Work on historic wall begins

Works have started on the £200,000 restoration of a listed wall built in West Lothian during the 1800s.

The project recently got under way on the historic C listed wall within scenic Almondell and Calderwood Country Park.

The stone and lime mortar wall, which borders the original walled garden of the old Almondell Estate, was in danger of being lost due to its deteriorating condition.

The £200k restoration work project is being funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (previously Heritage Lottery Scotland) and West Lothian

Council with support from Sustrans Artroots Project and Scotmid.

West Lothian Council’s Parks and Woodland and Construction Services teams are working in partnership with volunteers from the Friends of Almondell and Calderwood on the project, which will involve stabilising and restoring the wall using traditional materials and techniques. Executive councillor for the environment, Tom Conn, said: “It’s fantastic to see work underway to ensure the historic wall next to the visitor centre in Almondell and Calderwood Country Park is preserved for future generations.

“Thanks to the Heritage Fund, Sustrans Artroots Project, Scotmid and Friends of Almondell and Calderwood for making this happen, along with dedicated officers from several council teams.

“It provides a valuable link to Almondell and Calderwood’s grand past, including the Earls of Buchan and Lord Advocate Henry Erskine who once called the estate their home before it became a country park.

“Once completed, a fascinating heritage trail will tell the story of Almondell and Calderwood’s history.”