Kirknewton – History and Crafts

Kirknewton Church largely retains the character of an 18th-century village church; at the same time, the shale oil industry shaped Kirknewton in the 1860s. A local craft studio adds creative activities to these historical themes.

Local history between church and industry

The church and industry offer different historical perspectives. The church represents an architectural heritage dating from the 18th century, while the shale oil industry shaped the area in the 19th century. This contrast between periods provides a way into different chapters of Kirknewton’s history.

During the Second World War, an airfield was built south of Whitemoss, becoming known as RAF Kirknewton. This adds a chapter clearly rooted in wartime to the area’s older historical associations.

Crafts and culture

Potter Around is a craft studio in Kirknewton, West Lothian. Visitors can, among other things, paint pottery, make jewellery and knit. The activities include different forms of hands-on creativity: from working with ceramics and making jewellery to a textile craft. The studio is located in a group of farm buildings on a working farm.

Military Museum Scotland displays artefacts, many of which visitors may handle under supervision. Jupiter Artland offers a different focus: this award-winning sculpture garden for contemporary art is located outside Edinburgh. The two cultural attractions appeal to different interests—handling artefacts on the one hand and contemporary sculpture on the other. The ways visitors can participate also differ: at Potter Around, they create things themselves, for example by painting pottery, making jewellery or knitting; at Military Museum Scotland, many of the artefacts on display may be handled under supervision.

Walking and fly fishing

The walk at Harperrig Reservoir and over East Cairns Hill is 14.5 km long and has an ascent of 561 m. The distance and elevation gain describe different aspects of the route: the number of kilometres indicates its length, while the elevation figure specifies the ascent. It starts at a passing place opposite the car park of Harperrig Fishery on the A70. The distance, ascent and starting point provide three concrete details to help you plan your visit.

Harperrig Fisheries is dedicated exclusively to brown trout; fly fishing is the only method permitted. Fishing here is therefore focused on one species and one method. The criteria differ when choosing between these outdoor activities: for the walk, the distance, elevation gain and starting point matter, while for fishing, the specialisation in brown trout and fly fishing is key.

The topics mentioned offer different starting points for planning your trip: Kirknewton’s history, craft activities, culture or a specific outdoor activity.

Discover more destinations: Livingston, Uphall, Pumpherston, Gullane, East Calder, Dunbar, Pencaitland, Linlithgow

For the wider travel guide: Lothian.