Celebrations planned to mark Livingston turning 60

West Lothian Council have a slew of celebrations planned for Livingston’s diamond anniversary – including a documentary on the new town.

Livingston will turn 60 in April, being open since 1962 – one of five‘new’towns built under the New Towns Act of 1946 to ease overcrowding in Glasgow.

West Lothian Council recently made an official bid for Livingston to be awarded city status as part of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and the are now developing a programme of events throughout the year.

A major part of the celebration is the Livingston at 60 Heritage Project which will involve the local community in a celebration of the new town’s heritage and will include a 60th tea party at Almond Valley Heritage Centre.

The Heritage Project will include an exhibition, tours, and reminiscence – all from the Wee Museum of Memory at The Centre.

The exhibition will give locals the chance to share and record memories for the documentary which will be shown at the Howden Park Centre.

The project is funded by Museum Galleries Scotland, coordinated by the West Lothian Council’s Museum Service, and is being run in partnership with Almond Valley Heritage Trust and the Living Memory Association.

Emma Peattie from the West Lothian Museum Service, said: “The documentary is part of the wider heritage project and a great opportunity for locals to tell their story. The filmmaker,

Thomas Sheridan, hopes to interview people in locations around town that matter to them.

“Rather than a traditional documentary, we’re aiming to tell as many different stories as possible – the idea being it will represent the shared experience of people living in Livingston.

“This may very well be the last anniversary of Livingston where the first generation of residents will be able to tell their stories.

“Their stories are incredibly important to Livingston as it’s more than just a town. It’s a community that has forged itself over the last 60 years.”

Schools will also be asked to create their videos celebrating 60 years of life in Livingston.

Other events include a concert for invited guests from across the community and a week of celebrating local business, promoting enterprise and achievements in the last 60 years.

A multi-sports festival will bring together schools and community clubs to celebrate through sport.

Guided Community Walks will also take place to showcase the town. Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick, said:“Livingston is a wonderful place to live, work and do business and this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this important milestone within the local community.

“The programme is being developed to include a wide range of activities to involve as many local groups as possible.

“We are conscious of Covid-19 measures, but officers will progress with a programme of events that will take place throughout the year.”