Bathgate’s new-look Steelyard was the place to be on Saturday, when Enterprising Bathgate staged its first Classic Car and Harley Davidson Event.

This was the first opportunity to show off the new public event space which has been created by the re-design of the area, and both The Steelyard and the event itself proved to be a huge hit with all those attending, enjoying hours of sunshine and the first class display of beautiful cars and bikes. Visitors aged from under eight to over eighty attended the event, admiring the gleaming cars and bikes, with some petrol heads more interested in what was under the bonnets. Exhibitors were only too willing to discuss their pride and joy and a friendly atmosphere dominated the whole day.

Radio Grapevine provided the entertainment throughout the day, including music, competitions and interviews with exhibitors.

Members of Linlithgow Classic Car Club, X Members Car Club based in Whitburn, and the Dunedin chapter of the Harley Davidson Group all took part in the event, providing a real spectacle for both enthusiasts and the wider public.
Attendance exceeded all expectations and the event is seen as a forerunner for a greatly enhanced events programme for Bathgate town centre, utilising not only The Steelyard, but also the newly created additional events space at St.David’s Square in George Street.

Businesses from various parts of the town centre certainly appreciated the influx of visitors to the town:

Kevin from Baguette Express said,
"I was really pleased with the event and the turnout. Clearly the weather helped, but the event brought many people to the town and there was an increase in our business from a usual Saturday".

Sean from Bathgate Pet and Field Sports said,
"I had people who had come to the town for the event come into my shop who previously had not known I was here and said they will come back".

Lanna from Lanna's Tearoom said,
" I noticed an increase in the number of customers to my premises and a lot were new visitors".

Tony from Tony Iddison said,
"Apart from Newlands Day it was the busiest I have seen the town in years".

David Stein, Chair of Enterprising Bathgate explained the background, “Enterprising Bathgate and West Lothian Council successfully applied to the Scottish Government for funding from the Town Centre Regeneration Fund. Part of the award received has been used to make streetscape improvements to the pedestrian precinct in the heart of the town centre. Now that the new trees have been planted and the new seating is in place we hope that visitors to Bathgate town centre will take advantage of the re-furbished areas. Enterprising Bathgate will continue to work in partnership with West Lothian Council to bring other attractions and events to the town. This first new event shows the potential that exists for further development of an events programme. I am sure that anyone attending this event will look forward to further opportunities to visit our town.”