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As we move toward the next stage of the Community Asset Transfer process later this month, we wanted to take a moment to look back at what’s been achieved together so far.

The Bathgate Music Hub vision has always been shaped by you, the parents, carers, musicians, young people, community groups and local residents who spoke up for a dedicated home for music in Bathgate.

Here’s a quick recap of how far we’ve come:
🎵 Hundreds of local people took part in the consultation, showing clear and heartfelt support for a permanent space for music, learning and community activity.
🎺 Bathgate Band, Boghall & Bathgate Pipe Band, and Bathgate Concert Orchestra, all proudly carrying the town’s name, are still rehearsing outside Bathgate, highlighting the real need for a home within the community.
❤️ Our Community Benefits Report demonstrates more than £1.5m of social value in the first year, supporting wellbeing, inclusion, skills, confidence and community connection.
🤝 New partnerships are developing to bring accredited learning, outreach and community programmes into a space designed for everyone.
🌱 Throughout the whole journey, one message has come through again and again: Bathgate deserves a place where music can thrive.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the vision, your voices continue to shape the proposal and drive the momentum behind it.

We’ll share further updates later in February as things progress.

We’re pleased to share that West Lothian Council has now scheduled the next stage of the Community Asset Transfer process for the Music Hub, which is expected to take place in late February. This is an important milestone, giving us the opportunity to present the community’s vision for a dedicated space that supports learning, wellbeing, creativity, and inclusion right here in Bathgate.

The support we’ve received so far, from families, local organisations, musicians, and partners, has been incredible. Every message, share, and conversation helps strengthen the case for a permanent home where people of all ages can make music, grow in confidence, and find a sense of belonging.

We’re continuing to work hard behind the scenes to make sure the voices of our community are heard throughout this process. Thank you to everyone championing this project. Your backing really does make all the difference.

More updates coming soon!

Best regards,
The Bathgate Music Hub Project Team

To the Bathgate Community,

As we reach the end of 2025, we want to thank everyone who has shared their thoughts and support for the Bathgate Music Hub concept so far.

This year has been about laying the groundwork, listening to your ideas and building the case for a dedicated music and education space in the heart of our town. While the Hub remains in the planning and concept stages, the feedback we have received from the community is vital to turning this vision into a reality.

We believe 2026 could be the year Bathgate secures a permanent musical home. We look forward to continuing this journey with the community and the Council in the months ahead.

𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿.

Best regards,
The Bathgate Music Hub Project Team

Many of you have been asking what’s happening with the Bathgate Brass Band bid for Bathgate West Nursery, to establish Bathgate Music Hub – 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩:

𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 – Our Community Asset Transfer application was submitted to West Lothian Council.

𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 – We’ve had regular engagement with council officers and have been working towards a second, more detailed submission before Christmas.

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 – Fiona Hyslop MSP’s office has remained in contact, looking for updates and providing support where appropriate, helping ensure the project stays on track and visible.

𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 – Once the additional information is submitted, we hope council officers can complete their review and make recommendations to the CAT Board, which we expect to meet in January.

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 – We’re delighted to welcome Stage Skool as a potential member tenant, adding performing arts to the mix and creating even more opportunities for young people in Bathgate.

𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲’𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁? A permanent home for music and performing arts, a space for bands, orchestras, and the wider community to come together. We’re working hard to make it happen!

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁!

#BathgateMusicHub#SaveTheWeeMair#CommunityFirst

The Bathgate Procession began in 1844, honouring local philanthropist John Newland, and Bathgate Band proudly led that very first civic celebration. That tradition continues today, with the Band marking each year’s event as a living symbol of community pride and continuity.

Since that first Procession, Bathgate Band has stood at the heart of local life, playing for royal visits, remembrance services, gala days, and historic milestones. From Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II, we’ve helped soundtrack Bathgate’s biggest moments.

But our contribution goes far beyond performance.

Each year, our members dedicate over 6,500 volunteer hours to rehearsals, mentoring, and community engagement. We keep music alive in town halls and public spaces, fostering inclusion, resilience, and celebration through shared experience.

We reach thousands of residents annually through concerts, education, and outreach, helping young players build confidence, enabling intergenerational learning, and enriching lives with the power of music. Our presence is felt not just in brass and percussion, but in pride, memory, and connection.

Bathgate Band isn’t simply a musical group. It’s a community institution, forged in history, driven by volunteers, and rooted in public service.

Through Bathgate Music Hub, we aim to create a permanent home where this impact can grow — where rehearsal meets legacy, and future generations can find their rhythm in the heart of Bathgate.

Support our vision. Show your backing by leaving feedback today: