What started as a simple idea, an outdoor yoga session on a Saturday morning, turned into something much more meaningful for the Bathgate community this weekend.
Hosted by Butterfly Yoga in support of West Lothian 50+ Network, the session saw over 50 people of all ages gather at the Archery Field behind Xcite Bathgate. There were toddlers copying poses beside their grans, mums and dads stretching beside teenagers, and long-time Network members sharing a laugh with first-time yogis.
What stood out wasn’t just the yoga, it was the mix. The easy-going atmosphere and open invitation made it less about perfect poses and more about connection, calm, and giving it a go.
“You had families across three generations, kids trying it for the first time, and some of our regulars who’ve been doing yoga for years,” said Jamie Seery, Charity Manager at West Lothian 50+ Network. “It didn’t feel like a fitness session, it felt like a proper community morning. That’s what we need more of.”
The Network, which supports people over 50 to stay active, social and connected, runs over 80 weekly groups across West Lothian, from walking clubs and exercise classes to art and coffee meetups. The funds raised on the day will go towards helping them continue that work.
Once the stretches were done, nobody rushed off. People lingered, chatted, eat cake in the park and that’s where the real magic happened. The yoga brought them there, but it was the conversations that made it something special.
For more information on West Lothian 50+ Network and how to get involved, visit www.westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or pop into the Members Hub at 14 George Street, Bathgate.
