Bathgate tourist information

Bathgate is a town with a long industrial heritage, especially in coal mining. The discovery of oil shale gave the town prosperity in Victorian times built on the extraction of paraffin. Once in decline, the town is again experiencing a resurgence.

The Bennie Museum in the town centre is run by volunteers and tells the history of the local area. It exhibits a huge number of objects from the lives of ordinary townspeople set in a pair of converted cottages.

To go much further back into history, visit Cairnpapple Hill 5km north of Bathgate. This 4,000 year old burial site is one of the most important archaeological sites in Scotland and boasts a fantastic panoramic view from the hilltop. Nearby is also Torphichen Preceptory, built in the 13th century by the Knights Hospitaller of the Order of St John of Jerusalem.