Explore!

Explore! Our articles cover anything and everything to do with West Lothian, West Edinburgh and Falkirk.

A selection of what goes into print is published here.

Browse the archives below or use the archive menu to sort by category, or use the search bar to find a specific reference.

Read past and current issues online

Oct 22, 20184 min read

Calders Soldiers

In 1914 the majority of the Hearts first team, then sitting at the top of the league and favourites to win the Scottish Cup, received a...

Nov 1, 20173 min read

Craiglockhart War Poets Trail

Walks through the Craiglockhart hills were a popular way of exercising and relaxing for the shell- shocked soldiers who were treated at...

Feb 5, 20173 min read

A wander in Dreghorn Woods

In the process of looking for a new place to stretch the legs, I came across an article from the Woodland Trust about a relatively new...

Jan 1, 20174 min read

When Craiglockhart was "Dottyville"

How the tranquil surrounds of Craiglockhart - and a meeting at Baberton Golf Club - produced the most graphic and moving anti-war poetry...

Aug 6, 20163 min read

West Lothian Far from Ypres

Did you know that work on Beecraigs Loch was started by German prisoners-of-war during the First World War, but due to their...

Aug 2, 20153 min read

This town is coming like a ghost town…

As part of my job I am very often heading along the A89 past Dechmont and I always notice the old Bangour Village Hospital and see...

Nov 6, 20146 min read

Letters Home - from a young Scots Guard

A nineteen year old lad writes home to his mother from the trenches in World War 1 France: “I have seen all the life I want to see.” A...

Nov 1, 20114 min read

The Abandoned Village of Bangour

Most locals are aware of the abandoned village of Bangour, an impressive collection of buildings on the hillside just north of...