West Lothian (pop. 181,278) is a United Kingdom local government area in Scotland. It is a council area established in 1996, responsible for all local government services within its boundaries. West Lothian is located in eastern central Scotland, lying west of Edinburgh, between Falkirk and the Firth of Forth to the north, and South Lanarkshire to the south. Before 1975, West Lothian was a county of Scotland. From 1975 to 1995, it was a local government district within Lothian Region.
West Lothian is an area of rich farmland, rolling hills, and moorland. Its chief settlements are Armadale, Bathgate, Whitburn, and Livingston, the administrative center of West Lothian. Agriculture plays a strong part in the local economy. Leading international electronics, computer, and other high-technology firms moved to the area in the late 1900’s, and as a result, light industries of many kinds have flourished. Businesses operating in the area have easy access to Edinburgh’s international airport.
West Lothian contains the ancient town of Linlithgow. Mary, Queen of Scots, was born in Linlithgow Palace in 1542.
