Initial works started in September to create a new space for local residents to reflect on their pandemic experience at Almondvale Park in Livingston town centre, beside West Lothian Civic Centre

The project is wholly funded by the Scottish Government and Greenspace Scotland through their Remembering Together project, which seeks to give all of Scotland’s 32 local authority areas the chance to reflect their unique experience of the Covid pandemic with the help of commissioned artists and creative organisations.

Scottish art and design studio Bespoke Atelier has worked extensively with West Lothian groups and communities to generate ideas, which aim to reflect that residents felt a renewed sense of appreciation for outdoor spaces and community togetherness following the pandemic.

The finished design includes a feature wall made of recycled stone and striking centre piece called ‘The Ribbon’ with artistic renderings of plants and flowers that symbolise remembering those who passed away as a result of the virus.

Construction is expected to be complete by the end of November 2024, with construction paused to avoid disruption with planned Remembrance events at the nearby War Memorial at West Lothian Civic Centre during November.