The old Croftmalloch Farm estate and farm steadings were situated just to the South of Whitburn at the other side of the White Buren from the town.

The Croftmalloch farm and Estate

Not to be Mistaken for the former Brucefield Parish currently known today as ‘Croftmalloch house. the original Croftmalloch steadings have long Gone. They have been demolished. and the area developed into what is now the Croftmalloch housing scheme. If you walk the lane that runs between Raeburn crescent and Reveston Lane in Whitburn, you will see a little grass clearing. This lies at the back of the houses of both streets. It was right around this spot where the original Croftmalloch Farm steadings were situated.

The History of the Farm Estate

Was Croftmalloch Part of Whitburn?

At the time of the development of the Croftmalloch housing estate, One issue was prominent amongst local debate. ‘Is Croftmalloch actually Whitburn?”. Many of the original Locals of Whitburn will argue that the Towns boundaries Go from the River Almond to the North of Whitburn and the White Burn to the South. Of course, y this rule, it would put Croftmalloch just on the Outside of the Towns original Boundary. But why all the fuss? Isn’t this a little bit pedantic to say the least? Well, I guess that depends on how One feels about the Old divide and Rule.

A Catholic Free Town

Since the secession of the Brucefield Church in the early 19th century, Whitburn would stoutly defend it’s ‘No Catholicism’ vow and many today still argue that there are no Catholic Churches in Whitburn. The towns only catholic church, Saint Josephs was built in the 1970’s at the same time as the housing scheme.Situated only a few yards away from the Brucefield South Church, the chapel lies on th other side of the water.

The White burn which gave the town its name, runs between them both. This creates a border not only between Whitburn and Croftmalloch, but also between the ‘Catholic Free Zone’ and an area where the Roman church is tolerated.