Armadale Research

Armadale is a town within the district of West Lothian in central Scotland. The population is estimated to be around 12,500 (2019). Armadale was a farm village. However, it has always been commercially important, being part of the main route that connects Edinburgh to Glasgow. Besides, large coal deposits on the area of Armadale were discovered, and new companies were founded with a consequential grown in population and services around 1851. Hence, the resulting boost in prosperity brought, in Armadale, a large number of families who were working in mines and pits. Nonetheless, the living conditions were quite poor, and according to Undiscovered Scotland, on the 1911 census, Armadale had the most overcrowded housing anywhere in Scotland. In the late 19th, the mineral resources were exhausted, therefore, businesses and part of the community moved away from Armadale. Despite that, Armadale strategic position between Edinburgh and Glasgow and, the links to these two cities, have attracted during the past years, more people to live in Armadale. However, it can be argued that, consequentially Armadale might be considered today, as a commuter town.

According to Citypopulation.de, Armadale community might be considered evenly distributed, with 51.1% of males and 48.9 % of female representing the total population. Looking at the population age distribution, it is also remarkable a certain homogeneity, as reported below. Age Distribution (2016) 

The Scottish Government has developed a tool called Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation with the scope to identify the areas with high levels of deprivation. For Armadale, the data reported by the Scottish Government suggested that there is a low-medium rate of people who are employment deprived. However, a medium-high level of health problems related to drugs and depression are recorded. Another data which seems relevant to our research is the low percentage for people aged 19-21 years old attending university. This data might suggest that skills hubs and training services could be necessary for the area.

Despite data reported might be discouraging, the Activate Armadale Regeneration Plan has been developed in accordance with the Community Empowerment Act 2015, which states that all Community Planning Partnerships in Scotland must develop plans for those communities which experience the poorest outcomes.  Services to support the community have been created such as: The Dale Hub, 26, Bathville Business Centre, which offers support for children and adults, with several activities. The Armadale Shed, 96-98 South St, where people can socialise, meanwhile they can do some carpentry works, weaving or metalwork. The Armadale Partnership Centre, 7 North St, offers a full range of activities, for adults and kids, including sports. The Armadale Local Library is part of the facility.

Written by Paola Seminara