Friday June 6th 2025
Carmondean Farmhouse
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Stuart Sommerville
A group of self described “old codgers” are re-establishing a West Lothian community garden out of “a jungle”
Members of Livingston’s Community Shed pride themselves on solving practicable problems.
The biggest problem they want to tackle though is the renovation of the derelict Carmondean farmhouse bordering the garden as a community base where the so-called “ shedders” can put a lifetime of skills back to use to serve the community.
The members are currently working on a Community Asset Transfer plan with the council.
In a presentation recently to councillors and members of Livingston North Local Area Committee, chairperson David Piper said: “We’re working on an asset transfer to take over the farm house so that we can expand the range of what we offer. We have a wealth of talent and we could do much more. We want to put something back into the community.”
The group is active in woodwork, gardening, photography, electronics, arts and crafts. The shedders have also helped with upholstery and furniture repairs. They have built tables for infants in a nursery class as well as garden furniture for care homes.
They also now offer rural skills classes delivering mentoring and skills training to special needs schools including regular classes delivered to senior pupils at Cedarbank and Pinewood schools.
The shedders signed a 10 year lease for Carmondean Community Garden and have built a couple of sheds and workshop. They are redeveloping the garden and planting an orchard.
External funding will allow the team to build a greenhouse to further develop the garden.
Mr Piper said the teenagers loved working in the garden, and shedders mostly in their Seventies also enjoyed passing on their skills. “Working with the guys just gelled. It was just amazing to watch everyone. I think the kids got a lot out of it.”
Mr Piper added: “We’re in good shape going forward. We’d like to be more involved with the community. People come along and say ‘can you help with this?’ and nine times out of ten we’ll say yes. We’re problem solvers.”
He added: “We never ask for money for what we do, most of our timber donated, We’re in good shape financially, we don’t charge membership fees and help is given freely- we’re retired we have time and skills to give back and we’re quite proud of what of what we are achieving.”
Councillor Andrew Miller said: “It’s good to see the garden area being cleared out and put to good use. It will be really interesting to see if your get the farmhouse . It’s been many years since the last tenants moved out.”
Mr Piper said: “We are working through the forms and working on a business pan. It’s quite a task but we’ll get there.”
Chairing the meeting Councillor Anne McMillan: “The farmhouse is really dilapidated so I appreciate the scale of the refurbishment you would be taking on. That would be tremendous.
“You are quite rightly proud of what your members have done. Thank you for coming along today.”
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