West Lothian Doors Open Days - 1 and 2 September 2018 - Have a look inside the county's buildings!

West Lothian
 Doors Open Days
         1 and 2 September 2018

Have a look inside the county’s buildings!

     Organiser of Doors Open Days in West Lothian
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West Lothian Doors Open Days
1 and 2 September 2018
Linlithgow Civic Trust welcomes you to West Lothian Doors Open Days.
As ever, all our activities are free!

Doors Open Days is a national event run by Scottish Civic Trust.
Information about the national programme, including event listings, can be
found at www.doorsopendays.org.uk. Doors Open Days and Scottish
Archaeology Month take place throughout Scotland in September and are
part of European Heritage Days.

Doors Open Days is supported by Historic Environment Scotland.

Doors Open,
Saturday 1 September 2018
KINGSCAVIL
Kingscavil Church
Kingscavil, on the main road (B9080)
between Linlithgow and
Winchburgh, EH49 6NA.
Open Saturday, 1 September,
11:00am – 4:00pm.
Facilities WC, refreshments.
Activities Guides available plus a
chance to rest and chat over
tea/coffee.
Period of Building 1902.
Associated Architect W M Scott.
Built in the early English gothic style;
the circular apse, with stencil and gilt
work, and the star-spangled ceiling, can surprise first time visitors. The fine stained-
glass windows used to be in a church in Leith.
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LINLITHGOW
Canal House
Adjacent to Linlithgow Canal Centre, Manse
Road Basin, Linlithgow, EH49 6AJ.
Open Saturday, 1 September, 2.00pm,
3.00pm and 4.00pm only.
Facilities WC (including disabled) at Canal
Centre.
Activities Tours at the above times, with
guides. Booking essential: tel. 01506 842452
or email jimlonie@gmail.com.
Period of Building 1835.
Associated Architect Probably Hugh Baird, canal engineer.
A visit to Canal House (built circa 1835 and category B listed) recalls the heyday
of the Union waterway (Edinburgh-Falkirk), not yet challenged by the
Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway (1842).
(The Linlithgow Union Canal Society’s Canal Centre, including museum,
tearoom, Mel Gray Education Centre, workshop, wharf and yard can be
visited as well. The Canal Centre runs boat trips along the canal, for
which there is a charge – these are not part of Doors Open Days.)

St Ninian’s Craigmailen Parish Church
Falkirk Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7BQ.
Open Saturday, 1 September, 1.00pm –
4:00pm.
Facilities WC, parking.
Activities Church history available.
Period of Building 1874.
Associated Architect J Walker Todd of
Dick, Peddie & Todd.
This is a fine example of a mid-Victorian
gothic church. The congregations of St
Ninian’s and Craigmailen came together in
1954. Their conjoined histories go back
much further, to 1738, and embrace the
debates which defined the Seceder, United
Presbyterian, Free and United Free
denominations of former times.        The
nearby Longcroft Memorial Hall (in church
hands since 1921 and now refurbished with
assistance from the Climate Challenge
Fund), began as an infant school in 1869
and once housed Linlithgow Academy.
Also of interest in front of the church’s boundary wall is the first march stone and an
interpretation board marking the starting point of Linlithgow’s annual
Perambulation of the Marches event. Its route can be followed at any time of the
year.
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WINCHBURGH
Winchburgh Parish
Church
On the south side of the main road
through Winchburgh, west of
village centre, EH52 6TT
Open Saturday, 1 September,
11:00am – 4:00pm.
Facilities WC, parking.
Period of Building 1891.
A Gothic-style mission church of
1891, set on a mound close to the
Union Canal. The interior was refurbished a few years ago: pews have been replaced
by seats, providing flexibility. The most striking feature of the church is the window
above the communion table, illustrating the Ascension and gifted in memory of the
Rev, Hugh Armstrong.

Doors Open,
Saturday 1 September 2018
and Sunday 2 September 2018
BATHGATE
Boghall Parish Church
Elizabeth Drive, Bathgate,
EH48 1JB.
Open Saturday, 1 September,
10.00am – 1.00pm and 2:00pm –
4:00pm.
Sunday, 2 September, 10.00am –
1.00pm and 2:00pm – 4:00pm
(except during worship,
10.30am – 11.30am, although
visitors are welcome to join).
Facilities Parking, accessible toilets and refreshments on request.
Activities Small exhibition in the Session Room.
Period of Building 1960s.
Associated Architects Wheeler & Sproson.
The building of this dramatic modern church by Wheeler & Sproson was started in
1960 and completed in 1965. The sanctuary seats 400 and has a unique hyperbolic
paraboloid roof finished internally with timber. Windows with plain coloured glass
between the roof and the walls light the interior.
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LINLITHGOW
Burgh Beautiful Base
Clarendon House Grounds, 32A Manse Road,
Linlithgow, EH49 6AR.
Accessible for pedestrians only via driveway
adjacent to Clarendon Lodge (32 Manse Road).
Open Saturday, 1 September and Sunday,
2 September, both days 2.00pm – 4.00pm.
Facilities Parking on Manse Road only. No
vehicular access to drive of Clarendon House
nor any turning facility within grounds.
Period of Building Late 19th century; 2011-12.
In part of the former grounds of Clarendon House, a long-lost potting shed enjoys a
new lease of life. See Burgh Beautiful Linlithgow’s gardening resource for the town –
and consider joining its volunteers if you would like to help out with Linlithgow’s
award-winning floral displays.

