THE VISUAL REGENERATION OF BROXBURN AND UPHALL

The towns of Broxburn and Uphall in West Lothian, once at the very heart of the new shale oil industry, grew up as fast as the need for the locally produced paraffin oil, soap and candles. Situated just ten miles from Edinburgh, both co-joined towns found their global economic importance dwindling as fast as the shale mining industry they were dependent upon. Both towns continued to grow due to their enviable geographic location and a community of hard-working people- however their local economies have struggled against the fast and positive growth of nearby Livingston. The towns, like many of West Lothian's original mining communities are now benefitting from recent funding to re-generate 'dated' environments. In February 2010 this project received funding through the Grassroots Public Art Scheme. It's aim is to positively re-connect the community now with the original 'shale people' community through a series of public art works which will visual enliven their specific sites at the heart of each town centre. Initiated and driven by Broxburn born and based visual communicator Shirley-Anne Murdoch, this exciting new venture hopefully is only the first in a series of projects which can instill a new sense of community involvement and pride.