Tag: Livingston

Twilight weddings on the rise as couples rethink tradition

Couples are increasingly swapping traditional all-day weddings for shorter evening events, with venues reporting a rise in twilight ceremonies and reception-only celebrations as couples rethink guest lists, budgets and wedding traditions.

Wedding specialists at Deer Park Golf & Country Club in Livingston say the shift reflects changing priorities among couples planning their big day, with many choosing to structure their wedding day around moments that feel more personal, while managing rising costs.

A twilight wedding typically features a late afternoon or early evening ceremony, usually between 4pm and 6pm, followed immediately by an evening reception. The format omits the traditional sit-down wedding meal in favour of more time spent with guests on the dancefloor. Many couples are also drawn to twilight celebrations for the atmospheric and romantic photoshoots at dusk. 

This trend is something Deer Park’s events team say they are seeing first-hand, with more couples opting for later ceremonies and reception-led celebrations. This shift towards more flexible formats is reflected in wider industry data, with the Bridebook 2026 UK Wedding Report showing couples are inviting 11% fewer guests than in 2024, while one in eight did not have their legal ceremony on the day, instead choosing to separate the legal process from the celebration itself. 

Couples are also becoming more flexible around when they get married. The same report found that just 47% of weddings now take place on a Saturday, the lowest ever on record, while younger couples in particular are picking midweek weddings as a way to manage costs. One in three Gen Z couples now choose to marry between Monday and Thursday instead.

Natasha McAllister is General Manager at Deer Park Golf & Country Club, said: “We’re seeing more couples move away from the idea that their celebration has to follow a set formula.

“Twilight ceremonies allow them to concentrate on the atmosphere and the time spent celebrating with their guests, and starting later in the day often makes planning feel more relaxed and manageable while still creating a really special occasion.”

The trend also reflects couples placing greater emphasis on celebrations that feel authentic to them rather than following long-standing expectations. Some couples are choosing smaller guest lists, while others are holding their legal ceremony separately, preferring to host guests only for the reception portion of their nuptials.

The venue’s events team say enquiries for later ceremonies and reception-only events have grown steadily, with many couples planning their weddings on shorter timeframes than the traditional two-year lead-in.

They expect the trend to remain strong throughout 2026 as they continue to take bookings for the rest of the year and into 2027, with more couples looking for flexible and unique ways to celebrate whilst being mindful of the economic impact of their big day and placing less importance on traditional wedding formats.

Chiara Woodhead and Paul Leven recently held their wedding at Deer Park in a twilight format and praised it for offering the perfect balance between an intimate ceremony and a larger celebration.

Newlywed Chiara (top) said:“We decided to have a twilight wedding as we wanted to keep the ceremony intimate but also celebrate with our family and friends, so this was great and kept the costs down too.

“Despite it not being the traditional wedding, we didn’t miss out on anything such as food, speeches and first dance, and we had so many compliments from our guests as it wasn’t an extremely long day and everyone just had fun with no stress or waiting around.”

Deer Park Golf & Country Club is West Lothian’s premier golf and leisure destination with four function suites that can cater any celebration from 20 to 200 guests.

The venue offers tailored wedding packages, in-house catering, and an experienced team to guide couples throughout their planning process. For more information visit deerpark.co.uk

Planning application paves the way for 67 new homes

Award-winning five-star housebuilder Cruden has submitted a planning application for a new residential development at Kirkton North, Livingston.

The site is currently allocated for residential development in the West Lothian local development plan and will deliver much-needed multi tenure family homes for West Lothian.

Located to the west of Livingston and just three miles from the town centre, the proposed development will provide 67 high-quality homes, including detached, semi-detached, terraced homes and cottage flats, offering accommodation from two- to five-bedroom homes.

In line with local policy, 25% of the homes will be delivered as affordable housing, supporting a balanced and inclusive community to meet a wide range of local housing needs.

Designed by EMA Architects to integrate sensitively with its surroundings, the scheme places a strong emphasis on design quality, placemaking and landscape.

