Tag: West Lothian

Green light for Middlerigg battery storage facility in West Lothian

A planning application for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) by Galileo Empower in West Lothian has been granted unanimously by the Council’s Development Management Committee.

The project is the renewable energy company’s first consent in Scotland.

The site for the proposed battery storage facility, with a capacity of 49.9MW, is located at Middlerigg Farm.

Situated between Bathgate and Armadale, it is located on land adjacent to the A801, northwest of Bathgate Substation.

BESS is an advanced technology which supports the transition away from polluting fossil fuels to clean, green, renewable electricity, the generation of which is intermittent in nature.

This facility will store surplus electricity in rechargeable batteries when demand is low and release it back into the electricity grid when demand is high, helping to balance the network and maximise the use of renewable energy in addressing climate change and the drive toward net zero..

By delivering greater energy security and reducing reliance on volatile, imported fossil fuels, this will further benefit consumers by facilitating the supply of homegrown, more affordable, and low-carbon electricity.

Galileo Empower is committed to ensuring that local people benefit from the positive economic and social value that this project can bring. It is envisioned that a community benefit fund will focus on two key priorities: health/physical activity, as well as training/education.

The company is also committed to ensuring that, wherever reasonably possible, local suppliers and contractors are used in all aspects of the construction and operation of the battery storage facility.

Laura Petrie, project manager, said: “We are delighted to have received unanimous consent for a battery storage facility at Middlerigg, our first consent in Scotland, which followed extensive engagement with local communities

“Infrastructure such as this has a vital part to play as we move away from polluting fossil fuels to clean, green, renewable energy, playing a critical role in tackling climate change and supporting Scotland to achieve its net-zero target.

“We are confident that this project will bring considerable economic and environmental benefits to West Lothian. 

“In addition to a community benefit fund, the development will also deliver considerable investment, creating jobs and boosting the skills of our current and future workforce.

“We look forward to continuing to engage with the Council and local communities as we progress the consented project.”

Three arrested and charged following seizure of drugs worth £1 Million

Three men arrested in connection with the seizure of Class A drugs in West Lothian have been charged in connection with serious and organised crime and drugs offences.

They are due to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court on Monday, 10 February, 2025.

It follows an operation on Thursday (6 February 2025) where officers seized drugs worth an estimated ONE MILLION pounds.

Warrants were executed across West Lothian resulting in four people being arrested in connection with organised crime and drugs offences. 

The activity was a part of an ongoing investigation, Operation Silhouette and is led by the Serious and Organised Crime Unit to target and dismantle serious organised crime groups.

Locations visited included Fauldhouse, West Calder, Polbeth and Livingston.

Officers recovered 21.5kg of Cocaine, worth an estimated street value of £1,000,000, and seized around £80,000.

A woman aged 54 and three men aged 29, 35 and 54 were arrested. The woman was released pending further enquiries.

Detective Superintendent Steven Elliott said: “This is a significant seizure and continues to highlight our ongoing efforts to disrupt drug supply and protect those in our communities affected by illegal drugs. 

“We work every day to protect the public to prevent drugs being circulated on our streets. This is vitally important in addressing the concerns of local people.

“Our operation underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

“Information and support from the public is vital to our work and I would encourage anyone with concerns about drug activity in their area to contact us via 101.”

Warning over the sale of motorbikes online following thefts in West Lothian

POLICE officers are issuing a warning over the sale of motorbikes online following a number of thefts in the West Lothian area.

Recently we have received reports of motorbikes for sale on social media selling pages being taken for test drives and not returned.

Constable Grant Hillhouse, Livingston Police Station, said: “There has been an increase recently in the number of thefts reported of motorbikes being sold online.

“Typically this involves the potential buyer asking to take the bike for a test drive and not returning or paying for it.

“I’d urge anyone looking to sell online to ensure every precaution is taken to ensure the security of their property.”

You can find more advice on staying safe online and online shopping on our website: 

https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/scams-and-frauds/cyber-related-financial-crime/

Business Gateway announces plans for second ‘Connections & Conversations’ event for start-ups

Business Gateway West Lothian has announced plans for its second ‘connections and conversations’ free ‘start up’ event on Thursday, 5th September at Whitburn Partnership Centre, from 5-7pm, to highlight the support available to help people in the local community get their business idea off the ground.

