Rural West Lothian

The rural area of West Lothian takes the form of a crescent shaped area, neighbouring the major urban settlements of the West Lothian Council area. The character of the countryside varies from the high quality agricultural land in the North East to the less productive upland in the South and West.

Common challenges across the rural area include the former dependence on mining and other forms of heavy industry, the effects of population growth and demographic change and the influence of the large urban and economic centre to the East.

Rural settlements such as Armadale, Stoneyburn, Addiewell, Breich and Fauldhouse represent some of the more deprived communities in the area and have yet to fully benefit from the economic opportunities of the new knowledge economy.  Leader 2008-2013 provides a valuable opportunity to pursue regeneration activity in these more deprived rural parts of West Lothian on a targeted and sustainable basis.