St Michael’s Parish Church
Kirkgate, Linlithgow, EH49 7AL.
Open Saturday, 1 September, 10.30am –4.00pm
Sunday, 2 September, 12 noon – 4.00pm.
Facilities WC.
Activities Guides on duty to provide conducted
tours.
Period of Building 1425, 1532, later modifications.
Associated Architects John French (probably),
James Gillespie Graham; Honeyman & Keppie.
One of the finest parish churches in Scotland, St
Michael’s (first dedicated in 1242) dates from the
same period as the neighbouring Linlithgow Palace.
Largely rebuilt after 1424, with later alterations, it
has always remained the local parish church. Category A listed. The guides will be
pleased to relate its long and rich history.

St Michael’s RC Church
53 Blackness Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7JA.
Open Saturday, 1 September, 11.00am – 5:00pm.
Sunday, 2 September, 10.00am – 11.30am and
12.30pm – 5.00pm. Afternoon is recommended as the
best time to examine the building (no guides).
Period of Building 1887-1894 (with later additions).
Associated Architects Peter Paul Pugin (1887), J A
Coia.
Pugin’s church-building practice was largely in
Scotland, where he developed his own distinctive
variations on gothic style.
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St Peter’s Scottish Episcopal
Church
153 High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7EJ.
Open Saturday, 1 September and Sunday,
2 September, both days 1:00pm – 4:00pm.
Facilities WC.
Activities Church history available.
Period of Building 1928.
Associated Architect J Walker Todd of Dick,
Peddie & Todd.
Built in 1928 as a memorial to George Walpole,
Bishop of Edinburgh and his wife Mildred, with
assistance from missions in England and the
USA. It is designed as a miniature Byzantine
basilica with a ‘cross in the square’ plan form, a
high central dome and half dome over the
sanctuary apse. This gem of a church is featured
in ‘Tiny Churches’ (Dixe Wills, 2016) and is category B listed. For the founders of the
congregation a century ago, the final repeal of ‘religious disabilities’ was almost
within memory. The new 2018 extension to the rear, into a steep gradient, provides
modern facilities.

MID CALDER
Kirk of Calder
Main Street, Mid Calder,
EH53 0AN.
Open Saturday, 1 September
and Sunday, 2 September,
both days 2:00pm – 4:00pm.
Facilities Wheelchair-
accessible toilet. Teas and
coffees will be available. On-
street car parking.
Period of Building 1542 and
later additions. Restored
1992.
Associated Architects
Brown & Wardrop (transepts and belfry, 1863); Stewart Tod and Partners
(restoration work, 1992).
A church has believed to have existed on the present site since around 1150 and
formally consecrated in 1241. The oldest part of the present church was built on the
original site in 1542 and the West extension added in 1863. The oldest gravestone in
the churchyard is dated 1636, the organ is by James Conacher 1888. The church is
Category A Listed and the restoration won the West Lothian Award for Conservation
in 1992. The stained glass windows were restored in 1995. Previous famous visitors
have included John Knox, James ‘Paraffin’ Young, David Livingstone and Frederic
Chopin.
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UPHALL
Uphall South Parish
Church
44B East Main Street, Uphall,
EH52 5HY.
Open Saturday, 1 September,
10.30am – 12.00pm
Sunday, 2 September, 2:00pm –
4:00pm.
Facilities Disabled access and
toilets; refreshments/home
baking.
Activities Exhibition of history of
church and people on hand to answer questions.
Periods of Building 1894 and 1926.
Associated Architects James Graham Fairley, Edinburgh (Mission Hall, 1894) and
Robert Miller, Miller & Black, Glasgow (present church, 1926).
The land on which the church stands was sold in 1894 by Sir John Pender GCMG. of
Middleton Hall to Broxburn Free Church to build a Mission Hall in Uphall. By 1926
the congregation had outgrown the existing premises and the present day building
was erected in front of the old one which became the church hall. In 1929 the
nationwide union of the United Free Church and the Church of Scotland led to the
church becoming Uphall South Parish Church.