The ‘Simplifying the Business Start Up Process’ event, which follows on from the success of the first one in February this year, will include presentations from a team of Business Gateway West Lothian advisers, covering everything from planning and financial advice to marketing and HR support.

Various local businesses who have received valuable support in their start up journey will also be attending to share their personal stories in a panel discussion followed by a Q&A, including Paul Stark who founded Livingston-based Sustainable Sport in March.

The company provides expert consultancy support to help organisations within the sports industry achieve their long-term goals whilst minimising their environmental impact.

The support he received included guidance on the different types of legal structures for his businesses, allowing him to select the most appropriate option and also advice on how to source start up funding to assist with initial capital expenditure costs, allowing him to get off to a great start, efficiently and professionally. 

Paul said: “Business Gateway was instrumental in helping me set up my business. From supplying information and templates, to providing access to funding, they were with me every step of the way. 

“I’m delighted to say that due to the solid foundations that were put in place with the support of the Business Gateway team, Sustainable Sport is now going from strength to strength.”

Claire McGurk, founder of Canine Bodywork Clinic, which provides canine hydrotherapy and clinical massage services will also be talking about the support she has received for her Livingston-based business, which launched in January this year.

This includes help completing a business plan, with detailed financial projections, assistance with funding applications, advice when deciding on the structure of the company, and guidance and signposting on planning consents. 

The support enabled Claire to secure the appropriate funding to support the start up of the business, establish a clear and realistic set of financial projections, and create a strategy to help the business achieve its first three year’s objectives.

Claire said: “Without the expert help and advice from Business Gateway, the business plan for the clinic would not be as robust as it is. The financial projections for my first three years were a huge help for me to set my longer-term goals.  

Help and support through achieving funding for the business was also a huge boost on getting the business off the ground. The support has been incredible, and I am genuinely so grateful.” 

Former teacher, Susan Grieve and pupil support worker Ben Fazakerley, who founded Positive Outcomes LP this month, will also be sharing the story of their start up journey, which began in March this year.

The company, which specialises in offering afterschool care, holiday day care, respite, tutoring, and support for home-schooling to families with children with ASN, is based in Mid Calder Institute Hall Monday to Thursday and on Friday’s at The Polbeth Hub.

Susan said: “We have had an excellent experience with Business Gateway West Lothian. 

“Our advisor Jordan McDonald gave us the confidence and encouragement to push forward with our business. We were given expert advice and support throughout our whole journey. 

“Jordan helped us to start creating our business plan and was fundamental in getting us some funding which helped us greatly with start up costs. 

“We have received a first-class service and are still receiving support from Jordan, even after our business has successfully started up.”

There will also be opportunities for all attendees to network at the event.

Linzi Winton, Team Leader at Business Gateway West Lothian, said: “We are really looking forward to another ‘Simplifying the Business Start Up Process’ event on the 5th September, aimed at anyone who is thinking about starting a business or at the early stages and could benefit from a helping hand.

“It will be a great opportunity for attendees to hear from our guest speakers who will be sharing their start up journeys and the support they’ve received from our advisers, who will also be at the event to highlight the fantastic free resources available at Business Gateway West Lothian to help get your new venture off to a great start.”

New Memorial Garden set to commemorate West Lothian communities Pandemic Experience

Planning permission has now been approved for the creation of a memorial garden, co-designed with West Lothian community members, that will be unveiled in September as the project reaches its final stages.

Remembering Together is a national project that seeks to give each of Scotland’s 32 local authorities the chance to reflect their unique experience of the Covid-19 pandemic with the help of commissioned artists and creative organisations. 

For West Lothian, West Lothian Council and Greenspace Scotland, with funding from the Scottish Government, have joined in collaboration with local arts organisation Bespoke Atelier to create a living memorial for those that were lost to the virus, and a space for community members to gather and reflect on their pandemic experience. 

Ring-fenced funding for the project has been provided by the Scottish Government and Greenspace Scotland.

