, please get in touch with me at editor@konect.scot in order to get your organisation listed again.

Macmillan

@ West Lothian Cancer Information and Support Service

If you’re affected by cancer you may want to know there’s someone you can turn to for help.

Working in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, our service is available across West Lothian and offers anyone affected by cancer, access to information and support. You may have cancer yourself or be a relative, friend or carer of someone with cancer.

We Can • Listen and advise on an appropriate course of action • Organise an appointment with a Macmillan Adviser for a benefit health check • Referrals to appropriate services • Signpost to local support services

Contact Macmillan @ West Lothian on: Telephone: 01506 283053 Email: MacmillanWestLothian@westlothian.gov.uk

Social and support groups are more vital than ever, let’s make sure everyone knows what is available locally.

Not-for-profit and community groups are free of charge. There is a small fee for business listings.

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO NOVEMBER CROSSWORD

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 24

ACROSS: 1. Decade, 4. Photos, 9. Plateau, 10. Label, 11. Rhyme, 12. Choices, 13. Destruction, 18. Chemist, 20. Ideal, 22. Ruins, 23. Opposed, 24. Degree, 25. Adults.

DOWN: 1. Depart, 2. Crazy, 3. Deepest, 5. Hello, 6. Tobacco, 7. Splash, 8. Punctuation, 14. Evening, 15. Tripped, 16. Scared, 17. Slides, 19. Issue, 21. Easel.

30 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

COMMUNITY

Advent Fayre Light-up

Linlithgow’s Rotary Tree of Light

These are strange and unsettling times we all live in. Linlithgow has an incredible sense of community and the way in which it has pulled together in these testing times has been wonderful. One other positive that has emerged is that we all now really appreciate our, albeit limited, social interaction − taken for granted until now.

Rotary’s purpose, amongst other things, is to serve and support local communities. For the last few years, the Rotary Club of Linlithgow Grange has supported local charitable organisations with its Tree of Light fund raising initiative over the Christmas period.

The Council have once again given permission for the town’s Christmas tree at Linlithgow Cross - right at the very heart of the community - to be used as Linlithgow’s Rotary Tree of Light and we are very grateful for their continued support.

Most people will be looking forward to Christmas as a season of joyous celebration even if it will feel a little different this year. However, even in normal times, it can bring sadness and loneliness to many. The Tree of Light is first and foremost a tree of remembrance - of a life fondly remembered – but it is also a tree of celebration — perhaps a milestone event such as a significant anniversary, or a new life begun. There will be many personal reasons to @KonectMagazines

make dedications.

For 2020, the chosen charities are – Linlithgow Day Care Centre, Linlithgow Link, Carers of West Lothian, and Children 1st. All are worthy causes, and all have a pressing need like never before to raise money to fund the increasing demand on their services.

This year Linlithgow’s Rotary Tree of Light will shine brightly again thanks to the generosity of Alan Steel Asset Management, RGM Solicitors, Stewart Electrical, Cala Homes and other community-minded businesses and individuals.

Their financial support ensures that every pound of public donations goes to the designated charities.

Dedication forms can be downloaded from the website – www.linlithgowtreeoflight. org.uk The Tree of Light is a community endeavour and many High Street businesses and other venues have also agreed to carry dedication

forms and envelopes for you to collect and complete. You can then hand these into RGM Solicitors, A Wee Mindin’, and Wilson’s Newsagents, along with your donation, or simply post them back to us. Alternatively you can make donations by credit or debit card via the online donation platform Jumblebee at www.jumblebee.co.uk/ linlithgowsrotarytreeoflight The panels around the base of the tree and on the website will be updated regularly for those that wish their dedication to be made public.

More information can be found on our website, on Facebook at www.Facebook/ LinlithgowTreeOfLight, or by emailing Allan Robertson at administration@ linlithgowtreeoflight.org.uk

This article was contributed by Allan Robertson, The Rotary Club of Linlithgow Grange

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