October 8, 2008
Linlithgow on a roll
Not content with being known as Scotland’s Fairtrade Town, Linlithgow went on to gain recognition from the international Slow Towns movement which has the aim of creating a local environment that enhances the quality of life of its residents. Most recently the town is celebrating being the only Scottish nomination for an International Award for Liveable Communities.
A West Lothian town is celebrating being the only Scottish nomination for a prestigious environmental and community award thanks to work done by many of its voluntary organisations.
Linlithgow is nominated for an International Award for Liveable Communities (LivCom Awards).
The awards are given to towns and cities which improve the quality of life for their residents and visitors through environmental work and community organisations.
Linlithgow, which is already classed as a Fairtrade town, is famous for being the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. The Linlithgow Heritage Trust has taken care preserving both the ruins of the palace and surrounding loch for visitors and wildlife.
As well as looking after its environment the town was judged to have created a vibrant community through a variety of clubs, societies and voluntary organisations.
Its Burgh Beautiful group has involved the local community in making over specific areas of the town to generate civic pride and a number of local clubs have helped promote healthier lifestyles for its residents through activities such as cycling.
This is not the first time Linlithgow has been recognised for an international award. It is one of only two Scottish towns to be awarded Cittaslow (Slow City) recognition.
Earlier this year the town joined the Cittaslow movement, which gives recognition to towns that care about the people who live, work and visit them as well as protecting its local environment, promote local goods and produce, and encourage the individual character of the town.
Linlithgow is a finalist this time around in the Category A (Whole City) section of the LivCom Awards for towns with an average population of up to 20,000 and will be competing against towns from Ireland, China, Belgium, Australia and Canade for the title awarded at Dongguan, China, next month.
The nomination came after West Lothian Council, who will be sending someone over to the ceremony, submitted a 13 page application highlighting the sustainability of the town in June this year.
Council leader Peter Johnston said: “This is wonderful news for the town of Linlithgow and it adds to the growing list of prestigious accolades that are associated with the town.
“Linlithgow has a community with an array of voluntary organisations and community groups who are all committed to enhancing the vibrant town. Linlithgow residents have a great deal of civic pride and I am delighted that their efforts are being recognised on an international stage.”