WHITBURN
Brucefield Church of Scotland
62 East Main Street,
Whitburn, EH47 0RD.
Open Saturday, 1
September and Sunday,
2 September, both days
1:00pm – 4:00pm.
Facilities Parking in
church car park, WC,
the building is fully
accessible.
Activities Members of
the congregation will try to answer any questions.
Period of Building 1960s.
Associated Architects Tom Duncan/Rowand Anderson Kininmonth & Paul.
The congregation dates back through the church unions of 1929 and 1901 to the 19th
century Disruption and 18th century Secession movement. Historic Scotland has ‘A’-
listed the sanctuary in the present building (1966) as of major architectural
importance. The building represents the best of post-war church design. The whole
structure was fully refurbished in 2014, with assistance from the Heritage Lottery
Fund and Historic Scotland, and other donations, besides the congregation’s own
contribution of nearly £40,000, raised over only 18 months.
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WINCHBURGH
Duntarvie Castle
Off B8020, north of Winchburgh.
Open Saturday, 1 September and
Sunday, 2 September, both days
11:00am – 3:00pm.
Facilities Parking.
Activities Restoration is in
progress. Architect, Jon Newey of
EK:JN Architects, will be on hand,
Saturday and Sunday, to conduct
guided tours for small parties (no
booking required). Stout
footwear is advised. Hard hats
may be made available.
Period of Building 12th to 16th
century.
Associated Architect Jon Newey
of EK:JN Architects (restoration).
While the castle probably has early
12th century origins, the building
in more-or-less its present form
dates from the late 16th century.
Ultimately owned by the Earl of
Hopetoun, it was abandoned
c.1840 and the 20th century found it
ruined.
Restoration is being undertaken by
the present owner, Geoffrey
Nicholsby, who plans to make
Duntarvie a function venue and
also the headquarters of Geoffrey Tailor Kiltmakers. Good progress is being made
and so far has included: the new roof is in place, the east tower is 40% rebuilt, new
floors have been inserted into the west wing and the barrel vault that was missing has
now been replaced.
Rectangular three-storey block with square five-storey square towers projecting at
either end (the east tower had partially collapsed); turrets with turnpike stairs in the
tower-main block angles. The internal straight stair (ground to first floor) is an
unusual feature for its period.

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Doors Open and Event,
Sunday 2 September 2018
ABERCORN
Abercorn Parish
Church
In the hamlet of Abercorn,
EH30 9SL. Off A904, west of
Newton.
Open Sunday, 2 September,
11.00am – 4:00pm.
Facilities WC, parking.
Activities Historical
displays, guides.
Period of Building 11th
century onwards.
Associated Architect P
MacGregor Chalmers (1894).
The church probably occupies the site of a 7th century monastery founded by
Lindisfarne Priory. The building dates from the 11th century and has a fine 12th
century south door. Various alterations and additions have been made over the
centuries. The church is category A listed. There is a small museum of sculptured
stones at the kirkyard entrance.

BATHGATE
St Columba’s Scottish Episcopal Church
79 Glasgow Road, Bathgate, EH48
2AJ.
Open
Sunday, 2 September,
1:00pm – 4:00pm.
Facilities WC, off-street parking,
wheelchair-friendly, teas.
Period of Building 1915-16.
Associated Architects W J
Walker Todd of Todd & Miller
(originally) and M Henderson of
Dick Peddie & McKay
(remodelling).
The gothic-style building became multi-purpose when the adjacent hall (1930s) was
abandoned. Rededicated/remodelled in 1999, the church is now used by both
community and church groups. Once linked with St Paul’s, Armadale, St Columba’s
became an independent charge in the 1940s. Since the 1970s it has been linked with St
Mildred’s, now St Peter’s in Linlithgow; like St Peter’s, it exemplifies Scotland’s
complex denominational history. Members of the congregation will offer fact sheets
and further information.
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LINLITHGOW
Burgh Halls
Linlithgow Burgh Halls, The
Cross, Linlithgow, EH49 7AH.
Open Sunday, 2 September,
11:00am – 5:00pm. (Note:
opening times may be subject
to late alteration.)
Facilities WC (including
disabled), café.
Period of Building 17th
century onwards.
Associated Architects
John Smith (1668-70),
Malcolm Fraser (2011).
The original building dates
from the 17th century and has
gone        through      several
adaptations and renovations.
The most recent upgrading by
West Lothian Council was
carried out by Malcolm Fraser
Architects and the Halls were
reopened in April 2011. It is
now a unique venue that
celebrates the rich heritage of Linlithgow and provides stylish, modern facilities to
meet current demands.