The 8 acre site features retained woodland and a new neighbourhood play area, alongside enhanced pedestrian connections linking the site to nearby bus stops, paths and local amenities.

The new development also boasts excellent transport links and access to good schools and a wide range of facilities, including parks, supermarkets, a medical centre and a pharmacy.

The plans have been shaped through extensive engagement with West Lothian Council and the local community, with feedback from pre-application consultation events directly influencing the final layout, housing mix and open space provision. The development will also deliver energy-efficient homes designed to meet modern building standards, helping to support more sustainable living.

Paul Doran, Development Director at Cruden, said: “From the outset, our approach has been to create a carefully designed development that respects and enhances its surroundings, strengthens the local sense of place, and thoughtfully integrates new homes with green spaces and the existing community.

“Our proposals provide much-needed, high-quality housing for Livingston, building on our recent track record of delivering homes across a range of tenures in West Lothian. Beyond housing, the development will contribute to the vibrancy of the area, promote sustainable living, and generate long-term social and economic benefits for the wider community.”

Pending detailed planning consent, Cruden expects to start work on site in 2026.

Appeal following the destruction of drawings worth around £500,000

POLICE are appealing for information following the destruction of drawings worth around £500,000 in Deans, Livingston.

A silver Ford Transit (VRM SG16SUF) containing the drawings was stolen from Heron Square around 11.30pm on Wednesday, 19 November, 2025, while it was parked and locked.

The vehicle was traced in the Ratho area on Thursday, 20 November, 2025, where it was found to have been stripped of parts and set alight.

There were 1700 historical drawings from the Royal Engineers Museum within the vehicle when it was stolen and destroyed.

Enquiries so far have found a man wearing a face covering was seen entering the vehicle and driving Eastbound on the A89 towards Newbridge, Ratho shortly after 11.30pm on the Wednesday.

Constable Teri McEwan said: “We’re conducting extensive enquiries into this incident and officers are working their way through CCTV and visiting nearby properties.

“I am now asking anyone with information, or anyone who saw someone acting suspiciously in the area around the time, to get in touch with us.

“If you have private CCTV, doorbell or dash-cam footage, please also review this and bring anything which may assist the investigation to our attention.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference CR/0489211/25. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Read more – https://orlo.uk/5iZ6F

Deer Park unwraps a festive calendar of fun for December

Deer Park Golf & Country Club is set to bring a touch of Christmas magic to West Lothian this December, with a month-long programme of festive events for families, friends and colleagues to enjoy.

The Livingston-based premier golf and leisure destination will be transformed into a hub of yuletide celebration, hosting everything from Breakfast with Santa and Festive Party Nights to a sparkling New Year’s Eve celebration to see out 2025 in style.

A firm favourite for local families, Breakfast with Santa returns on Sunday 7 and 14 December. Children can tuck into a hearty breakfast before meeting Father Christmas himself, a moment that is sure to make the season extra special. Tickets cost £6.99 per adult and £10.99 per child. 

Throughout December, visitors can also enjoy festive lunches in the clubhouse or opt for the popular Festive Bowl & Dine package, two games of ten-pin bowling followed by a two-course meal for £36.95. It is the perfect way to celebrate with friends or colleagues in relaxed surroundings filled with good food and laughter.

Those looking to dance the night away can book one of Deer Park’s Festive Party Nights, complete with great food, music and entertainment all for £42.50 per person.

Several dates have already sold out with tickets remaining for 5, 6, 19 and 20 December. The celebrations culminate with Deer Park’s New Year’s Eve Party on 31 December, promising a night of dining, dancing and good cheer as guests welcome 2026.

Natasha McAllister, General Manager at Deer Park, said: “December is one of our favourite times of year at Deer Park.

“The atmosphere is always fantastic, the events team go above and beyond to make everything special, and it is wonderful to see our local community coming together to celebrate.

“Whether it is breakfast with Santa, an afternoon with friends or a night on the dance floor, it is all about enjoying those festive moments.”

