Scottish Co-operative Discovery Centre in West Calder will celebrate region's unique heritage
Livingston MP Gregor Poynton returned to the Scottish Co-operative Discovery Centre to see how construction on the site is progressing.
The MP last visited the site of the landmark project in West Calder, which will celebrate co-operative values and local heritage, 10 months ago.
The project, led by the West Calder and Harburn Community Development Trust, is spearheaded by Manager Matt Pearce and a dedicated team committed to showcasing and educating communities on co-operative heritage.
Once complete, the discovery centre will celebrate the region's unique heritage, promote Fairtrade and co-operative values, provide educational opportunities for young people, and serve as a hub for real-world solutions to challenges such as inequality and climate change.
In addition to its long-term mission, it is already generating local construction jobs and supporting apprenticeships, reinforcing its role as a driver of sustainable economic and social growth.
The Livingston MP visited the site last Friday afternoon, June 6, to view the progress made and meet with the team.
Manager Matt Pearce said: 'This is truly community led. The project aims to deliver what our local community wants and that is jobs, opportunities, a re-invigoration of our economy and to celebrate our heritage and identity. To put our village and area back on the map.
'As well as benefiting our local community, the discovery centre will have a national impact in celebrating Scotland's co-operative heritage and promoting it for the future. We have a long and proud tradition of co-operation and it is needed more than ever now with the challenges we face. This is about inspiring the next generation.'
Gregor Poynton MP said: 'The co-operative movement has always been at the heart of strong communities, and nowhere is that more evident than right here in West Calder.
'This centre is a shining example of grassroots vision, passion, and sheer determination.
'This is more than just a building — it's a statement; a living embodiment of community, co-operation, and hope for future generations.
'I look forward to seeing the site continue to progress and open to the public.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scotsman
01-08-2025
- Scotsman
Political opinion: Gregor Poynton MP backs new SME Strategy to boost local entrepreneurs, unlock finance and support main street growth in the Livingston constituency
- Government launches landmark SME Strategy to tackle late payments and unlock £4bn in finance for small businesses - New laws will give the UK the strongest protections in the G7 for small firms, ending the late payment crisis - Local entrepreneurs in the Livingston constituency to benefit from 69,000 Start Up Loans and new support to grow and export Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Government has today unveiled its flagship Small to Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) Strategy, a bold plan to unleash the potential of the UK's 5.5 million small businesses and drive economic growth across every region. As part of the announcement, the Government will introduce the toughest legislation in over 25 years to end the late payment crisis, which currently costs the UK economy £11bn annually and forces 38 businesses to close every day. The new laws will cap payment terms at 60 days, with a further reduction to 45 days within five years, and give the Small Business Commissioner new powers to fine large firms that fail to pay on time. Key measures include: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gregor Poynton MP and Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP Secretary of State of Business and Trade. Stronger legal protections to end late payments and support fairer business practices £4bn finance boost, including 69,000 Start Up Loans and a £3bn expansion of the British Business Bank's ENABLE programme New support for main streets, slashing of red tape to boost the hospitality and arts sector through hospitality zones; Main Street Rental Auctions to fill vacant main street premises; and Permanent cut to business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure on the main street from 2026. Action on personal guarantees, ensuring entrepreneurs are protected when accessing finance A revamped Business Growth Service to help SMEs scale, export and innovate The SME Strategy is a central pillar of the Government's Plan for Change, working alongside the Industrial and Trade Strategies to deliver long-term, sustainable growth. Commenting on the announcement, Gregor Poynton, Member of Parliament for the Livingston constituency said: 'This is a game-changer for small businesses within the Livingston constituency. From tackling late payments to unlocking billions in finance, this strategy gives our local entrepreneurs the tools they need to grow and thrive.' 'This strategy will mean that it will be easier to fill our towns and villages. As there will be less red tape once new business owners move in, bringing new life to these areas thanks to permanent cuts to business rates on main street, better access to funding, lower costs to businesses and more support. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, employing 60% of the workforce. This strategy shows that Labour is serious about backing them with real action – not just words. 'It's proof that we are delivering on our Plan for Change and building an economy that works for every part of the UK. 'I have been meeting with local business, doing round tables with different SMEs through the West Lothian Chamber of Commerce or RBS Lunch to hear their concerns. 'If you or someone you know run a business, please reach out to my office, I would love to hear from you'. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "This country is home to some of the brightest entrepreneurs and innovative businesses in the world, and we want to unleash their full potential by giving them back time and money to do what they do best - growing our local economies. "Our Small Business Strategy is the most comprehensive package of support in a generation, slashing unnecessary admin costs, making it easier for businesses to set up shop and giving SMEs the financial backing they need. "This is our Plan for Change in action, putting more money in people's pockets, boosting local communities and ensuring Britain is a great place to do business and thrive." Small Business Minister Gareth Thomas said: 'I want the UK to be the best place in the world to start a business, grow and succeed - and that's why we've taken bold steps today. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Too many small firms go under each year because they aren't paid on time - that is completely unacceptable. 'I hear all too often about businesses who just don't have the cash needed to start up or grow. Today, we've announced measures as part of our Plan for Change to tackle all of those issues and beyond. This is the government listening to businesses, working with them, and delivering real change.' To book a visit with Gregor Poynton MP at your local business contact his office at [email protected]
