Pumpherston

Pumpherston is a village located in West Lothian, Scotland. It lies approximately 3 miles west of the town of Livingston and 2 miles east of Uphall. Historically, Pumpherston was a mining community, with coal extraction forming a significant part of its development and economy. The village has since transitioned away from heavy industry, with a changing landscape and a more residential character.

The origins of the name "Pumpherston" are thought to be derived from a combination of personal names and descriptive elements, though its exact etymology is debated. Like many Scottish villages, Pumpherston has undergone periods of growth and change influenced by industrialization and subsequent economic shifts. The presence of the former Pumpherston Oil Works, which processed shale oil, also played a role in the area's past.

Today, Pumpherston serves as a residential area, with its population benefiting from proximity to larger towns and transport links. Amenities within the village are limited, but residents have access to services in nearby Livingston and Uphall. The village retains a sense of its past, with some older buildings and a landscape that reflects its industrial heritage, though much of the more recent development is modern housing. It is situated near the M8 motorway, providing good connectivity to Edinburgh and Glasgow.