Deer Park’s festive calendar reflects the club’s reputation as a hub for leisure and celebration in West Lothian, offering a warm welcome and great hospitality all year round.

Advance booking is recommended for all festive events. For more information or to book, visit www.deer-park.co.uk, contact events@deer-park.co.uk or call 01506 446 699.

Merrily We Roll Along

A PARTNERSHIP between a top performing arts institute and local theatre is bringing a piece of the West End to West Lothian.

This week, students from The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and Television will open the curtains on a new ten-year partnership between the performing arts college and Livingston’s Howden Park Centre. 

Performing the Stephen Sondheim classic “Merrily We Roll Along”, final year Musical Theatre students will bring the award-winning show to West Lothian audiences on the 16th and 17th of October.

Directed by world class theatre creatives Cressida Carré and Jon Beales, audiences will be taken on an evocative journey through the unravelling of friendship and ambition over 20 years.

Mark Langley, Principal of The Scottish Institute said: “Our partnership with Howden Park Centre marks an exciting new chapter for not only the school, but we’re also seeing the growth in culture across West Lothian.

“It’s a privilege to be able to provide our students with such a high-quality experience from the rehearsal room to the stage, with industry renowned directors and shows.”

As part of the partnership, The Scottish Institute has secured 100 days and nights of performance each year for the next decade at the centre, mutually benefitting the students and the local community.

With a 290 seat capacity, the theatre will provide students with the opportunity to bring their learning outside of the classroom, transitioning their work from basic rehearsals to performing on a real stage to a paying audience.

John Burlington, Production Manager at The Scottish Institute said: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Merrily We Roll Along to Howden Park Centre this week. The creative team, including our director fresh from the UK tour of Titanic the Musical, has been exceptional.

“Their expertise has provided our students with a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders, making this production a standout in both artistic quality and educational value.”

“Merrily We Roll Along” follows the story of Franklin Shepard, a successful but disillusioned composer, and his two estranged friends, as it moves backwards through key moments in their personal and professional lives.

The show concludes with an ironic twist, as the three friends, full of optimism and ambition at the start of their careers, face a seemingly bright future. Notably, this is the same production for which Daniel Radcliffe recently won a Tony Award.

The Scottish Institute is Scotland’s only fully CDMT accredited performing arts institution, also holding accreditations from Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), Council of Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDMT) and Imperial Society for the Teachers of Dance (ISTD).

To purchase tickets to Merrily We Roll Along visit: 

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/livingston/howden-park-centre/merrily-we-roll-along/e-rrvpog

The Scottish Institute unveils new campus with red carpet launch event

The evening marked the opening of The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and Television following renaming and opening of new campus

The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and Television (The SI; formerly the MGA Academy of Performing Arts) unveiled its brand new Livingston campus last night at a red-carpet launch event celebrating the renaming of the school and new facilities for its students.

The launch party, held at The SI’s new state of the art facilities in Livingston, Scotland, marks a pivotal rebrand for the school with a name change, a new campus and new management from Ireland’s Silver Rock Studios.

The university is also now expanding its reach to international students for the first time as well as continuing to boost local Scottish talent, positioning Scotland as the go-to destination for success in the creative industries.

All guests, staff, and students were treated to an evening of performances, art installations, and a special performance of Dougie MacLean’s famous Caledonia from the school’s current students.

Alumni from The MGA Academy of Performing Arts, now known as The Scottish Institute, have gone on to success in film and television including playing leading roles in BBC’s Gossip Girl and major West End shows such as The Book of Mormon, Wicked and Six!.

Under its new management from Ireland’s Silver Rock Studios, and with new President and CEO Andy Egan, future students will be guaranteed credits as part of their degree, as part of The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and Television’s plans to foster the stars of tomorrow.

MGA Academy to run first Open Day in new campus

  • Top performing arts school opens doors to future stars 
  • MGA Academy welcomes future talent to new home in West Lothian 

ONE OF SCOTLAND’S leading performing arts schools is opening its doors to the public, encouraging future stars to remain in Scotland to study.  

