Polbeth (/ˌplˈbɛθ/; G. Poll - pool beithe - birch tree "birch pool") is a former oil shale mining village located about a mile from West Calder, and not far from Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland.

Polbeth
An aerial view of Polbeth
Polbeth is located in West Lothian
Polbeth
Polbeth
Location within West Lothian
Population2,380 (2022)[1]
OS grid referenceNT025645
Civil parish
Council area
Lieutenancy area
CountryScotland
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Post townWEST CALDER
Postcode districtEH55
Dialling code01506
PoliceScotland
FireScottish
AmbulanceScottish
UK Parliament
Scottish Parliament
List of places
UK
Scotland
55°51′34.00″N 03°33′15.00″W / 55.8594444°N 3.5541667°W / 55.8594444; -3.5541667

Five Sisters

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A mile to the west of the village are the Five Sisters Shale Bings, a local landmark and scheduled monument (55°51′35″N 03°35′05″W / 55.85972°N 3.58472°W / 55.85972; -3.58472). The bings rise to a height of 720 feet (220 m), some 230 feet (70 m) above the surrounding area, and are the spoil tips from the oil shale industry that was a feature of the area.

Five Sisters Zoo Park

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The Five Sisters Zoo Park is located on the edge of the village and has animals such as a lion and wolves.[2]

Polbeth Harwood Church

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Harwood Church was one of two Church of Scotland churches in West Calder. The other was in Polbeth, and the two churches were amalgamated.

Worship in Polbeth took place in what previously had been the Engine House of Shale Pit 26. When mining ceased in the community the Engine House was converted into what is now known as Polbeth Hall. Worship took place here while the new church was being built.

Notable people

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References

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  1. ^ "Mid-2020 Population Estimates for Settlements and Localities in Scotland". National Records of Scotland. 31 March 2022. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  2. ^ "How to Find Us | Five Sisters Zoo | Get up close and personal at West Calder's premier wildlife attraction". Archived from the original on 13 March 2015. Retrieved 13 March 2015.
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