The area where Livingston now sits was historically dominated by oil shale mining, which is evident from the bings which still exist on much of the surrounding landscape.
The designation of Livingston in the 1960s attracted new light industries to the area, with high technology and pharmaceutical companies moving into the town.
Livingston formed a major hub in Scotland's Silicon Glen.
Like most other areas this went into a slow decline with the closures of companies including Motorola and NEC.
Several multi-national companies still have factories in the town.
Sky UK is the largest private sector employer in West Lothian with a range of offices and contact centres.
Other large employers include those in the retail sector and in the health care sector the National Health Service, Q Squared Solutions and Quintiles IMS.
Witherby Seamanship, established in 1740, is one of the oldest publishers in the United Kingdom.
Their offices and warehouse is located in Livingston.
The area where Livingston now sits was historically dominated by oil shale mining, which is evident from the bings which still exist on much of the surrounding landscape. The designation of Livingston in the 1960s attracted new light industries to the area, with high technology and pharmaceutical companies moving into the town. Livingston formed a major hub in Scotland's Silicon Glen. Like most other areas this went into a slow decline with the closures of companies including Motorola and NEC. Several multi-national companies still have factories in the town. Sky UK is the largest private sector employer in West Lothian with a range of offices and contact centres. Other large employers include those in the retail sector and in the health care sector the National Health Service, Q Squared Solutions and Quintiles IMS. Witherby Seamanship, established in 1740, is one of the oldest publishers in the United Kingdom. Their offices and warehouse is located in Livingston.
Livingston, West Lothian