West Lothian spans about 425 km² (164 sq mi) in Scotland.
Outline from Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey data, Open Government Licence v3.0.
Living in West Lothian
West Lothian is a county area in central Scotland, situated between Edinburgh and Glasgow and shaped by a mix of urban development and open countryside. Its location has long made it an important corridor for transport and settlement, influencing how towns and communities have grown over time. The landscape includes farmland, river valleys and areas of reclaimed industrial land, giving the area a varied and practical character.
The county includes towns such as Livingston, Bathgate, Linlithgow and Broxburn, each serving surrounding communities in different ways. Livingston developed as a new town during the twentieth century, planned to provide housing and employment, while Linlithgow has a longer history as a royal and market town. Other settlements grew through mining, shale oil production and manufacturing, shaping strong local identities.
West Lothian benefits from access to green space, canals and countryside alongside its towns, supporting walking and outdoor activity as part of everyday life. Regeneration and development continue to play a role, building on established communities and transport links. Overall, West Lothian offers a steady blend of working town heritage, accessible countryside and modern living, giving it a grounded and well connected character within central Scotland.
West Lothian at a Glance
Amenities & Getting Around
Source: NHS, National Rail and Open Charge Map.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of West Lothian?
West Lothian has a population of about 180,252 people, at a density of 424 per square kilometre.
Largest Towns in West Lothian 9
Location
Elevation & Terrain
West Lothian stretches from 141 ft at Linlithgow Bridge up to 869 ft at Little Vantage, a span of 728 ft across 82 towns and villages. This reflects notably varied terrain, with clear contrasts between lower valleys and higher ground.
Main Towns in West Lothian 18
West Lothian has 82 towns, villages and localities in total. The main towns are shown below. You can also browse the full A to Z of every place in West Lothian.
Postcode Areas in West Lothian 3
West Lothian is served by 3 postcode areas. Each area contains multiple postcode districts covering different parts of the county.