Bathgate

Bathgate is a town and historic burgh in West Lothian, Scotland. It lies to the west of Edinburgh in the central belt and is part of the West Lothian council area. The town has an estimated population of around 20,000 residents. Bathgate developed from a rural settlement into an industrial centre during the 18th and 19th centuries, driven by coal mining and related industries. The arrival of railways in the 19th century strengthened its links with Edinburgh and Glasgow and supported sustained growth. Like many coal towns, mining declined in the mid- to late 20th century, and the local economy shifted toward light industry, services, and housing.

Today Bathgate is primarily residential but retains a historic High Street and a range of community facilities. The town lies close to the Bathgate Hills, a range of wooded hills to the south that offer outdoor recreation and natural scenery. Bathgate continues to serve as a local service centre for surrounding communities within West Lothian.

Transport connections are a notable feature of Bathgate. The town is served by Bathgate railway station on the Edinburgh–Bathgate line, providing rail links toward Edinburgh and other towns in the region. It is also connected by road to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and other parts of central Scotland, with regular bus services and access to major routes nearby.

Education in Bathgate includes local primary and secondary schools and public library services. Administratively, Bathgate falls under West Lothian Council, with local planning and services supporting the town’s mix of residential, commercial, and community needs.