The MGA Academy of Performing Arts, Scotland’s only fully accredited performing art college, is holding its first open day at its new campus in West Lothian to showcase its state of the art facilities to those considering applying. 

The next generation of stars will be welcomed to the new multi-million-pound building in Livingston on 16th November, giving potential students a chance to learn more about the wide range of courses available.   

Marcella Macdonald, Principal of the Academy said: “We want to show people that MGA can provide a platform for aspiring performers to remain in Scotland while studying at a level equivalent to prestigious London colleges. 

“With the new campus now located almost exactly halfway between Edinburgh and Glasgow, we hope it will make studying here more accessible and convenient to more students.”

MGA recently made the transition to its West Lothian campus, allowing the school to triple its annual intake while increasing the number of courses it offers to 12 each year. 

Marcella added: “We would welcome anyone who is considering a career in acting, dance or musical theatre to come along to see what we do and how, with our fantastic teaching faculty and wonderful resources, we can develop their creativity and set them up to thrive in the industry.  

“Our experienced and knowledgeable teaching staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide tours of the campus where our current students will be performing and chatting to guests about their experiences.

“It’s a really great opportunity for those potential applicants to see all we can offer here at MGA” 

Those interested can register for the open day at https://bit.ly/MGAOpenDay  

The open day is a part of a series of outreach events the school plans to host at its new 30,000 sq ft campus, with an Industry teacher’s open evening, scheduled for October 11th with the aim of forging strong connections and lasting relationships with teachers across the country as part of the Academy’s commitment to nourishing Scottish talent here at home. 

Any Expressive Arts teachers wishing to learn more or express interest in the industry event should , contact: admissions@themgaacademy.com 

The MGA Academy is approved by the Scottish Qualifications Agency, the Imperial Society for the Teachers of Dance, and is Scotland’s only fully accredited college with the UK’s Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre. 

To read more about the talented students at the MGA academy of Performing Arts, please visit their website here: The MGA Academy of Performing Arts 

Performing arts academy opens the curtain on campus 

Brand new multi-million pound campus in Livingston opens its doors 

ONE of Scotland’s largest centres of performing arts is putting its best foot forward as it ushers in the new era of students with the opening of its brand new campus.  

The newly renovated 30,000 sq ft campus in Livingston marks a significant expansion for the MGA Academy of Performing Arts.  

This expansion will enable the academy to triple its student enrolment and broaden its educational offerings to include 11 BA degrees and two post-graduate Master’s degrees, while also providing accommodations for 18 state-of-the-art studios. 

The new campus, based in the former tax office in Almondvale, Livingston, received a multi-million pound investment and will feature one of Scotland’s largest sprung dance floor which spans 347 sq ft.  

Established in 2015 to address a demand for an innovative performing arts academy outside of London, MGA has produced a wealth of talented graduates who have appeared on stage and screen in major productions, including Disney’s Descendants, Wicked, Gossip Girl, Six! The Musical, Outlander and Frozen. 

Giles Auckland Lewis, Chief Executive of The MGA Academy, said: “It’s a very exciting time for the academy as we open the doors of our brand new campus. There has been a great buzz with new and returning students as they explore all the exceptional facilities.

“Being part of this chapter of the academy’s story has been incredibly rewarding, and as we’re now located almost exactly half way between Edinburgh and Glasgow it’s much more convenient for students and staff.  

“We’ve worked hard to ensure the new campus can offer our talented students the opportunity to advance their skills in singing, dance and acting and achieve their full potential within the industry.” 

Included in the new campus is seven rehearsal studios for acting and musical theatre, seven fully sprung dance studios, four singing rooms and a TV production suite. Other features include a student welfare and physiotherapy room, a learning resource centre and library, IT suites, study areas and a cafe and social areas, as well as 130 parking spaces. 

The MGA Academy’s Balgreen campus will continue to be an integral part of the academy’s facilities, serving as a central hub for junior age groups. 

Mr Auckland-Lewis added: “The new campus in Livingston is truly state of the art, we’re in a great position to continue to develop our reputation as a leading international competitor to the world’s most successful arts education institutions. 

