Discover Pumpherston

Pumpherston: Industrial history, park and golf

Pumpherston brings together different travel interests: the history of the shale oil industry, Letham Park and Pumpherston Golf Club. When deciding where to stay, you can consider whether the history of settlement, a parkland landscape or golf should shape your visit. These themes differ considerably: the industrial history spans from the late 19th century to the decline after the Second World War, while the park and golf course offer other focal points.

The shale oil industry and its settlements

From the late 19th century until the decline of the local industry after the Second World War, Pumpherston was the centre of the shale oil industry. In this context, Pumpherston South Village was built south of the earlier Pumpherston North Village to house workers at Pumpherston Oil Works. The sequence of the two settlement areas places their development within the history of the oil works: North Village came first, and South Village was established later as a home for workers.

The Works Rows still remain in Pumpherston North Village. In South Village, rows of houses on Uphall Station Road near the bowling club are still visible. The distinction is useful for understanding the area: the Works Rows are a surviving feature of North Village, while South Village is characterised by visible rows along a particular road. A Co-op shop was also built in North Village, near the corner of Uphall Station Road and Drumshoreland Road.

The community aspect of this history has also been recorded: the shale oil families in Pumpherston organised and took part in Gala Days. As a historic community tradition, these events shift the focus from industrial work and residential settlements to the families’ community life.

Letham Park and its walking route

Letham Park consists of a wet meadow and a small wooded area to the north. A lit asphalt path connects the park to Uphall Station Road to the east and Craigshill to the southwest. The landscape and path have different characteristics: the meadow and woodland describe the park’s composition, while the surface, lighting and two directions define the connection. In 2021/22, the path surfaces and drainage in the park were improved. Individual path conditions can change. Check the current conditions before your visit if this path is important to your plans.

Golf as another focal point

Pumpherston Golf Club has a 6,036-yard, par-70 course that is mostly tree-lined. Golf enthusiasts will find both measurable details and a landscape feature: length and par provide numerical details about the course, while the trees add to its character. By contrast, Letham Park is defined by its landscape features and walking route. The planning considerations therefore differ for golf enthusiasts and travellers interested in parkland and paths.

Discover more destinations: Gullane, Kirknewton, Whitburn, Uphall, Bathgate, East Calder, Livingston, Linlithgow

For the broader travel overview: Lothian.