East Calder
With Scotland’s capital and the Pentland Hills Regional Park on the horizon and the Calder Valley on the doorstep, East Calder is an ideal place to live if you work in Edinburgh and also love the great outdoors.
There’s a ready-made work-life balance to be had in this small market town, one of a group of three ‘Calders’ just west of Edinburgh. The town is bypassed by the A71, so you’ll have a good route on hand, which helps the community here to thrive without creating a traffic issue in the heart of the town. There are local shops and schools, a medical practice and a leisure centre. Livingstone is just up the road for a wider range of facilities, and Edinburgh is there for the best of city life. You can be right in the heart of the capital in under an hour if you drive, and in even less time by train from Kirknewton where services run every 20 minutes.
New Homes in East Calder
Living in East Calder
Commuting into Edinburgh
The A71 is the nearest direct route, though the M8 is within easy reach too. Both join The City of Edinburgh Bypass, the A720, serving many different routes into the city centre. Commuting by train couldn’t be easier. There are frequent ScotRail train services from Kirknewton into the heart of Edinburgh (as well as to Glasgow Central). Lothian Country Buses are another option, with services into the capital running every 30 minutes.
Time out
East Calder and adjoining Livingston both have leisure centres – the one in Livingstone includes a pool. Close to Junction 2 of the M8, the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena is a great place to challenge yourself if you don’t mind heights. If you want to get off the beaten track, head up into the Pentland Hills on one of the walking routes from the A70 and enjoy the stunning views from East Kip. For a gentler walk, try the Almondell & Calderwood Country Park – it’s only a 15-minute drive away.
Term time
There are two hometown primary schools for younger children, high schools in West Calder and Livingstone, and Edinburgh has several independent school options. For further education, West Lothian College in Livingstone is a popular option for its wide range of courses. It’s only 3 miles away and there’s a regular bus service.