Scotsman
31-07-2025
- Scotsman
Political opinion: Poynton backs Heathrow expansion: 'Now is the time to face down the blockers'
Scottish Labour MP Gregor Poynton has today backed plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, describing the project as a key test of the Labour Government's drive to deliver growth across the UK and tackle years of 'dither and delay'. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Writing in LabourList, the Livingston constituency MP says that unlocking Heathrow's potential will support Scottish exporters, including the country's world-leading whisky industry, and is part of Labour's wider strategy to get Britain building again. 'Expanding Heathrow not only represents this Government's ambition to remove barriers to new infrastructure. It will underpin Britain's international competitiveness, unlocking new trade routes, attracting investment, and enabling British businesses, including Scotland's world class scotch whisky industry, to trade around the world.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Poynton argues the project reflects a wider shift in Labour's approach to delivering for working people: 'Now is the time to face down the blockers, go further for growth, and deliver national prosperity for working people. It is why our Labour Government has greenlit and announced a multi-billion investment in Sizewell C in Suffolk, which will create 10,000 new jobs and apprenticeships, while the SNP Government has failed Scottish workers by refusing to back nuclear energy.' Gregor Poynton MP is backing the expansion of Heathrow. He adds: 'Labour is ending the cycle of dither and delay. We are getting Britain building. And we are determined to ensure people, businesses and communities across the country both see and feel the benefits of growth.' The Labour Government is expected to bring forward new legislation later this year to streamline planning and fast-track major infrastructure projects.
Daily Record
23-07-2025
- Daily Record
Continued support from MP with visit to proposed Selms Muir Project site near Livingston
The MP was briefed on plans for a 20-megawatt green hydrogen electrolyser The proposed site of the Selms Muir Green Hydrogen Project near Livingston was recently visited by constituency MP Gregor Poynton as he continued his support for the landmark clean energy development. Accompanied by representatives from Hygen and European Energy, the joint venture behind the project, the MP was briefed on plans for a 20-megawatt green hydrogen electrolyser co-located with the already consented Selms Muir Solar Farm. The innovative development, shortlisted in the UK Government's Second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2), would produce up to six tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen a day and play a key role in decarbonising transport and construction across West Lothian and Central Scotland. Gregor Poynton MP said: 'This is exactly the kind of ambitious, job-creating green infrastructure West Lothian and the Livingston constituency needs. The Selms Muir project has the potential to power our buses and construction sites, drive us towards clean energy by 2030, and create skilled local employment in the process. 'I'm pleased to be backing this project in Westminster and in the constituency and will keep pressing Ministers to ensure hydrogen funding decisions are made on time so that this vital development can move forward.' The project team confirmed that work is progressing with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) on final due diligence, and that discussions with potential offtakers including Lothian Buses, JCB and Wrightbus are already under way. By pairing on-site solar power with hydrogen production, Selms Muir aims to demonstrate how locally generated renewable electricity can support the decarbonisation of sectors that are traditionally hard to electrify. The development could reach Final Investment Decision shortly after a successful HAR2 outcome and be operational within two years. The project also aligns with the UK Government's 10GW hydrogen target and the Scottish Government's net zero commitments. The MP for Livingston has previously written to Minister of State for Industry Sarah Jones MP to advocate for the project, and has committed to further pressing DESNZ on timeline commitments and support for transport-sector hydrogen in the forthcoming UK Hydrogen Strategy refresh. Mark Evans, European Energy Vice-President for UK & Ireland, said: 'We were delighted to welcome Mr Poynton to the Selms Muir site last week, to outline how our proposed 20MW green hydrogen project can complement the consented Selms Muir Solar Farm to drive the decarbonisation of key sectors in West Lothian and Central Scotland. 'Having been shortlisted for HAR2 funding earlier this year, we are now working with DESNZ on the next phase of the process, and we look forward to continued engagement with local people and industries as the project progresses'. Kevin Selleslags, Hygen CEO, added: 'The Selms Muir project is a key part of a long-awaited, nationwide hydrogen supply network and the visit from Gregor recognises the importance both of this scheme and of the role hydrogen will play in our journey to net zero. 'This project is unique in its ambition. It will enable deployment of the UK's first fully zero-carbon municipal bus fleet, while simultaneously enabling the business case for the delivery of a fully-consented renewable energy project.'
