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Coordinates: 55°51′44″N 3°41′14″W / 55.86210°N 3.68719°W / 55.86210; -3.68719
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{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{infobox UK place
{{infobox UK place
|country = Scotland
|country = Scotland
|official_name= Whitburn
|official_name= Whitburn
|scots_name=Am Fionn Allt
|gaelic_name= Am Fionn Allt
|static_image_name= Whitburn - geograph.org.uk - 150688.jpg
|static_image_name= Whitburn - geograph.org.uk - 150688.jpg
|static_image_caption= Whitburn, looking west towards the town centre
|static_image_caption= Whitburn, looking west towards the town centre
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|static_image_2_caption = Coat of arms of Whitburn<br />''Onward''
|static_image_2_caption = Coat of arms of Whitburn<br />''Onward''
|static_image_2_width = 100
|static_image_2_width = 100
|population = 10527
| population = {{Scottish locality populations|name|POP=Whitburn}}
| population_ref = ({{United Kingdom statistics year|ScotSettlement}})<ref>{{Scotland settlement population citation}}</ref>
|population_ref = (2011 Census)
|os_grid_reference= NS945645
|os_grid_reference= NS945645
|map_type=Scotland
|map_type=Scotland
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|constituency_westminster= [[Linlithgow and East Falkirk (UK Parliament constituency)|Linlithgow and East Falkirk]]
|constituency_westminster= [[Linlithgow and East Falkirk (UK Parliament constituency)|Linlithgow and East Falkirk]]
|constituency_scottish_parliament= [[Linlithgow (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Linlithgow]]
|constituency_scottish_parliament= [[Linlithgow (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Linlithgow]]
|historic_county=
|post_town= BATHGATE
|post_town= BATHGATE
|postcode_district = EH47
|postcode_district = EH47
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}}
}}


'''Whitburn''' (originally Whiteburn) is a small town in [[West Lothian]], Scotland, halfway between Scotlands's two largest cities, about {{convert|23|mi}} east of [[Glasgow]] and {{convert|22|mi|0}} west of [[Edinburgh]]. The nearest major towns are [[Bathgate]], {{convert|4|mi|0}} and [[Livingston, Scotland|Livingston]], {{convert|6|mi}}.
'''Whitburn''' (originally Whiteburn) is a small town in [[West Lothian]], Scotland, halfway between Scotlands's two largest cities, about {{convert|23|mi|km|abbr=off}} east of [[Glasgow]] and {{convert|22|mi|km|0|abbr=off}} west of [[Edinburgh]]. The nearest major towns are [[Bathgate]], {{convert|4|mi|km|0|abbr=off|spell=on}} and [[Livingston, Scotland|Livingston]], {{convert|6|mi|km|0|abbr=off|spell=on}}.


==History==
==History==
Originally a small farming & weaving community centred around the [[Burn (landform)|burn]] that runs through, it was once a district of Linlithgow until 1973 and a [[parish]] of Livingston until 1730 when it established into its own as the population began to rise.
Originally a small farming & weaving community centred around the [[Burn (landform)|burn]] that runs through, it was once a district of Linlithgow until 1973 and a [[parish]] of Livingston until 1730 when it established into its own as the population began to rise.
When reliable statistics began with the [[Statistical Accounts of Scotland]] the population was counted at 1,322 in 1755 followed by a more accurately count of 1,322 in 1795.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sinclair, Sir John. The Statistical Account of Scotland, Whitburn, Linlithgow, Vol. 17, Edinburgh, 1796, p. 300.|url=http://stataccscot.edina.ac.uk/link/osa-vol17-p300-parish-linlithgow-whitburn|publisher=William Creech, 1796, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow. (1999)|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref>
When reliable statistics began with the [[Statistical Accounts of Scotland]] the population was counted at 1,121 in 1755 followed by a more accurately count of 1,322 in 1795.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sinclair, Sir John. The Statistical Account of Scotland, Whitburn, Linlithgow, Vol. 17, Edinburgh, 1796, p. 300.|url=http://stataccscot.edina.ac.uk/link/osa-vol17-p300-parish-linlithgow-whitburn|publisher=William Creech, 1796, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow. (1999)|access-date=2 February 2018}}</ref>


