The Heritage Lottery Fund, thanks to National Lottery players, wants to give you the chance to do just that and let you find out more about West Lothian’s amazing range of heritage and culture.

And there’s lots to discover – you’ve probably taken a walk in one of its beautiful country parks or taken a trip back in time at one of its historic buildings.

But did you know the region also has an important industrial past? How much do you know about the communities that live here? And did you know that the birthplaces of both Mary Queen of Scots and David Tennant, the tenth incarnation of Dr Who, are also here?

In fact, over the past two decades, more than £7.5million has been invested in projects exploring West Lothian’s heritage.

However, the region is one of HLF’s priority areas in Scotland. This means fewer grants have been awarded there which we are keen to change – but we need your help!

Colin McLean, Head of HLF Scotlandsaid: "West Lothian has so much history waiting to be uncovered and so many stories waiting to be told. That’s why we’re working to encourage more local groups to apply for funding and join the many other projects which are giving West Lothian’s heritage the recognition it deserves.”

[quote= Colin McLean, Head of HLF Scotland] "West Lothian has so much history waiting to be uncovered.” [/quote]

We’re holding an advice session in Bathgate on 30 July for West Lothian groups who would like to find out more about the funding and support available. Come along and meet us face to face and find out how you can get started on your heritage project idea.

Need some inspiration? Take a look at what some recently awarded projects are focusing on:

• Remembering gala days and collecting personal memories of celebration

• Creating a heritage walk around Armadale following in the footsteps of local historian and councillor Davie Kerr

• Looking beyond Pumpherston’s shale heritage to the people, lives and history of the village

• Uncovering the roots of Bridgend and the lasting legacy of its shale industry

• Telling the story of Linlithgow and its papermaking history

• Designing and building a ‘Dig For Victory’ allotment to commemorate the centenary of the First World War

• Following historic boundaries of a town with the creation of the Perambulation of Linlithgow’s Marches heritage trail

Bathgate advice sessions

Join us on Thursday 30 July from 9am to 2pm at the Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian Offices at 36-40 North Bridge Street. To book a session with us, call Annie Mottisfont, Development Officer on 0131 225 9450 or email annie.mottisfont@hlf.org.uk.

We look forward to meeting you!