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Family tie to Old Bakery revealed during visit to discovery centre site in West Lothian
Family tie to Old Bakery revealed during visit to discovery centre site in West Lothian

Daily Record

time17-06-2025

  • Business
  • Daily Record

Family tie to Old Bakery revealed during visit to discovery centre site in West Lothian

The major refurbishment has been backed by more than £5.5 million of funding Angela Constance MSP was joined by Scotland's Minister for Employment and Business Tom Arthur on a visit to a 'hugely inspiring' project in West Lothian. The Almond Valley MSP admitted the Scottish Co-operative Discovery Centre is a place close to her heart. ‌ She revealed during the visit that her late grandmother once worked in at the Old Bakery in West Calder, now home to the discovery centre. ‌ The Old Bakery, which is undergoing a major refurbishment backed by more than £5.5 million of funding, has already made significant progress on-site and plays a vital role in the community's regeneration plans. The project previously received £1.4 million from the Scottish Government's Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) via West Lothian Council and continues to seek further support to complete the full fit-out and maximise community outcomes. The Scottish Government has made clear its commitment to supporting place-based regeneration projects like this, recognising the social and economic value they bring to communities across Scotland. During the visit, trustees of the Scottish Co-operative Discovery Centre discussed the ongoing development of the site and explored further opportunities for investment through the reopened RCGF programme and the Place Based Investment Fund. Angela Constance MSP said: 'It was a real pleasure to return to the Old Bakery in West Calder, especially as it holds such a personal connection for me. My granny worked here many years ago, and to see it transformed into a vibrant community project is truly heartening. 'The Scottish Co-operative Discovery Centre is an inspiring example of community wealth building, democratic enterprise and local regeneration. I was very pleased to join Minister Tom Arthur to see the great progress being made and to listen to the ambitions for the next stages of the project.'

Scottish Co-operative Discovery Centre in West Calder will celebrate region's unique heritage
Scottish Co-operative Discovery Centre in West Calder will celebrate region's unique heritage

Daily Record

time10-06-2025

  • Business
  • Daily Record

Scottish Co-operative Discovery Centre in West Calder will celebrate region's unique heritage

It's already generating local construction jobs and supporting apprenticeships 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.'

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