Whitburn has appeared on maps since the 17th century of the [[Early Modern]] period and appears on a manuscript authored by Scottish map maker [[John Adair (surveyor)|John Adair]] in 1680.<ref>{{cite web|title=A Map of West Lothian / survey'd by Mr. J. Adair. [ca.1680]|url=http://maps.nls.uk/view/00001010#zoom=6&lat=1927&lon=2253&layers=BT|publisher=John Adair|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref>
Whitburn has appeared on maps since the 17th century of the [[Early Modern]] period and appears on a manuscript authored by Scottish map maker [[John Adair (surveyor)|John Adair]] in 1680.<ref>{{cite web|title=A Map of West Lothian / survey'd by Mr. J. Adair. [ca.1680]|url=http://maps.nls.uk/view/00001010#zoom=6&lat=1927&lon=2253&layers=BT|publisher=John Adair|access-date=2 February 2018}}</ref>
The earliest documented reference to Whitburn is dated 26 September 1363<ref>{{cite web|title=Index of Charters, &c. By King David II|url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=aI0_AAAAYAAJ&vq=carnys&pg=PA75#v=onepage&q&f=false|publisher=General Register Office (Scotland)|accessdate=1 August 2018}}</ref> and can be found in the Index of Charters by King [[David II of Scotland]]. It grants William de [[Cairns Castle|Carnys]] and his heir Duncan a concession to the terms upon which they held the baronies of Easter and Wester Whitburn.<ref>{{citeweb|title=The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland, Oxford University Press, 17 Nov 2016, Pg. 413 |url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=0AyDDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA413&dq=%22William+de+Carnys%22&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjDtpyGyMzcAhWjIMAKHW8kB1kQ6AEISTAH#v=onepage&q=%22William%20de%20Carnys%22&f=false |accessdate=1 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.org/details/historyoffamilyo00lond|title=A history of the family of Cairnes or Cairns and its connections|date=7 February 1906|publisher=London, E. Stock|via=Internet Archive}}</ref> There were also two gold pieces of Roman coin discovered in a field in 1845 <ref>{{cite web|title=National Record of the Historic Environment|url=https://canmore.org.uk/site/47779/whitburn|publisher=G. Mitchell|accessdate=2 February 2018}}</ref> but there is no other evidence of Roman occupation.
The earliest documented reference to Whitburn is dated 26 September 1363<ref>{{cite web|title=Index of Charters, &c. By King David II|year = 1798|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aI0_AAAAYAAJ&q=carnys&pg=PA75|publisher=General Register Office (Scotland)}}</ref> and can be found in the Index of Charters by King [[David II of Scotland]]. It grants William de [[Cairns Castle|Carnys]] and his heir Duncan a concession to the terms upon which they held the baronies of Easter and Wester Whitburn.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland, Oxford University Press, 17 Nov 2016, Pg. 413 |isbn = 9780192527479|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0AyDDQAAQBAJ&q=%22William+de+Carnys%22&pg=PA413|last1 = Hanks|first1 = Patrick|last2 = Coates|first2 = Richard|last3 = McClure|first3 = Peter|date = 17 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.org/details/historyoffamilyo00lond|title=A history of the family of Cairnes or Cairns and its connections|date=7 February 1906|publisher=London, E. Stock|via=Internet Archive}}</ref> There were also two gold pieces of Roman coin discovered in a field in 1845<ref>{{cite web|title=National Record of the Historic Environment|url=https://canmore.org.uk/site/47779/whitburn|publisher=G. Mitchell|access-date=2 February 2018}}</ref> but there is no other evidence of Roman occupation.


During the [[Age of Enlightenment]] the community was trading cotton, pig iron and coal.
During the [[Age of Enlightenment]] the community was trading cotton, pig iron and coal.
"Old quarries" can be seen dotted over the area on the Ordnance Survey 1st Edition map, presumably from the days of clay, sandstone and iron ore extraction.
"Old quarries" can be seen dotted over the area on the Ordnance Survey 1st Edition map, presumably from the days of clay, sandstone and iron ore extraction.
The majority of farmers rented agricultural land because of the [[Lowland Clearances]] and most of it was owned by [[Esquire#In Scotland|Esquires]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Gordon, J. ed. The New Statistical Account of Scotland / by the ministers of the respective parishes, under the superintendence of a committee of the Society for the Benefit of the Sons and Daughters of the Clergy. Whitburn, Linlithgow, Vol. 2, Edinburgh, p. 81.|url=http://stataccscot.edina.ac.uk/link/nsa-vol2-p81-parish-linlithgow-whitburn|publisher=Blackwoods and Sons, 1845|accessdate=4 February 2018}}</ref>
The majority of farmers rented agricultural land because of the [[Lowland Clearances]] and most of it was owned by [[Esquire#In Scotland|Esquires]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Gordon, J. ed. The New Statistical Account of Scotland / by the ministers of the respective parishes, under the superintendence of a committee of the Society for the Benefit of the Sons and Daughters of the Clergy. Whitburn, Linlithgow, Vol. 2, Edinburgh, p. 81.|url=http://stataccscot.edina.ac.uk/link/nsa-vol2-p81-parish-linlithgow-whitburn|publisher=Blackwoods and Sons, 1845|access-date=4 February 2018}}</ref>


