Latest news with #WestLothianCourier
Edinburgh Live
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Eagle-eyed viewers spot West Lothian building used as backdrop in BBC series
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A West Lothian building was used as a backdrop in a hit BBC series. The Bombing of PanAm 103, which concluded earlier this week, told the story of the flight which exploded over Lockerbie on December 21, 1988. It was the worst terror attack to ever happen on British soil, and 270 people were killed - reports the West Lothian Courier. The programme was made by World Productions as part of a collaboration between the BBC and Netflix. A lot of filming has taken place in West Lothian and eagle-eyed viewers may have spotted the Civic Centre which was used as one of the main locations for filming. Emmy award winner, Merritt Wever (New Girl, Nurse Jackie), Patrick J. Adams (from Suits - the most watched series on Netflix in 2023) and Connor Swindells of Barbie fame were all located here for a short while to undertake filming. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: "The cast and crew were very grateful to the council's caretakers for their work to help allow filming to take place. "They even took time out to have a photo taken with our Building Manager, Derek O'Neill."
Edinburgh Live
6 days ago
- General
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian dad takes on challenge after schoolgirl's debilitating diagnosis
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A West Lothian dad took on a huge challenge after a young girl in the community received a debilitating diagnosis. Owen Donoghue, 44, raised over £1,8000 after running the Edinburgh half-marathon to help eight-year-old Ella-Rose Kennedy. She was diagnosed with a debilitating progressive genetic condition, Friedreich ataxia, a disorder that causes damage to the nervous system and cerebellum, the part of the brain that deals with voluntary movements, reports the West Lothian Courier. Owen, who has six children, went to school with Ella-Rose's dad Michael. Owen's son is also in Ella-Rose's class at Howden St Andrew's Primary. The funds raised will go directly to the P5 schoolgirl, who waited at the finish line as he completed the half-marathon. One in every 50,000 people are affected by Friedreich ataxia, in which nerves in the spinal cord break down leading to a deficiency of sensory signals to the brain. The condition is caused by an abnormal gene and insufficient levels of a protein named fraxatin, parents are unaffected because they only carry a single pathogenic variant, but those affected by the condition inherit variants from each of their parents. Ella-Rose's parents, Michael and Jenny, are pinning their hopes on drugs, that are currently being trialled on children, becoming available in the near future to help their daughter. (Image: Supplied/West Lothian Courier) But current support options are limited, with Owen determined to help out by raising funds to help with whatever he can in the meantime. Owen said: "It's more than double the distances I've ran before but it went really well and wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox "The weather was decent as well and it was quite straightforward. Wee Ella-Rose came along and was at the finish line. Her family are going to need quite a lot of money as the years go on. "I couldn't have done it without Mel from FoxFit training me. I'd also like to thank the local community who have been mega-supportive and the businesses around my wife's Devilish Diner cafe that helped me raise money - Spark, MGK Hair Design, Daisy Drop In, and the Tower Bar."
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Daily Record
Residents in West Lothian street say council tenant is still causing 'chaos' despite ASBO
People living in the street claim the local authority has failed to assess how they would be affected Concerned residents in a West Lothian street say they're sick of a 'chronic pattern' of antisocial behaviour that has included harassment, verbal abuse, threats and damage to property. They claim a council tenant in Riddochill Crescent, Blackburn is causing 'chaos' and his behaviour is having a detrimental effect on the wellbeing of residents some of them elderly or vulnerable. Residents claim objects been thrown and antisocial behaviour is occurring at all times of day and night, which is affecting elderly residents, young children and people with disabilities. West Lothian Council say the individual is already the subject of an ASBO (Antisocial Behaviour Order) but those living in the street say that isn't deterring further incidents. 'The whole street is being affected, this person is causing chaos,' one resident told the West Lothian Courier. 'The guy is so volatile and it's all unprovoked, there's been damage to people's property. 'The house he's in was previously privately owned but the council bought it back and placed him in it a few months ago, since then it's been a nightmare. 'The police gave me advice on CCTV and other stuff to ensure I remain safe, it's things that I never expected to have to do. 'This isn't the first problem tenant in the street, they placed a paedophile here previously. Two of the houses in the street are being used for temporary housing and they're rotating individuals who are coming out of prison. 'I've asked the council what they're doing to risk assess when they place them here. They have a responsibility to have safeguards for people living here. Private owners are having to fork out to pay for damage, which the council takes no accountability for. 'The community needs to be aware if they're putting dangerous people in these houses, so we can take measures accordingly.' The resident claims that West Lothian Council is not taking legitimate complaints seriously enough and despite an ASBO being in place it has failed to deter the problematic behaviour. Another resident voiced their concerns over what's been going on, saying: 'It's happening at all hours of day and night. "I know they have to place them somewhere but there's been no assessment of how this would affect others in the street, such as the elderly and people with kids. We had a paedophile staying in this street previously, and we only found out after he moved.' A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: 'We are aware of issues around antisocial behaviour in this area, and will continue to work with our partners at Police Scotland to try and resolve them. 'West Lothian Council operates a structured and transparent Housing Allocations Policy, which is designed to balance housing need with community safety. Where concerns are raised about a tenant's behaviour, these are recorded and may influence future decisions. 'Whilst we cannot go into details of individuals, a formal Antisocial Behaviour Warning has already been issued following corroborated complaints. We would encourage any residents affected to continue to report any incidents and keep a record of events to help provide the council and Police Scotland with the robust evidence we would need to take this further if required.' A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'Around 2.15am on Wednesday, 21 May, 2025, officers received a report of a disturbance on Riddochill Crescent, Blackburn. 'A 44-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection and was released on an undertaking to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court on Wednesday, 18 June, 2025.'
