11/03/2026
BATHGATE Band has been successful in its bid to secure the former Bathgate West Nursery School building, which it plans to turn into a hub for nurturing musical talent in West Lothian.
A year after West Lothian Council took the decision to close Bathgate West Nursery School, and seven others at the same time, its Asset Transfer Committee agreed this afternoon to approve the band's community asset transfer request for the former nursery building, at Millburn Road, Bathgate.
A condition of approval was that at the end of a combined four year lease period, the newly-established BBS SCIO shall pay full market value to purchase the property, less a discount that suitably reflects the positive outcomes that the project has delivered and is shown to be delivering at that time.
The property has been valued by DM Hall Surveyors at £300,000.
Bathgate Band had proposed to lease the property from the council under a Community Benefit lease and thereafter to purchase the property from the council for £1.
But a council official told the committee: "Officers do not agree that the property should be sold for £1. In accordance with the council's approved community asset transfer policy, officers recommend that the new SCIO (BBS) should have an option to purchase the property at full market value less a discount that suitably reflects the positive outcomes that the project has delivered and is shown to be delivering at that time.
"The more evidence of the good that's been done, the bigger the discount should apply."
The building was declared surplus to requirements by the council's Executive Committee in June.
The band plan to use the building as its permanent home and will invite other musical groups to support it in establishing Bathgate Music Hub.
The committee was told that under the band's proposals, the Bathgate Music Hub would be a shared resource, designed and initially governed by Bathgate Band, working in collaboration with a range of music organisations, including Bathgate Foundry Band, Bathgate Youth Band, Bathgate Buzzers, Bathgate Orchestra, Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band, Bathgate Sings and the Scottish Brass Band Association.
An objector, who had also wanted to purchase the property for use as a family home, yoga and wellbeing centre and youth sport facility, expressed concern about the financial sustainability of the proposed hub and the issue of operational reliance on volunteers. "Further clarification may be needed", added the objector, "In terms of bringing wellness to the community, I think it's valuable what I can bring."
Derek Brown, vice-President of Bathgate Band, told the committee: "Three ensembles that proudly carry the Bathgate name - the Bathgate Band, Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band and Bathgate Orchestra - have no permanent presence in Bathgate. All rehearse outside the town.
"For more than ten years, we have led a nomadic existence."
Mr Brown added that in year one, the hub was projected to deliver £1.5 million in community benefit. "Bathgate Hub is not just a building, it's a strategic investment in Bathgate's future," he stressed.
- Photo courtesy of Bathgate Band