Between the 18th and 20th century the town was dominated by mines with the largest being Polkemmet [[Coal mining|Colliery]] – a large coal mine, discovered in the town in the late 1800s – but this was closed in the 1980s as a result of damage by underground flooding during the [[UK miners' strike (1984-1985)|1984-85 miners' strike]] and never re-opened. The colliery buildings have gone, and the coal [[Bing (mining)|bings]] that once were prominent have now been removed. Work to dismantle Bing No 3, the infamous burning bing, started in August 2006 and was completed by February 2008.<ref>{{cite web|title=Environment: Bing 3 (the burning bing)|url=http://www.polkemmetOCCS.co.uk|work=Heartlands|publisher=Ecosse Regeneration Limited|accessdate=9 March 2011}}</ref> The last major outbreak of burning occurred in 1998.
Between the 18th and 20th century the town was dominated by mines with the largest being Polkemmet [[Coal mining|Colliery]] – a large coal mine, discovered in the town in the late 1800s – but this was closed in the 1980s as a result of damage by underground flooding during the [[UK miners' strike (1984-1985)|1984–85 miners' strike]] and never re-opened. The colliery buildings have gone, and the coal [[Bing (mining)|bings]] that once were prominent have now been removed. Work to dismantle Bing No 3, the infamous burning bing, started in August 2006 and was completed by February 2008.<ref>{{cite web|title=Environment: Bing 3 (the burning bing)|url=http://www.polkemmetOCCS.co.uk|work=Heartlands|publisher=Ecosse Regeneration Limited|access-date=9 March 2011}}</ref> The last major outbreak of burning occurred in 1998.
As of 2017 the bings have been flattened and it is now a large housing estate as a result from the Heartlands Project.
As of 2017 the bings have been flattened and it is now a large housing estate as a result from the Heartlands Project.


There was a Scottish Police College located on the current site of Townhead Gardens in the 1940s, before it moved to the old mansion at Polkemmet.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ordnance Survey 1937-1961|url=http://maps.nls.uk/view/91591517#zoom=5&lat=4113&lon=4044&layers=BT|publisher=National Library of Scotland|accessdate=4 February 2018}}</ref>
There was a Scottish Police College located on the current site of Townhead Gardens in the 1940s, before it moved to the old mansion at Polkemmet.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ordnance Survey 1937–1961|url=http://maps.nls.uk/view/91591517#zoom=5&lat=4113&lon=4044&layers=BT|publisher=National Library of Scotland|access-date=4 February 2018}}</ref>


[[File:Whitburn Council Offices, West Lothian.jpg|thumb|200px|Whitburn Council Offices]]
[[File:Whitburn Council Offices, West Lothian.jpg|thumb|200px|Whitburn Council Offices]]
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The town has 5 primary schools, 4 of which have nurseries within. These five schools are known as Croftmalloch Primary School, Polkemmet Primary School, Burnhouse, St Joseph's Primary School and Whitdale Primary School.
The town has 5 primary schools, 4 of which have nurseries within. These five schools are known as Croftmalloch Primary School, Polkemmet Primary School, Burnhouse, St Joseph's Primary School and Whitdale Primary School.


Whilst four of the schools are non denominational, St Joseph's is regarded as a Catholic school.
Whilst four of the schools are non-denominational, St Joseph's is regarded as a Catholic school.
Burnhouse school is for children with behavioural difficulties who cannot be placed in mainstream schools.
Burnhouse school is for children with behavioural difficulties who cannot be placed in mainstream schools.


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Whitburn has a [[List of King George V Playing Fields (West Lothian)|King George's Field]] in memory of [[George V of the United Kingdom|King George V]] which was opened in 1955 by Queen Elizabeth II.
Whitburn has a [[List of King George V Playing Fields (West Lothian)|King George's Field]] in memory of [[George V of the United Kingdom|King George V]] which was opened in 1955 by Queen Elizabeth II.


