| Activity | In 1971 a Working Party met to discuss community facilities for the newly created area of Dedridge, Livingston. The Working Party consisted of representatives from Livingston Ecumenical Experiment, Midlothian County Council (in 1975 split into Lothian Regional Council and West Lothian District Council), East Calder District Council, the Livingston Development Corporation and the Scottish Education Department. The broad membership of the Working Party reflected the desire to create in "The Lanthorn" a facility that could provide for the needs of the entire community in one interconnected complex - a unique idea at the time. Later, the Congregational Church and the Catholic Church became involved. The final facility included two chapels, as well as a branch library and rooms for community use, including a sports hall.
The building was designed by G R M Kennedy and Partners, Edinburgh, funded by the Livingston Development Corporation, Lothian Regional Council, West Lothian District Council and the Congregational Church. The Roman Catholic Church also contributed to running costs. The building was completed and first used in 1978.
The word "Lanthorn" is the old Scots for lantern, symbolising, in this case, light and warmth. |