“The platform we’re providing for aspiring performers allows them to remain in Scotland while studying at a level equivalent to other prestigious UK colleges. We also now have the ability to attract even more students and world class tutors from across the world.” 

The MGA Academy is approved by the Scottish Qualifications Agency, the Imperial Society for the Teachers of Dance, and is Scotland’s only fully accredited college with the UK’s Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre. 

Learn more about The MGA Academy and how to enrol for courses here: 

https://www.themgaacademy.com/ 

Scotland’s first free book recycling vending machine unveiled

‘READ. SWAP. REPEAT’ AT THE CENTRE, LIVINGSTON

Scotland’s first-ever free, book recycling vending machine is unveiled at The Centre, Livingston – ‘Read. Swap. Repeat.’ – to give shoppers the chance to swap their old books for a reused one, for free, to help keep them in circulation and prevent them from going to landfill.

The ‘swapping’ vending machine stocks 200 books for adults and children.

Shoppers simply hand in old books, which are in a good condition, to the Customer Service Desk, near New Look, and collect a token to use in the machine, which is full of pre-loved books from all genres, and simply choose another one for free! Books are regularly restocked to ensure shoppers find something different every time they visit.   

Shoppers have the chance to swap up to three books at a time and also donate books to help keep the stock up without swapping. Any books which can’t be used will be donated to charity.

Katie Gallacher, Marketing Manager at The Centre, Livingston said: “Our Read. Swap. Repeat. free book vending machine is a great way for book lovers to share their favourite reads and help the environment at the same time.

“We’re delighted to be the first in Scotland to launch it and are confident it will be a big hit with visitors to the shopping centre.”

George Gellatly from Balerno, who regularly visits The Centre, Livingston with his wife Sandra, said: “I think the book vending machine is a great idea!

“I’ve seen lots of vending machines like this but never one with recycled books in it!

“Being big readers, my wife and I will definitely be using it – it is such a great way to reuse books and may be even pick one up that we wouldn’t normally go for.”

The book vending machine is situated next to Gregg’s Café and the Post Office.

First-ever Elf Toddle Walk at The Centre, Livingston for children’s charity, CHAS

The Centre, Livingston is appealing for little ones to join them in its first-ever Elf Toddle Walk on Sunday, 6th November at 9am to take part in a one-mile walk around the mall and raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, CHAS, which provides the country’s only hospice services for children and young people with life-shortening conditions.

Little ones and their adults are being encouraged to dress up in their favourite festive attire and join a team of Santa’s elves on a one-mile lap of the shopping centre, which has easy access for buggies.

Go Radio Breakfast Show Presenter Crofty will be there on the day alongside Go Radio Dance’s Zoe Kelly playing all the big Christmas tunes and taking part in the countdown warm-up to help get the little ones off to a great start.

Along the way children will encounter some special Christmas surprises and treats and on completion will be awarded with a commemorative medal for taking part at the ‘Selfie Elfie’ zone.

Entry is £5 per child with admission fees at https://bit.ly/TheCentreEventbriteLink.  

Once registered, a personal walk number and elf hat can be collected from the Customer Service Desk at The Centre, Livingston between the 31st October and 5th November, with proof of ticket, to enable participants to take part on the day.

Parents can either pick up sponsor forms in advance at the Customer Service Desk, download them from the website, www.thecentrelivingston.com or bring their own. All sponsored donations will go to charity. Full details are on the website

 www.thecentrelivingston.com.

Hayley Smith, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “We are so incredibly grateful to The Centre, Livingston for choosing to support CHAS through their Elf Toddle Walk.

“The funds raised will not only help us to provide care for children but also to help families make wonderful memories together.”

Ashley Bisland, Deputy Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “We’re really excited to be partnering with the charity CHAS to host our first-ever Elf Toddle Walk around the mall to help raise money for such a great cause.

“It’s a brilliant way to show kids that you can have fun getting a little bit of exercise in whilst helping other people at the same time.”