On 16 January 2012, a planning application was submitted regarding the rebuild of the swimming pool; drawings of the new facility were posted on the Xcite Leisure Website.<ref>[http://www.westlothianleisure.com/UserFiles/File/Whitburn_Plans_Jan_2012.pdf]</ref>
On 16 January 2012, a planning application was submitted regarding the rebuild of the swimming pool; drawings of the new facility were posted on the Xcite Leisure Website.<ref>http://www.westlothianleisure.com/UserFiles/File/Whitburn_Plans_Jan_2012.pdf {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>


Whitburn is home to [[Whitburn Junior F.C.]] who play at Central Park and are in the [[SJFA]] East Region Super League. In 2000 they won the OVD Scottish Juniors Cup.
Whitburn is home to [[Whitburn Junior F.C.]] who play at Central Park and compete in the [[East of Scotland Football League]]. In 2000 they won the [[Scottish Junior Cup]].


The town holds its annual gala day on the third Saturday in June; there is a parade through the town, followed by games and races at King George V Park. The gala day is part of a week of activities known as the "Civic Week"; this also includes a fairground and a fireworks display in King George V Park.
The town holds its annual gala day on the fourth Saturday in June; there is a parade through the town, followed by games and races at King George V Park. The gala day is part of a week of activities known as the "Civic Week"; this also includes a fairground and a fireworks display in King George V Park.


[[Polkemmet Country Park]] is located to the west of the town, and incorporates woodland, a golf course, cafe, and play area. The park is also locally famous for the [[Polkemmet Country Park#The Horn|Polkemmet Horn]] which can be seen from the [[M8 motorway (Scotland)|M8 motorway]] which runs to the north of the country park. There is also a disused steam locomotive from Polkemmet Colliery on display. Since 2012 Polkemmet Park has also been the site of the [http://www.scottishowlcentre.com/ Scottish Owl Centre].
[[Polkemmet Country Park]] is located to the west of the town, and incorporates woodland, a golf course, cafe, and play area. The park is also locally famous for the [[Polkemmet Country Park#The Horn|Polkemmet Horn]] which can be seen from the [[M8 motorway (Scotland)|M8 motorway]] which runs to the north of the country park. There is also a disused steam locomotive from Polkemmet Colliery on display. Since 2012 Polkemmet Park has also been the site of the Scottish Owl Centre.


==Industry==
==Industry==
The town was once the site of [[Levi Strauss & Co.]], the clothing manufacturer. The plant opened in 1969, employing a work force of over 500 local people. At its height, the plant was producing 4 million pairs of jeans in a year. The plant shut its doors in December 1999.
The town was once the site of [[Levi Strauss & Co.]], the clothing manufacturer. The plant opened in 1969, employing a work force of over 500 local people. At its height, the plant was producing 4 million pairs of jeans in a year. The plant shut its doors in December 1999.


==Bands==
The town has been given the go-ahead{{when|date=September 2016}} for a £500 million project called "Heartlands". This has included the removal of 1.4 million tonnes of shallow coal reserves by opencast methods and the regeneration of {{convert|600|ha|acre|-1}} of derelict ground, to the south-west and west of the town. It will also include land at Cowhill, next to the M8 motorway, where a new junction and business park is planned.{{Citation needed|date=June 2020}} A roundabout and spur road have been built at the west of the town to allow access for the construction of the new junction and business park. This new roundabout replaces a dangerous pair of sliproads on the [[B7066 road]]. The project will provide 4000 new jobs, 2000 new homes (with the land available for more), 2 championship golf courses, a 5 star, 150 bedroom, luxury golf lodge and hotel and a 350 car park and ride facility.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.polkemmetoccs.co.uk/|title=Polkemmet OCCS|website=www.polkemmetoccs.co.uk}}</ref>
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The Whitburn Band is a [[brass band]] formed in 1870. The band has been successful on the contest stage and competes at the British Open, National Final and European Championships, and has been Scottish Champion on 19 occasions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://whitburnband.com/|title=Whitburn Band|access-date=25 November 2017}}</ref> In 2017, the Whitburn Band was ranked 6th in the world in the 4barsrest rankings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.4barsrest.com/rankings/|title=World Rankings – All Bands|publisher=4barsrest|date=14 November 2017|access-date=25 November 2017}}</ref>


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Whitburn Flute Band was formed in the town in 1962, although it is thought the band may have existed in some form before this. The band host their annual parade through the town on the first Saturday in April. The parade attracts bands from all over the UK who come to compete.
There are many main street stores like [[The Co-operative Food]], John Livingstone and Sons butchers, A & C Fisher's bakery and [[Greggs]].


