Jewel in the crown of West Lothian is heading for international recognition

Nov 6 2008 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

A COUNTY town is to represent Scotland in a prestigious international award.

Linlithgow is taking part in this year’s International Awards for Liveable Communities (LivCom Awards).

And West Lothian Council has agreed to send a delegation of five to support the town in the finals of the annual competition in China.

Linlithgow has been shortlisted in the award category for towns with a population of up to 20,000.

And it is being backed by council leader, Peter Johnston.

He said: “I would like to express our heartiest congratulations to the team involved in putting together Linlithgow’s submission for this mahor competition.

“This is a most prestigious competition and Linlithgow is the only UK finalist in its category, which is a great achievement.

“Only recently we heard that West Lothian had gained the accolade of being Scotland’s happiest place. Linlithgow is often described as the jewel in the crown of West Lothian.

”This is further recognition of Scotland's fastest growing and most dynamic area.”

The move was also supported by Councillor Martyn Day, who proposed that the council should send a delegation to the competition which is being staged at Dongguan in November.

He said: “The success of Linlithgow in reaching the finals of LivCom Awards is a tremendous achievement.

“It provides an opportunity for Linlithgow to become the first Scottish winner of a LivCom Award.

“Linlithgow is the only UK finalist in its category and it is fitting that the council supports its 40-minute presentation to the award judges, which will provide significant international exposure for the town itself and West Lothian in general.”