Crossview Studios
3D Union Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7DY.
Open Sunday, 2 September,
2:00pm – 4:00pm.
Facilities No toilet facilities or parking
(Union Road parallels the railway:
pedestrian access from High Street via
Dog Well Wynd, Lion Well Wynd or
New Well Wynd).
Period of Building 2005-06.
Associated Architect Chris Kelly.
A ‘live-work’ townhouse, purpose-built
with studios, Crossview occupies a
sloping site within Linlithgow’s historic
boundary      wall.           Timber-frame
constructed, clad with an external
insulation render system to enhance
environmental performance, it is now a
family-and-business     hub      for   CRK
Architecture with a unique view of
Linlithgow Loch and Palace.
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Mary’s Meanders
Sunday, 2 September,
11.00am.
Number restricted to 15 people. Pre-
booking is essential – email Emma on
emma@marysmeanders.co.uk.
Join Emma or Anne on a 75-minute
walking tour of Linlithgow. Tales of intrigue, sorrow and laughter at every turn.
Discover what it was like to live in Scotland during the last 500 years – as a Queen or
as a pauper.
Meet outside the Star & Garter Hotel, 1 High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7AB.

QUEENSFERRY
Hopetoun
House
South Queensferry,
EH30 9SL.
Open Sunday, 2
September only.
Two admission
periods. Numbers
limited. Pre-
booking essential
using links below:
Morning
admissions 10.30am
– 1.30pm – book via https://www.eventbrite.com/e/west-lothian-doors-open-day-
morning-admission-tickets-46845163144
Afternoon admissions 1.30pm - 4.30pm (last admission 4pm) – book via
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/west-lothian-doors-open-day-afternoon-admission-
tickets-46849305534
Facilities WC, parking, accessible facilities, Stables Kitchen, gift shop/kiosk, lift
access.
Activities Guides are on hand throughout the house to help provide information
on the House and Family and answer any questions. The Spring Garden Trail and
The Sea Walk Trail are two different walks around the grounds that visitors can
enjoy at their own leisure. Forth Art Group Exhibition in the Outer Room. Self-
guided Free Flow tour.
Period of Building 1699-1704; extended 1721-1746.
Associated Architects Sir William Bruce and William Adam.
Designed by Sir William Bruce and then remodelled and extended by William Adam,
Hopetoun House is one of the finest examples of 18th Century architecture in Britain.
It is a category A listed building. The magnificent interiors which have remained
virtually unchanged for three centuries reflect the elegance of the Georgian era and
are decorated with the best period furniture, paintings, tapestries and clocks, with
beautifully crafted finishes of carving, gilding and plaster work. The house has been
home to the Hope Family since the late 1600s and the present Lord Hopetoun and his
family still live in Hopetoun House.
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TORPHICHEN
The Tank House
Cathlaw Grange, Cathlaw Lane,
Torphichen, EH48 4PE.
Open Sunday, 2 September,
10.00am – 4:30pm. Access to public
rooms only.
Facilities WC, limited on-site
parking in driveway; on-street
parking in Cathlaw Lane is
available.
Period of Building Original
structure, circa 1900. Remodelled,
2013-16.
Associated Architect Douglas
Davidson of DMT Davidson Associates.
The new name of the house is Cathlaw Grange, but over previous years was often
referred to as ‘The Tank House’. Originally, this was the site of a water tank dating
from about 1900 and owned by Linlithgowshire County Council. It was fed by springs
and supplied Torphichen and some surrounding areas. It ceased being used as a
water tank in about 1960. The current owners purchased the site about five years ago
and demolished the building, but kept the steel frame which was structurally sound.
The new building is built as a ‘passive house’.

Linlithgow Civic Trust
Linlithgow Civic Trust was founded in 1971. As well as organising the local Doors
Open Days every year, it established Burgh Beautiful Linlithgow, the town’s floral
campaign, and now forms part of Linlithgow Burgh Trust.
The Trust is much involved in planning matters; it runs a programme of outings
and talks and publishes several heritage booklets about the town, together with a
local street map (updated for 2018) and an attractive souvenir teatowel. The Trust
also organises Linlithgow’s annual Perambulation of the Marches event which takes
place on the Wednesday before the main Linlithgow Marches Day celebrations.
Like the heritage trails contained in the Linlithgow Visitor Guide and the
Linlithgow Floral Trails, the ‘Perambulation’ route can be walked at any time. All
of these are described in free leaflets, widely available locally.
See www.lbt.scot for full details of activities and how to join.
Published by Linlithgow Civic Trust, 2018. Event organised by Linlithgow Civic
Trust, co-ordinated by Allan Robertson. Thanks to West Lothian Council for
funding towards printing of this booklet. Image credits: Alex Gorrie, David
Graham-Service, Chris Kelly, Chris Long, Calum Smith, Libby Smith, Ron Smith,
John Wells, Jeff Wight, Hopetoun House and David Gray. Graphics by Ron Smith.
Linlithgow Civic Trust is part of Linlithgow Burgh Trust. Linlithgow Burgh Trust is
a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation – Scottish Charity Number
SC047211.

Front cover photograph: Hopetoun House (Angus Bremner).
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