A popular West Lothian market had a scare when a fire broke out near their premises on Friday evening (July 17).
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene of a woodland fire behind B&M on Whitburn Road in Bathgate, nearby the Bathgate Market & Car Boot Sale.
An image from the scene appears to show a scorched area of trees with some burnt debris including a large tyre.
Lucy Lawson, 26-year-old founder of the market, said she received over 100 calls from concerned residents.
However, she reassured locals that the market was still on for Saturday and that “It takes more than a fire to stop Bathgate Market”.
The SFRS confirmed there were no casualties from the incident.
She posted on social media: “Well… this wasn’t quite the wake-up call I expected this morning. I had an early night so I could be up bright and early for Bathgate Market today, only to wake up to over 100 missed calls and messages about a fire at the market.
“And yes… somehow I slept through the entire thing. A huge thank you to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service for responding so quickly and getting everything under control.
“Thankfully, nobody was hurt and there is no permanent damage to the market.
“The first photo shows the fire damage from last night, and the second shows us getting everything ready to open as normal today.
“We’re expecting a really busy market and we’re open from 9am, with free face painting and free tooth gems too!
“Please come along, have a wander and show your support! It takes more than a fire to stop Bathgate Market.”
Lucy Lawson launched the Bathgate Market and Car Boot Sale three years ago as a university project and has kept it going, much to the delight of the West Lothian community.
We have previously reported on a spate of vandalism targeting the market which saw repeated graffiti and fires on the site.
A spokesperson from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “We received an initial call 9.13pm on Friday, July 17 about a trees in a wooded area on fire behind the B&M on Whitburn Road in Bathgate.
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“One appliance was dispatched and our crew left the scene at 10.03pm. There were no casualties.”
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