==Bands==
== Transport ==
The M8 motorway passes to the north of the town.
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The Whitburn Band is a [[brass band]] formed in 1870. The band has been successful on the contest stage and competes at the British Open, National Final and European Championships, and has been Scottish Champion on 19 occasions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://whitburnband.com/|title=Whitburn Band|accessdate=25 November 2017}}</ref> In 2017, the Whitburn Band was ranked 6th in the world in the 4barsrest rankings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.4barsrest.com/rankings/|title=World Rankings - All Bands|publisher=4barsrest|date=14 November 2017|accessdate=25 November 2017}}</ref>


A shared cycle and pedestrian path along the [[B8084 road]] was completed in 2021 following an investment of £1.2 million, providing an off-road cycle route and enabling pedestrian access to [[Armadale, West Lothian|Armadale]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2021-07-20|title=Cycle path now complete between Armadale and Whitburn|url=https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2021/07/cycle-path-now-complete-between-armadale-and-whitburn/|access-date=2022-02-24|website=The Edinburgh Reporter|language=en-US}}</ref>
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Whitburn Flute Band was formed in the town in 1962, although it is thought the band may have existed in some form before this. The band host their annual parade through the town on the first Saturday in April. The parade attracts bands from all over the UK who come to compete, and it is one of the best established and longest running band parades in the country.{{Citation needed|date=July 2020}}

[[McGill's Scotland East]] operate Bus Services 23 & 26 connecting Whitburn to Bathgate, Blackburn, Fauldhouse, West Calder, Livingston and Broxburn.

[[Lothian Country]] operate Service X18 to Edinburgh via Armadale, Bathagte, Broxburn and Corstoprhine.