Edinburgh Live
19-05-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian gran turns life around after turning point on family holiday in Turkey
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A West Lothian grandmother turned her life around by losing almost four stone and is hoping to help others do the same. Karen Robertson, from Livingston, spent years battling yo-yo dieting, unsustainable meal plans, and restrictions, reports the West Lothian Courier. She is now stepping into a brand-new role as a Slimming World consultant and is hoping to inspire others. The gran joined her local Slimming World group in Deans in July 2023 after 'trying everything'. The turning point came during a family holiday in Turkey. She said: "I was always giving up the foods I loved, and nothing stuck. I was too embarrassed to play with my grandchildren. "I made excuses, but deep down, I was ashamed. I felt like I was missing out on memories. "Shortly after, I attended a family wedding and left feeling deeply unhappy. That day, I realised I couldn't keep living like this. I needed to make a change for good. 'From the moment I arrived at Slimming World, I felt so welcomed. There was no judgement – just support and encouragement.' Living with coeliac disease, Karen was initially worried about following the plan. However she quickly discovered how flexible and gluten-free-friendly Slimming World really is. She added: "I was amazed at how easily I could make it work for me without feeling restricted and enjoying my favourite meals like a burger and chips. It's been a game-changer.' Karen is now bursting with energy months later and is fully embracing what life has to offer. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. 'I want others to feel the joy, freedom, and confidence that I've found. Whether you're gluten-free, stuck in a cycle of yo-yo dieting, or just feeling low – this plan works. And the best part? You never have to do it alone", she continued. Karen is now opening her own Slimming World group on Monday, May 26, at 7pm, held at Polbeth Harwood Parish Church, Livingston.
Edinburgh Live
01-05-2025
- General
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian woman, 100, who nearly died at birth reveals secret to long life
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A West Lothian woman who nearly died at birth has celebrated her 100th birthday. Margaret Johnston was born in her granny's house in Dalmeny on April 26, 1925, but concerns were raised when her skin appeared "blue" as it was feared Margaret had not survived. However, her granny noticed a small pulse at the side of her head. She was then placed in a bath of warm water and revived - and is still going strong a century later. As the West Lothian Courier reports, Margaret grew up in Stoneybank and spent the majority of her life in the village apart from the school holidays when she visited her granny. The 100-year-old is also the only surviving sibling after her older sister Jeannie, younger sister Olive and younger brother George all passed away. Margaret started work at 14 as a table maid in a large Edinburgh household belonging to a professor and his family. She also went on to work at Bangour Hospital, which is in the process of being demolished after laying abandoned for years. Margaret also worked in the Plessey Electronics factory in Bathgate and the Tippethill Hospital in Armadale. (Image: West Lothian Courier) She met husband, Tom, at Fauldhouse Miners' Club and they married a year-and-a-half later. Tom was in the Army and stationed in Newcastle, where they lived for a short time. Tom died in 2009. The couple had one son, Gordon, whom they both adored - Margaret called him her golden boy. Margaret does have two grandsons, Gordon and Tracy's son Andrew, who lives in Australia with his wife Laura and their five-year-old daughter Frankie; and Colin who lives in the United States with his wife Stacey. She would help out by watching her grandsons when they were small. Margaret always kept a wee pet budgie and loves when one of the staff brings her budgies in for a visit. She said: "I think the secret to my long life has been hard work. I've had good life but I've no desire to be really old!" Margaret had been living in sheltered housing in Whitburn from around 2015 but moved into nearby Whitdale Care Home in August 2021, where her sibling Jeannie was a resident. They would spend every day together, with Margaret walking along to visit her sister. Jeannie passed away at the age of 99 years. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages She still enjoys an occasional sherry, or a wee whisky and lemonade, or a sweetheart stout, and a nice meal and good plain food. Daughter-in-law Tracy, joined her for her birthday celebration at Whitdale where West Lothian's Lord Lieutenant, Moira Niven MBE presented Margaret with a framed birthday card from King Charles.
