West Lothian Council

30/10/2026

West Lothian Promise Celebration Event Highlights Importance of Young People's Voices

Children, young people and families came together at Reconnect, Howden Park Centre on Thursday 15 October 2026, for the second West Lothian Promise Celebration Event, a free community event celebrating care experienced children, young people and their families. Focusing on the 5 foundations of the Promise, the theme of the event was Voice – showcasing how young people can share their views and have their voices heard on the matters important to them.

Co-produced with care experienced children and young people and supported by West Lothian Council, as well as other multi-agency partners, including Education, Health, Police and third sector partners. The event provided an opportunity for attendees to connect, celebrate and enjoy a range of activities in a welcoming community setting.
Open to children, young people and their families, the event featured interactive activities, information stalls and opportunities to learn more about The Promise, Scotland's commitment to ensuring that all care experienced children and young people grow up loved, safe and respected.

The celebration shone a spotlight on the importance of listening to children and young people and ensuring their views help shape the decisions that affect their lives. Attendees had the opportunity to meet local services and organisations, find out more about the support available across West Lothian, and take part in activities designed to encourage participation and engagement.

Feedback highlighted key themes in relation to young people’s voice and participation, with many attendees valuing seeing children and young people leading, contributing and taking centre stage. One young person involved in planning the event told us they thought “it was a great event, and it had a lot of good information for people” and for them personally, they felt it helped them "have more confidence”

West Lothian Council’s head of Social Policy and Chief Social Work Officer Robin Allen opened the event.

He said: “I’d like to thank all young people who were involved in putting together such a great event and all partners for their support. By creating opportunities for young people to be heard and involved in decisions that affect them, the event helped reinforce West Lothian's ongoing commitment to delivering The Promise and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.”

30/10/2026

Trading Standards have been carrying out test purchasing of fireworks using underage volunteers at licensed businesses in West Lothian and found a 25% failure rate.

Businesses are reminded that it is a criminal offence to sell adult fireworks to persons under 18. They can obtain further advice on their legal obligations to ensure compliance online - see the link in the comments below

Be aware of age restrictions for fireworks. The following are illegal and can result in a criminal conviction:

• The supply of adult fireworks [almost all types of firework] to persons under 18 – including selling to, buying for, and otherwise giving to;
• The supply of category F1 [indoor use low-hazard low-noise - party poppers etc] fireworks to persons under 16 - An exception is made for Christmas crackers, which must not be supplied to any person under 12;
• For anyone under 18 to possess adult fireworks in a public place;

If in doubt, you can find the relevant age limit marked on the firework package.

To report businesses supplying fireworks to under 18s in West Lothian, contact Trading Standards on 01506 280 000 or [email protected]. You can also use our online form to report anonymously: see link in comments below

30/10/2026

While many enjoy Bonfire Night, fireworks can be harmful if used incorrectly. To help keep everyone safe firework restrictions are in place. Remember, it’s illegal to provide a firework to someone under the age of 18, with the exception of F1 fireworks like sparklers.

🚓Illegal or any other suspicious activity can be reported to Police Scotland by calling 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
🎇The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend an organised fireworks event which is carefully planned and risk assessed. The SFRS website has details of official events taking place across the country (see link in comment section for info).

🐕🐈 Fireworks can cause great distress for animals. If you are worried about the welfare of your pet then the Scottish SPCA published guidance on their website ( We've added a link to this in the comment section below).

👉🏻To report unlicensed sellers in West Lothian, contact Trading Standards on 01506 280 000 or [email protected]. You can also use our online form to report anonymously: To report unlicensed sellers in West Lothian, contact Trading Standards on 01506 280 000 or [email protected]. You can also use our online form to report anonymously – see link below

30/10/2026

Information sought following two major fly-tipping incidents in West Lothian

West Lothian Council is appealing for information after a substantial amount of commercial waste was illegally dumped overnight on the U22 road near Midseat Farm, off the B792 between Blackburn and Stoneyburn and at Heights Road, Blackridge.
The waste included a mixture of kitchen units, old carpet and garden waste.
The fly-tipping at Midseat Farm was discovered on Friday 30 October and was so extensive that the road had to be closed.
West Lothian Council crews have since cleared both sites, but local taxpayers are once again left to cover the cost of removing rubbish dumped by irresponsible offenders.
This type of behaviour is selfish, thoughtless and illegal. Our Enforcement Officers will investigate these incidents and will do everything possible to identify those responsible. Anyone caught fly-tipping could face fines of up to £40,000 or prosecution.
West Lothian Council is encouraging householders to ensure anyone who removes waste from their home or garden to make sure they are SEPA registered., it is your responsibility to ensure they are licensed to do so.
Always:
✅ Ask for their Waste Carrier Registration Number
✅ Check it on SEPA's Waste Carriers Register (link in comments)
✅ Request a receipt detailing what has been taken and where it will be disposed of

Householders and businesses have responsibility to make sure their waste is disposed of correctly.

If you have any information about either incident, please report it via the link in the comments or call 01506 280000.
Together, we can help tackle fly-tipping, protect our environment and hold offenders to account.