==Notable people==
==Notable people==
*[[Elizabeth Bishop (Burns)]] (1785–1817) - [[Robert Burns]]'s first illegitimate child, married John Bishop, factor to the Laird of Polkemmet, and was buried in the Whitburn churchyard.
*[[Elizabeth Bishop (Burns)]] (1785–1817) – [[Robert Burns]]'s first illegitimate child, married John Bishop, factor to the Laird of Polkemmet, and was buried in the Whitburn churchyard.
*[[Jock Paterson|John Paterson]] (1926–2000) - former professional footballer for [[Hibernian F.C.]]
*[[Jock Paterson|John Paterson]] (1926–2000) – former professional footballer for [[Hibernian F.C.]]
*[[Jimmy Ferguson (footballer)|Jimmy Ferguson]] (*1935) - former professional footballer for [[Dundee F.C.|Dundee]], [[Falkirk F.C.|Falkirk]], [[Oldham Athletic A.F.C.|Oldham Athletic]], [[Crewe Alexandra F.C.|Crewe Alexandra]], [[Darlington F.C.|Darlington]] and [[Stenhousemuir F.C.|Stenhousemuir]]
*[[Jimmy Ferguson (footballer)|Jimmy Ferguson]] (*1935) – former professional footballer for [[Dundee F.C.|Dundee]], [[Falkirk F.C.|Falkirk]], [[Oldham Athletic A.F.C.|Oldham Athletic]], [[Crewe Alexandra F.C.|Crewe Alexandra]], [[Darlington F.C.|Darlington]] and [[Stenhousemuir F.C.|Stenhousemuir]]
*[[Jim Irvine (footballer)|Jim Irvine]] (*1940) - former professional footballer for [[Dundee United F.C.|Dundee United]], [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]], [[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Hearts]] and [[Barrow A.F.C.|Barrow]]
*[[Jim Irvine (footballer)|Jim Irvine]] (*1940) – former professional footballer for [[Dundee United F.C.|Dundee United]], [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]], [[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Hearts]] and [[Barrow A.F.C.|Barrow]]
*[[John Lambie (footballer, born 1941)|John Lambie]] (1941–2018) - played for [[Falkirk F.C.|Falkirk]] and manager of [[Hamilton Academical F.C.|Hamilton]] and [[Partick Thistle F.C.|Partick Thistle]].
*[[John Lambie (footballer, born 1941)|John Lambie]] (1941–2018) – played for [[Falkirk F.C.|Falkirk]] and manager of [[Hamilton Academical F.C.|Hamilton]] and [[Partick Thistle F.C.|Partick Thistle]].
*[[Wilson Wood (footballer)|Wilson Wood]] (1943–2017) - footballer, played for [[Rangers F.C.|Glasgow Rangers]]
*[[Wilson Wood (footballer)|Wilson Wood]] (1943–2017) – footballer, played for [[Rangers F.C.|Glasgow Rangers]]
*[[Duncan Lambie]] (1952–2015) - footballer for [[Dundee F.C.|Dundee]], [[St Johnstone F.C.|St Johnstone]], [[SpVgg Greuther Fürth|SpVgg. Fürth]] and [[Hibernian F.C.|Hibernian]]
*[[Duncan Lambie]] (1952–2015) – footballer for [[Dundee F.C.|Dundee]], [[St Johnstone F.C.|St Johnstone]], [[SpVgg Greuther Fürth|SpVgg. Fürth]] and [[Hibernian F.C.|Hibernian]]
*[[Andy Mooney]] (*1955) - CEO of [[Fender Musical Instruments Corporation|Fender]]
*[[Andy Mooney]] (*1955) – CEO of [[Fender Musical Instruments Corporation|Fender]]
*[[Danny Lennon]] (*1969) - former professional footballer and former manager of [[St Mirren F.C.]]
*[[Danny Lennon]] (*1969) – former professional footballer and former manager of [[St Mirren F.C.]]
*[[Iain Cook]] (*1974) - musician, composer, and record producer who is currently a member of Glasgow-based electronic trio [[Chvrches]].
*[[Iain Cook]] (*1974) – musician, composer, and record producer who is currently a member of Glasgow-based electronic trio [[Chvrches]].
*[[David Baillie (comics)|David Baillie]] (*1977) - writer, born in West Lothian, known for comicbook work such as [[2000 AD (comics)|2000 AD]] and Red Thorn.
*[[David Baillie (comics)|David Baillie]] (*1977) – writer, born in West Lothian, known for comicbook work such as [[2000 AD (comics)|2000 AD]] and Red Thorn.
*[[Scott Boyd]] (*1986) professional footballer for [[Kilmarnock F.C.|Kilmarnock]], [[Ross County F.C.|Ross County]], [[Partick Thistle F.C.|Partick Thistle]] and [[Livingston F.C.|Livingston]]
*[[Scott Boyd]] (*1986) professional footballer for [[Kilmarnock F.C.|Kilmarnock]], [[Ross County F.C.|Ross County]], [[Partick Thistle F.C.|Partick Thistle]] and [[Livingston F.C.|Livingston]]
*[[Leon Jackson]] (*1988) - Scottish singer<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.scotsman.com/ViewArticle.aspx?articleid=3470674|title=X-Factor Leon has singing in his genes|newspaper=The Scotsman|date=15 October 2007|accessdate=15 December 2007|location=Edinburgh}}</ref>
*[[Leon Jackson]] (*1988) – Scottish singer<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.scotsman.com/ViewArticle.aspx?articleid=3470674|title=X-Factor Leon has singing in his genes|newspaper=The Scotsman|date=15 October 2007|access-date=15 December 2007|location=Edinburgh}}</ref>
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*[[Jamie Brandon]] (*1998) – professional footballer for [[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Heart of Midlothian]]
*[[Lewis Capaldi]] (*1996) - Scottish singer<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4pyqNNMRwyvzQ6SrrPF4SHn/lewis-capaldi|title=BBC Music - BBC Music Sound Of, 2018 - Lewis Capaldi|website=BBC}}</ref>
*[[The Snuts]] – Jack Cochrane, Joe McGillivray (East Whitburn), Callum Wilson, Jordan Mackay
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*[[Jamie Brandon]] (*1998) - professional footballer for [[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Heart of Midlothian]]
*[[Lewis Capaldi]] (*1996) – singer-songwriter and musician


==References==
==References==
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*[http://www.heartlands-scotland.com www.heartlands-scotland.com, Information and photos from the Heartlands urban regeneration scheme]
*[http://www.heartlands-scotland.com www.heartlands-scotland.com, Information and photos from the Heartlands urban regeneration scheme]
*[http://www.scottishowlcentre.com/ Scottish Owl Centre]
*[http://www.scottishowlcentre.com/ Scottish Owl Centre]

