New 'Shale Trail' route through West Lothian's industrial history

Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust are currently working towards building a historical and exciting off-road trail covering approximately 16 miles across West Lothian.

Once complete the 'Shale Trail' will educate visitors on Scotland's oil shale story, and create an engaging opportunity for local peiple to participate in their local shale heritage.

Last week (23rd October), Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust hosted the first public Shale Trail Forum Meeting at Almond Valley Heritage Centre in Livingston,  inviting people and organisations to come and find out about this new and exciting project and get involved.  The £300,000 project, funded by West Lothian LEADER and the Heritage Lottery Fund is a new 16 mile way marked trail across West Lothian linking sites, features and communities relating to the area’s rich oil shale heritage from West Calder in the south-west to Winchburgh in the north-east.

As well as creating and improving opportunities for informal recreational access, the Shale Trail will inspire and enable people of all ages and abilities to explore and learn about how the development of the shale industry in West Lothian has shaped the local landscape, economy, wildlife and culture.

 For updates and information on future events please take a look at the Shale Trail Facebook page.