The town of Broxburn, located in West Lothian, Scotland, lies just east of the village of Uphall, south of Winchburgh, and west of Newbridge.
The city of Livingston is about five miles south of Broxburn, Bathgate is six miles to the south-west, Linlithgow is eight miles to the west, and Edinburgh is twelve miles to the south-east.
Its name is derived from a combination of the Gaelic brock (European badger) and burn (stream or small river). The settlement was previously known as Easter Strathbrock. At that time, Uphall was known as Wester Strathbrock, with "Strath" coming from the Gaelic srath (river valley). Before that, it was known as Eastertoun.
Archaeological evidence suggests that the area of Broxburn was inhabited in prehistoric times. During the Roman occupation, roads and forts were established nearby.
The settlement that later became Broxburn originated around 1350 when Margery le Cheyne inherited the eastern half of the Barony of Strathbrock following her father's death, Sir Reginald le Cheyne III. Easter Strathbrock was destroyed by fire in 1443 or 14444 during a conflict between William, Earl of Douglas (Lieutenant-General of Scotland), and William, Lord Crichton (Chancellor of Scotland). It was destroyed again in 1455 during a conflict between the Douglases and King James II of Scotland.
The village was renamed Broxburn in 1600 by Sir Richard Cockburn of Clerkington (Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland).
In the late 19th century, Broxburn was a centre of economic activity, primarily due to the discovery of oil shale deposits. Established in 1878, the Broxburn Oil Company provided employment and spurred Broxburn's growth and development.
However, its oil industry declined in the early 20th century, which forced a shift to other forms of economy. Today, Broxburn includes a mix of manufacturing, retail, and service industries. Plexus Corporation, which manufactures medical devices and electronics, is a significant employer. Its proximity and easy access to Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, has also contributed to its residential stability.
As a historic town, Broxburn is home to several structures of historical and architectural significance.
Constructed in 1880 in the French Gothic style, Broxburn Parish Church, situated on Church Street, continues to serve a prominent Church of Scotland congregation. The building boasts stained glass windows and a traditional pulpit.
Initially built in the 12th century, Saint Nicholas Catholic Church has a long history in Broxburn. However, it has undergone several renovations and restorations. It is part of the Saints John Cantius and Nicholas Catholic Church today, and continues to host regular services and community events.
Erected in the Gothic style in 1873, the Broxburn Public Hall was designed as a community centre and continues to host local events.
The Union Canal (Edinburgh and Glasgow Union Canal) runs through Broxburn. Constructed in the early 19th century, the canal was essential in transporting goods during Broxburn's industrial era. Today, it is a popular recreational site.
The Shale Bings are large mounds of waste material left over from the oil shale industry. Reminding the town of its industrial past, they have become a unique feature of Broxburn's landscape.
Broxburn has four schools: Broxburn Primary School, Kirkhill Primary School, St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Primary School, and Broxburn Academy, a secondary school.
Besides St. John Cantius and St. Nicholas Catholic Church and Broxburn Parish Church, the town is also home to St. Nicholas United Free Church of Scotland, New Life Christian Fellowship, the Broxburn Baptist Church, and Grace Community Church. Other religious groups are active in Broxburn, including the Jehovah's Witnesses and several evangelical Christian organisations.
The Broxburn Athletic Football Club plays in the East of Scotland League, and the Binny Golf Club is on the Binny Estate.
This portion of our web guide focuses on the Scottish town of Broxburn, so online resources for local businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, entertainment venues, organisations, attractions, and events are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
The secondary school is located in Broxburn, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. School contact details are posted on the website, along with school terms and holidays, information on class times throughout the week, school documents, school uniforms, policies and procedures, award ceremonies, and a calendar of events. Other resources include education services, its parent council, notices to parents, extra-curricular programmes and activities, course choice information, and career advice.
http://www.broxburnacademy.westlothian.org.uk/
The BCC is a voluntary organisation set up by the West Lothian Council and run by residents. Its functions are to determine the views of the Broxburn community on local issues, promote the better interests of the area, and bring people together to continue the work. The council acts as a bridge between the Broxburn community and the West Lothian Council. The Council meets once a month at the Broxburn Old Town Community Hall. Scheduled events, projects, and a history of Broxburn are provided.
https://broxburncc.org.uk/
The independent carpet retailer in Broxburn serves West Lothian and Edinburgh. Its shop features a range of carpets, flooring, and vinyl on a roll. Its staff can assist with plain carpet, textured carpet, wool carpets, vinyls, laminates, planning, fitting, or advice. The website features photographs of its products. Its physical location, mailing address, directions, a map showing its location, telephone number, and an online enquiry form are included on its website.
https://www.land-of-carpets.co.uk/
R&M Electrical Wholesalers, LTD
The independent electrical wholesaler is based in Broxburn, Scotland. Established to serve the electrical needs of Central Scotland, R&M specialises in industrial controls, industrial plugs and sockets, LED lighting, and other services and products. Its products and services are posted on the website, along with tips on choosing an alarm, electric car charging, current electric regulations, and an energy-saving calculator. Its location, and contact data are provided.
https://www.rmelect.info/
SS John Cantius and Nicholas Catholic Church
A parish of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, the Church is located in Broxburn, Scotland. The history of the parish is provided, along with an introduction to the saints for which it is named, a parish bulletin, Mass times, parish teams, and information on church offerings and donations. Other resources include a gallery of photographs and videos, parish groups, and contacts. Information on booking the parish's Canon Hoban Hall are included.
https://broxburncatholicchurch.co.uk/