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{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2012}}


{{authority control}}
{{authority control}}
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[[Category:Towns in West Lothian]]
[[Category:Towns in West Lothian]]
[[Category:Mining communities in Scotland]]
[[Category:Mining communities in Scotland]]
[[Category:Parishes in West Lothian]]

Revision as of 11:13, 3 July 2024

Whitburn
Whitburn, looking west towards the town centre
Above the Shield is placed a mural coronet thereon a Helmet of befitting degree with a Mantling Azure doubled Argent, and on a Wreath of their Liveries is set for Crest the represen tation of a stage coach and four all Proper,t and in an Escrol over the same this Motto "Onward". Granted 30 September 1938
Coat of arms of Whitburn
Onward
Whitburn is located in West Lothian
Whitburn
Whitburn
Location within West Lothian
Population11,490 (2022)[1]
OS grid referenceNS945645
Council area
Lieutenancy area
CountryScotland
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Post townBATHGATE
Postcode districtEH47
Dialling code01501
PoliceScotland
FireScottish
AmbulanceScottish
UK Parliament
Scottish Parliament
List of places
UK
Scotland
55°51′44″N 3°41′14″W / 55.86210°N 3.68719°W / 55.86210; -3.68719

Whitburn (originally Whiteburn) is a small town in West Lothian, Scotland, halfway between Scotlands's two largest cities, about 23 miles (37 kilometres) east of Glasgow and 22 miles (35 kilometres) west of Edinburgh. The nearest major towns are Bathgate, four miles (six kilometres) and Livingston, six miles (ten kilometres).

History

Originally a small farming & weaving community centred around the burn that runs through, it was once a district of Linlithgow until 1973 and a parish of Livingston until 1730 when it established into its own as the population began to rise. When reliable statistics began with the Statistical Accounts of Scotland the population was counted at 1,121 in 1755 followed by a more accurately count of 1,322 in 1795.[2]

Whitburn has appeared on maps since the 17th century of the Early Modern period and appears on a manuscript authored by Scottish map maker John Adair in 1680.[3] The earliest documented reference to Whitburn is dated 26 September 1363[4] and can be found in the Index of Charters by King David II of Scotland. It grants William de Carnys and his heir Duncan a concession to the terms upon which they held the baronies of Easter and Wester Whitburn.[5][6] There were also two gold pieces of Roman coin discovered in a field in 1845[7] but there is no other evidence of Roman occupation.

During the Age of Enlightenment the community was trading cotton, pig iron and coal. "Old quarries" can be seen dotted over the area on the Ordnance Survey 1st Edition map, presumably from the days of clay, sandstone and iron ore extraction. The majority of farmers rented agricultural land because of the Lowland Clearances and most of it was owned by Esquires.[8]

Between the 18th and 20th century the town was dominated by mines with the largest being Polkemmet Colliery – a large coal mine, discovered in the town in the late 1800s – but this was closed in the 1980s as a result of damage by underground flooding during the 1984–85 miners' strike and never re-opened. The colliery buildings have gone, and the coal bings that once were prominent have now been removed. Work to dismantle Bing No 3, the infamous burning bing, started in August 2006 and was completed by February 2008.[9] The last major outbreak of burning occurred in 1998. As of 2017 the bings have been flattened and it is now a large housing estate as a result from the Heartlands Project.

There was a Scottish Police College located on the current site of Townhead Gardens in the 1940s, before it moved to the old mansion at Polkemmet.[10]

Whitburn Council Offices

The town's population was boosted by the 1960s Glasgow overflow. The town's Murraysgate and surrounding areas north-west of the cross were established to deal with the overflow.

Schools

The town has 5 primary schools, 4 of which have nurseries within. These five schools are known as Croftmalloch Primary School, Polkemmet Primary School, Burnhouse, St Joseph's Primary School and Whitdale Primary School.

Whilst four of the schools are non-denominational, St Joseph's is regarded as a Catholic school. Burnhouse school is for children with behavioural difficulties who cannot be placed in mainstream schools.

The local secondary school is Whitburn Academy. It is a state run non-denominational secondary school serving pupils aged 11 to 18. Its catchment area is the town of Whitburn and the surrounding villages of Fauldhouse, Longridge, East Whitburn, Stoneyburn, and Greenrigg. There are approximately 1000 pupils at the school.