The garden at Almondvale Park in Livingston town centre has been co-designed with West Lothian community members and is expected to open in Autumn 2024. 

Lead artists from Bespoke Atelier, Marion Parola and Yvonne Elliot-Kelllighan, worked extensively with local groups and communities to generate ideas to inform the development of Covid Community Memorials. 

Open and accessible public consultations were held around West Lothian, including creative workshops in printmaking, paper collage and textile design, as well as themed walks that involved participants sketching their surroundings. 

This aimed to help local residents communicate through creativity, and create a safe space where they could reflect on a particularly difficult time through art.

These in person consultations were then further supplemented with digital surveys made available online to all residents, seeking to discover more about people’s memories of the pandemic – asking questions such as what the pandemic had helped them appreciate more in hindsight.

The final design has been made possible from collaboration with Mike Hyatt of Landscape Architects at Ratho Byres Forge, as well as artist and stone work specialist David Wilson. 

The space aims to reflect that residents felt a renewed sense of appreciation for outdoor spaces and community togetherness following the pandemic, and includes a striking feature piece ‘The Ribbon’ with artistic renderings of plants and flowers that symbolise those from the region who passed away as a result of the virus.

Opportunity to comment on proposals for £10m. countryside leisure park

The public are to be given the chance to view and comment on exciting proposals for a new £10 million countryside leisure park at the former Couston Quarry site in West Lothian. 

Being undertaken by SRD Rural Ltd, Couston Country and Water Park includes plans for water-based activities, adventure playgrounds, restaurant and café facilities, and an outdoor event space for historical enactments and nature displays.   

Luxury short stay eco-lodges and houseboats, in addition to those already on site, are also part of the plans to revitalise the location. 

The public consultation event will be held in the Bridgehouse Village Hall on Tuesday 24 October between 4.00pm and 7:30pm  

Couston Country and Water Park will create an attractive and compelling destination within the Central Belt for locals and visitors from across the country.  

With an absence of similar attractions in the area, the development will also bring a significant boost to tourism in West Lothian, and it is anticipated that the £10 million investment will create around 65 jobs onsite (based on a conservative estimate), with an additional number created offsite. 

SRD Ltd is committed to being a responsible developer and to engaging with the local community at every stage of the development.  

Those with questions, comments, or feedback on the proposals are warmly invited to attend the consultation event, which will be attended by representatives from the project who will be happy to provide answers. There will also be the opportunity to leave feedback.  

All material from the event, including the consultation boards, will be available at www.coustonpark.co.uk 

A spokesperson for SRD Rural said: “We are very excited to bring forward our exciting proposals for Couston Country and Water Park, which amounts to a £10 million investment in West Lothian, creating around 65 onsite jobs and with a countless number created offsite. 

“Couston Country and Water Park will be a highly attractive destination for families and others looking to enjoy the great outdoors and enjoy Scotland’s history in an exciting and creative way.  

“Even though our proposals are at a very early stage, early and sustained engagement and consultation is very important to us at SRD Rural, and public consultation events such as this are a key part of this commitment.”  

Illegal tobacco factory smashed

One of Scotland’s biggest ever illegal tobacco factories has been dismantled after a raid in West Lothian. 

The state-of-the-art factory, capable of evading millions of pounds of duty per year, was uncovered in an operation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and Police Scotland. 

The sophisticated set up included expensive machinery and insulation to hide noise and smells. 

Four tonnes of tobacco was recovered, worth an estimated £1 million in unpaid duty. Suspected counterfeit tobacco pouches were also found and seized. 

Joe Hendry, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “This was one of the largest and most sophisticated tobacco factories we have ever uncovered in Scotland.

“We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to target anyone we suspect as being involved in the illicit tobacco trade. 

“The illicit tobacco trade steals money from our vital public services, undercuts legitimate businesses and can fund other crimes that harm our communities.

“We encourage anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco or alcohol to report it to HMRC online.”  

Detective Sergeant John Irvine, Police Scotland, said: “We will continue to work closely with our partners to disrupt, detect and deter anyone involved in the illicit trade of illegal or counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco.

