Over one hundred pupils from Croftmalloch, Polkemmet and Whitdale Primary Schools participated in online museum sessions before working with their class teachers to create content for the time capsule. The content includes drawings, photographs and writing. Together, they provide a snapshot into life at Whitburn primary schools today.

The capsule also includes some of the pupils’ thoughts and feelings about the Covid-19 lockdown. The time capsule will be opened in fifty years’ time. It is hoped that it will provide future generations of residents with insight into Whitburn life in the 2020s.

West Lothian Council’s depute leader, Kirsteen Sullivan, met a selection of pupils and staff from each of the schools at the site of the new Whitburn Partnership Centre to hear more about the project.

Councillor Sullivan said: “It was fantastic to see the pupils clearly so enthused by this project and embracing being a part of the local community. They and their classmates are now a part of the rich local history of Whitburn and this will hopefully be a fond memory they will always be able to look back on.

“The new Partnership Centre will host a wide range of community facilities under one roof and is set to play a key role in the future of Whitburn.”

Maxi Construction is leading on the delivery of the new Partnership Centre facility and they assisted the pupils with the task of safely depositing the time capsule into a section of the wall in the area which will house the Whitburn Heritage Museum upon completion.

John Aitchison, Maxi Construction’s managing director, said: “We’re delighted to continue our successful association with West Lothian Council in the provision of facilities for local communities. We hope that the residents of Whitburn benefit greatly from the new Partnership Centre which has conserved the historic Burgh Halls and will provide multiple services in the heart of the community.”