Sport and recreation

Whitburn has a King George's Field in memory of King George V which was opened in 1955 by Queen Elizabeth II.

On 16 January 2012, a planning application was submitted regarding the rebuild of the swimming pool; drawings of the new facility were posted on the Xcite Leisure Website.[11]

Whitburn is home to Whitburn Junior F.C. who play at Central Park and compete in the East of Scotland Football League. In 2000 they won the Scottish Junior Cup.

The town holds its annual gala day on the fourth Saturday in June; there is a parade through the town, followed by games and races at King George V Park. The gala day is part of a week of activities known as the "Civic Week"; this also includes a fairground and a fireworks display in King George V Park.

Polkemmet Country Park is located to the west of the town, and incorporates woodland, a golf course, cafe, and play area. The park is also locally famous for the Polkemmet Horn which can be seen from the M8 motorway which runs to the north of the country park. There is also a disused steam locomotive from Polkemmet Colliery on display. Since 2012 Polkemmet Park has also been the site of the Scottish Owl Centre.

Industry

The town was once the site of Levi Strauss & Co., the clothing manufacturer. The plant opened in 1969, employing a work force of over 500 local people. At its height, the plant was producing 4 million pairs of jeans in a year. The plant shut its doors in December 1999.

Bands

The Whitburn Band is a brass band formed in 1870. The band has been successful on the contest stage and competes at the British Open, National Final and European Championships, and has been Scottish Champion on 19 occasions.[12] In 2017, the Whitburn Band was ranked 6th in the world in the 4barsrest rankings.[13]

Whitburn Flute Band was formed in the town in 1962, although it is thought the band may have existed in some form before this. The band host their annual parade through the town on the first Saturday in April. The parade attracts bands from all over the UK who come to compete.

Transport

The M8 motorway passes to the north of the town.

A shared cycle and pedestrian path along the B8084 road was completed in 2021 following an investment of £1.2 million, providing an off-road cycle route and enabling pedestrian access to Armadale.[14]

McGill's Scotland East operate Bus Services 23 & 26 connecting Whitburn to Bathgate, Blackburn, Fauldhouse, West Calder, Livingston and Broxburn.

Lothian Country operate Service X18 to Edinburgh via Armadale, Bathagte, Broxburn and Corstoprhine.

Notable people

References

  1. ^ "Mid-2020 Population Estimates for Settlements and Localities in Scotland". National Records of Scotland. 31 March 2022. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  2. ^ "Sinclair, Sir John. The Statistical Account of Scotland, Whitburn, Linlithgow, Vol. 17, Edinburgh, 1796, p. 300". William Creech, 1796, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow. (1999). Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  3. ^ "A Map of West Lothian / survey'd by Mr. J. Adair. [ca.1680]". John Adair. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  4. ^ "Index of Charters, &c. By King David II". General Register Office (Scotland). 1798.
  5. ^ Hanks, Patrick; Coates, Richard; McClure, Peter (17 November 2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland, Oxford University Press, 17 Nov 2016, Pg. 413. ISBN 9780192527479.
  6. ^ "A history of the family of Cairnes or Cairns and its connections". London, E. Stock. 7 February 1906 – via Internet Archive.
  7. ^ "National Record of the Historic Environment". G. Mitchell. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  8. ^ "Gordon, J. ed. The New Statistical Account of Scotland / by the ministers of the respective parishes, under the superintendence of a committee of the Society for the Benefit of the Sons and Daughters of the Clergy. Whitburn, Linlithgow, Vol. 2, Edinburgh, p. 81". Blackwoods and Sons, 1845. Retrieved 4 February 2018.
  9. ^ "Environment: Bing 3 (the burning bing)". Heartlands. Ecosse Regeneration Limited. Retrieved 9 March 2011.
  10. ^ "Ordnance Survey 1937–1961". National Library of Scotland. Retrieved 4 February 2018.
  11. ^ http://www.westlothianleisure.com/UserFiles/File/Whitburn_Plans_Jan_2012.pdf [dead link]
  12. ^ "Whitburn Band". Retrieved 25 November 2017.
  13. ^ "World Rankings – All Bands". 4barsrest. 14 November 2017. Retrieved 25 November 2017.
  14. ^ "Cycle path now complete between Armadale and Whitburn". The Edinburgh Reporter. 20 July 2021. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
  15. ^ "X-Factor Leon has singing in his genes". The Scotsman. Edinburgh. 15 October 2007. Retrieved 15 December 2007.
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