Even though Scotland boasts a long, rich history, Livingston is a modern development, created in the 1960s as one of the country’s ‘New Towns’ to help solve urban housing problems. Set within the scenic Almond Valley, just to the west of Edinburgh, it offers the chance to explore some wonderful Scottish scenery as well as the country’s top cities.
Countryside living
Enjoy the great outdoors and a dose of fresh country air while visiting Livingston. First stop, the nature reserve at Linhouse Glen. Take a stroll through thick woodland and flower-speckled heathland and see if you can spot brown hares, kestrels and wrens around the park.
Almond Valley Heritage Center is a scenic spot, set along a riverside. Kids will love it here – they can meet the residents of the farm, which includes donkeys, pigs, coats and highland cows. You can also watch milking demonstrations, help feed the animals and learn more about the local history at the onsite museum.
If it’s a rainy day in Livingston, the town is also home to some fantastic shopping malls, including its Designer Outlet. Here you’ll find more than 70 stores offering discounted fashion and beauty products from well-known brands.
A capital idea
No trip to this part of Scotland would be complete without visiting Edinburgh. A beautiful city that blends the ancient with the modern, the Scottish capital is a charming destination. Among its steep, cobbled streets you’ll find Edinburgh Castle, which commands attention atop a dramatic hillside.
Take a guided tour of the 11th century fortress and see the glittering Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of the Scottish monarchy, up close. From the castle, you can also enjoy dramatic views over the city, so don’t forget to take your camera.
After you’ve ticked off the stronghold, follow the atmospheric Royal Mile down to Holyrood Park, home to Arthur’s Seat. Stroll up to the summit of this ancient volcano and enjoy more brilliant views of the Scottish capital and out to the coast.
Glasgow’s artful side
Get a taste of Edinburgh’s sister city Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland. Home to a vibrant food and drink scene and excellent galleries and museums, it’s a brilliant place to spend a day if you have time to spare during your visit.
Begin your day trip at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Behind the elegant Victorian façade lies excellent exhibitions, with several works by the renowned Glaswegian artist and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, as well as Salvador Dali’s masterpiece ‘Christ of St John of the Cross’.
The award-winning Riverside Museum is also worth a visit – the free exhibition is home to an eclectic array of transport artefacts. Wander through recreated 20th century street scenes, hop aboard a vintage tram and get a selfie with a Stormtrooper.
To sample the city’s buzzing food scene, head to Finnieston, which has a growing reputation as a foodie quarter. Ox & Finch is a firm local favorite, so spend an evening sampling some of its best tapas-style dishes, which include seared scallops with black pudding and rabbit terrine with wild garlic.
Renting a vehicle for your visit to Livingston makes it possible to explore all this at your own pace and gives you the freedom to see more of Scotland and the UK.