30/10/2026

A West Lothian school has been helping its pupils understand the importance of Fairtrade.
As part of the recent Fairtrade Fortnight, children from Nursery through to Primary 7 at Livingston’s Williamston Primary School have been taking part in a range of activities to help them explore how Fairtrade is fairer on people, the planet and about how important fair pay is.
This year’s theme was 'Do It Fair' and the school’s Global Citizen Pupil Leadership Group, with the help of their teachers Mrs Kerr and Miss McMillan, planned and prepared an assembly for the whole school.
The assembly was focused on raising awareness about sustainable and fair choices and how this can impact the lives of farmers around the world positively. The Global Citizens also organised a competition asking pupils to design a new Fairtrade toy taking into consideration the Fairtrade products, the price, packaging and making sure it included the Fairtrade logo.
Children in classes across the school took part in a range of activities in their classes such as designing hearts with supportive messages for farmers, Fairtrade art challenges and using the theme of Fairtrade to inspire their writing.
Classes have also worked together with Williamston’s partner school, The Universal School in Mumbai, India, to explore Fairtrade topics together and share our learning and experiences and children have loved this experience.

30/10/2026

**UPDATE - the road has now re-opened** The U22 Road is currently closed between Mid Seat Farm and the junction with the B792 south of Blackburn and north of the Stoneyburn Junction. We will provide an update when the road re-opens.

30/10/2026

PRACTICE DEPLOYMENT OF QUEENSFERRY CROSSING AUTOMATED BARRIERS

• Diversion over Forth Road Bridge early morning of 1 November 2026
Traffic on the M90 will be diverted over the Forth Road Bridge between 00:01 and 08:00 on the morning of Sunday 1 November, during a practice deployment of the automated barrier system that is used to divert motorway traffic if the Queensferry Crossing needs to close.

This practice drill will ensure the system is fully operational and ready for any future deployments.

Traffic on both sides of the bridge will be stopped while the barriers are moved into position at 00:01, and again when the Queensferry Crossing is reopened at the end of the trial deployment. Journey times may be a few minutes longer than usual while traffic is running over the Forth Road Bridge.

The overnight diversion will also be used to complete additional works on the Queensferry Crossing, minimising the need for future closures:

• Replacement of overhead gantry sign fixing brackets at central and south towers

• Inspections of the bridge, including wind louvres, parapets, carriageway surfacing and overhead gantries

• Removal of old architectural lighting from north and central towers

• Maintenance of low-level bollard lighting.

David Bishop, BEAR Scotland’s South East Unit Bridges Manager, said: “The automated barrier system on the M90 significantly reduces the time it takes to open a diversion via the Forth Road Bridge, should the Queensferry Crossing need to close for any reason.

“This practice deployment will allow us to test the system and identify and address any issues so that it is ready to be used if required this winter.

“It is important that road users comply with red X signs above the carriageway when these appear, as the diversion route cannot be opened until traffic on the motorway has stopped.

“If there are red X signs above all lanes, you must come to a stop.”

Road users using the Queensferry Crossing or Forth Road Bridge during these works are encouraged to plan ahead by checking the Traffic Scotland website www.traffic.gov.scot for up-to-date travel information and allowing extra time for their journey.

Traffic Scotland gives you the real-time information you need about Scotland’s trunk road network

29/10/2026

RESURFACING THE M8 WESTBOUND AT UPHALL

• Overnight carriageway closures Monday 2 to Friday 6 November 2026

The M8 westbound carriageway between Junctions 2 and 3 will be closed for resurfacing works between 20:30 and 06:00 on five nights from Monday 2 November to Friday 6 November.

The project will be carried out by Transport Scotland’s operating company, BEAR Scotland, and will involve renewing 863 metres of road surface.
A signed diversion route will be in place from M8 Junction 2 via the M9 to Newbridge Roundabout, then the A89 to Dechmont roundabout and the A899 to Livingston East Roundabout, where the M8 westbound can be re-joined. This diversion will add approximately 9 minutes and 1.6 miles to journeys.

Tommy Deans, BEAR Scotland’s South-East Network Manager, said "Carriageway closures are essential to ensure the safety of both road users and our workforce during resurfacing.

"We’ve planned the works to take place overnight to minimise disruption, however we understand this may still cause inconvenience for some road users. We thank the public in advance for their patience and understanding.

“If you need to use this route during the works, our advice is to plan ahead and allow extra time for the diversion.”

Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.

Consultation has been carried out with emergency services and relevant stakeholders to share information about the project in advance.
Real time journey information is available from Traffic Scotland at www.traffic.gov.scot, or on X at .

Traffic Scotland gives you the real-time information you need about Scotland’s trunk road network

29/10/2026

Are you the parent or carer of a young person aged 14 to 18 and starting to think about life after school?

Carers of West Lothian are holding a Transitions Information Event too find out about the support, opportunities and services available locally to help young people plan their next steps.

A range of local organisations will be on hand to chat informally with families, answer questions and provide information on education, employment, training, support services and more. It's a great opportunity to start gathering information and thinking about a plan for the future.

Booking is essential, with timeslots available at 6pm and 7pm.

To book your place, visit the Eventbrite link in the comment below