Historical Perspectives of the town

In the 13th century, Walter the High Steward of Scotland lived in his castle surrounded by the Bathgate bog.   His peasant body of supporters lived less grandly, if not in hovels in the marshes, at least on its fringes.   The castle has long gone, only a few of its stones remain as hazard to the modern golfer.  In contrast the hamlet has gone from strength to strength to become a vibrant bustling town.   It has seen many changes in its time, but has taken them all in its stride.   From a weaving and market town it has progressed through its heavy industrial phase of coal and steel making to the quieter waters of the electronic and information age.   Industries have come and gone, but with each new change the townspeople have reacted with resilience to the challenge.   This resilience of character has ensured a continued progress in the town's fortunes.

With the passage of time, the town centre has moved from it early beginnings in the Kirk Road area to the old High Street anent the High Kirk to its current position - the Steelyard.   Or is it there?   Perhaps soon, its next location will be the hinner end of  South Bridge St. at present (2010) undergoing development on the Lindsay House site?   Older members will remember the row of derelict cottages that graced the street throughout WW2.   But many more landmarks of the industrial era have disappeared as may be seen from the picture.
The chimney stacks and bings  - these are a few of our vanishing things!