Old Whitburn and Blackburn book review

A comprehensive photo history of the Whitburn and Blackburn regions of Scotland.

Whitburn was originally a weaving and agricultural community which benefited greatly from its position at the intersection of two major trade routes. When the 'Great Road' opened in 1795, Whitburn became a regular stopping-off point for the stagecoaches which ran between Glasgow and Edinburgh. As the town's weaving industry gradually went into decline as a result of the Industrial Revolution, the West Lothian shale and oil industries grew in importance, with the subsequent development of Whitburn's Polkemmet Pit.

Blackburn was originally a small fermtoun which grew around a large cotton mill opened on the banks of the River Almond in 1793.

The area's fascinating industrial and social history is profiled through the dozens of photographs featured in this book, which include street scenes, groups of workers, transport, local landmarks and special occasions such as parades and concerts.

From Stenlake Publishing, ISBN 9781840334173. To buy this and other top Scottish books at fantastic discounted prices, visit the History Scotland book shop and keep up to date with the latest offers in every issue of Scottish Memories and History Scotland.