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Livingston

Livingston sits in West Lothian, approximately 15 miles west of Edinburgh and 30 miles east of Glasgow. As Scotland’s fourth new town, designated in 1962, Livingston merged the small mining villages of Livingston Station and Livingston Village into what would become West Lothian’s largest town.

That said, the area’s history extends far beyond its new town status. Archaeological finds suggest settlement dating back to the Bronze Age, while the name Livingston derives from an influential 12th-century Flemish nobleman, De Leving, who settled here. The old Livingston Village still maintains some historical structures, including the 17th-century Livingston Old Kirk.

Livingston’s modern iteration emerged from the post-war need to accommodate an ever expanding population in the region, especially in Glasgow. Planners designed the town with distinct neighbourhoods separated by green spaces, with each area having its own schools, shops, and other facilities within walking distance.

Today’s Livingston differs from many other Scottish towns in its carefully planned layout. Unlike historically evolved settlements with defined high streets and central squares, Livingston spreads across several centres connected by an extensive path network and green corridors.

Since Livingston was formally established in 1962, it contains a thoroughly modern housing stock. The town is divided into distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own character. Older areas like Craigshill and Ladywell showcase 1960s and 1970s architectural styles, while newer developments in Murieston and Eliburn offer more contemporary family homes.

Detached and semi-detached houses make up much of the housing in the more recently developed southern areas, while terraced housing and low-rise flats are more common in the northern parts.

The most sought-after properties can be found in Murieston, where larger detached family homes line peaceful streets with good access to countryside walks, and Livingston South train station. Bankton and Deer Park are also pleasant neighbourhoods, with a mix of detached and semi-detached properties on offer.

• Car & Road: Livingston sits between Scotland’s major cities, with Edinburgh just 30 mins east and Glasgow 45 mins west via the M8 motorway. The A71 runs through the southern part of town, while the A899 forms the main north-south route through Livingston itself.
• Bus: Local bus services run frequently throughout Livingston’s neighbourhoods, with First Bus and Lothian Country providing regular connections. Most routes pass through Livingston Centre bus terminal, making travel between different parts of town straightforward. Edinburgh is accessible in around 40 mins by express bus.
• Train: Livingston has two train stations – Livingston North and Livingston South. Livingston North offers services to Edinburgh (20 mins) and Glasgow (40 mins) on the Edinburgh-Glasgow line. Livingston South connects to Edinburgh in 25 mins and Glasgow in about 45 mins on a different route.

Livingston offers numerous places to visit that highlight its natural surroundings and place in central Scotland. Take a look at some of the local landmarks below:

• Almondvale Park – Located adjacent to the town centre, this park features a riverside walkway along the River Almond, picnic areas, and children’s play facilities.
• Almond Valley Heritage Centre – This working farm, museum and play area brings local history to life through exhibits about West Lothian’s agricultural and industrial heritage.
• Howden Park Centre – Livingston’s arts venue hosts theatre performances, exhibitions, and workshops in a converted school building with modern extensions.
• The Centre Livingston – Scotland’s second-largest indoor shopping complex houses over 150 shops, numerous dining options, and entertainment facilities under one roof.
• Dechmont Law – Located just outside Livingston, this hill rises to 221 metres above sea level, providing spectacular views across West Lothian to the Pentland Hills and beyond.

Livingston is a key part of West Lothian’s economy, with a jobs market that has evolved significantly since its beginnings as a new town in the 60’s. Originally centred around manufacturing, the town’s employment landscape now covers multiple sectors.

Technology and electronics form key employment sectors, with companies operating from locations like Kirkton Campus and Alba Campus. Public administration also provides substantial employment, with West Lothian Council and NHS facilities among the largest employers.

The retail sector supplies thousands of jobs through The Centre Livingston and Livingston Designer Outlet, while distribution and logistics companies benefit from the town’s prime position on the M8 corridor.

Recent years have seen growth in professional services and financial operations, with several companies establishing regional offices in Livingston.