“We know that due to perceived higher profit margins, criminals can turn to the illicit trade in tobacco, which in turn can lead to other forms of criminality.   

“If you have any information or concerns about illegal or counterfeit cigarettes or tobacco within the local community, please get in touch with HMRC or Police Scotland. Alternatively calls can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.”

Five people have been arrested and charged. Investigations are ongoing.

Scottish Ambulance Service: Extra staff and resources for West Lothian

The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) is boosting its ambulance provision in West Lothian as part of its Demand and Capacity Programme.

The Demand and Capacity Programme is aimed at ensuring SAS is working as efficiently as possible and has resources in place to meet both current and projected future demand.

As part of the review, across Scotland an additional 540 frontline A&E staff have been recruited this financial year – the highest number of staff ever to have joined the Service in a single year.

The programme has been supported by £20m investment from the Scottish Government so far.

In West Lothian, Bo’Ness will receive an extra resource and the station will also gain an extra five staff this year.

Bathgate will increase its resources, moving from one vehicle to two 24/7 vehicles.

In total, across the East Region, there is an overall increase of 1940 Double Crew Ambulance hours.

Clair Wright, Area Service Manager for West Lothian, said: “This is welcome news for the West Lothian region and surrounding areas. We are committed to increasing our ambulance provision in and the past 12 months have been the busiest in terms of recruitment for the Scottish Ambulance Service.

“With the increased demand for our services, it’s vital we introduce extra resources and staffing. This will ensure we continue to deliver the very best patient care by boosting capacity and increasing our resilience in communities across Scotland.”

This increase in staffing and resources, coupled with alignment of shift patterns to patient demand profiles, aims to improve patient safety and staff welfare.

This year, additional ambulances have gone live in Edinburgh and Lothian, Greater Glasgow, Tayside, Grampian and Clyde.

SAS has also established seven new satellite stations, of which six are co-located with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Breakdown of national staffing

The new staff include 414 Technicians, 25 Paramedics, 58 Newly Qualified Paramedics, 23 Advanced Practitioners and 20 Ambulance Care Assistants. 192 staff have been recruited into the East, 111 for the North and 237 for the West.

NHS Lothian launches drop-in COVID vaccines for people aged 40 and over

Vaccine drop-in centres for the over 40s will be launched across NHS Lothian as part of the battle against COVID-19.

Clinics will be rolled-out in mass vaccination sites, from today (Wednesday 9 June), for people aged 40 and over, who require a first or second dose of the Astra Zeneca vaccine.

Anyone over the age of 40, who have not yet had their first dose – for whatever reason – can attend the clinic without an appointment, while those who are waiting for their second dose can turn up as long as they received their first injection of the Astra Zenaca vaccine at least eight weeks before.

The clinics will run at Lowland Hall (Ingliston) and West Lothian’s Pyramids Vaccination centres from tomorrow (Wednesday) through to Sunday 13 June. Starting from June 14, they will run at every centre except Lowland Hall.

People will be seen on a first come first served basis, and the centres will run for 10 hours every day.

NHS Lothian has joined up with the British Armed Forces as part of this key stage to accelerate the programme and provide increased protection for more people as quickly as possible.

A total of 36 Army personnel have been deployed into Lothian to help deliver vaccines across all of the centres.

That extra capacity – which equates to more than 3,500, appointments each day – will allow the vaccination team to target people who have not yet had the vaccine and may also speed up the process for those waiting for a second injection.

Pat Wynne, Nurse Director of Primary and Community Care, NHS Lothian, said the clinics, which will run for two weeks, were an important step. He said: “This is a really exciting step for us because it means we can reach a lot of people really quickly to help give them some protection, which is obviously vital to help beat new variants and keep people well.

“We are delighted to team up with the British Armed Forces again. Our teams have previously worked with them in two of our vaccination centres and we invited them to return to provide extra capacity across our centres as part of this race. They will join our teams at the routine appointment clinics and in the drop-in clinics.”

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “This is an excellent idea and people in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s, who are aged 40 and over waiting on their first or second dose, will welcome this move.

“NHS Lothian have used their initiative to launch vaccine drop in centres and they will be an important part of the strategy to speed up the vaccination process.”