About Us

West Lothian Savings & Loans is the new trading name for Blackburn Seafield & District Credit Union.

The name was chosen as it tells exactly what we do – savings and loans, and the area we now cover but we are still a credit union providing affordable financial services to our members.

Blackburn, Seafield & District Credit Union was formed in 1994.  It was originally set-up to serve the residents in the villages of Blackburn and Seafield.  We now serve anyone who lives or works in the towns and villages of West Lothian including Harthill and Eastfield in North Lanarkshire.

For The Community

West Lothian Savings & Loans represents an accessible, local place to save and borrow.

We are local, friendly, non-judgemental and approachable. We know a lot of our members and their extended families.  We are not, and never will be, a faceless corporate system. We exist to help people, not to make profits from them. 

We are a dependable, local asset where people can borrow and save, this is especially important in West Lothian now, given only Bathgate and Livingston have banks.

West Lothian Savings & Loans is a fully inclusive organisation that serves the whole of the  community. All people no matter their socio-economic background and income can be helped by the credit union. It is an organisation that brings all parts of our local communities together.

Volunteering

Our credit union consists mainly of volunteers. The efforts of our staff and committee have ensured that our credit union has helped so many people over the years.

We believe in the power of community, and our volunteers are the backbone of our work. The Credit Union needs more volunteers to help at collection points and strengthen the Management Committee to enable it to meet changing regulations and push the Credit Union forward. 

If you would be interested in joining us and helping guide our credit union into the future then please get in touch. Volunteering for WLS&L will not take too much of your time and will provide anyone who does so with much satisfaction.
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Bring along your own skills, learn new skills and make new friends. We provide the tea and biscuits! We can also help you gain the skills and confidence to return to work or further education by learning  e.g. face-to-face customer service, telephone, cash handling, computer skills.

Our History


Blackburn Seafield & District Credit Union started as a project run by Save the Children in Blackburn under the direction of Val Strong. It was the 99th credit union registered in Scotland , serving the residents of the villages of Blackburn and Seafield.


By 2003 the credit union’s growth lead to the catchment area being extended to  the towns and villages to the west of Livingston, the villages of Harthill and Eastfield in North Lanarkshire and the takeover of Bathgate Credit Union. The office was open 6 mornings a week , staffed by Mary and Lisa and a number of volunteers. The extended catchment area lead to the opening of satellite collection points in Addiewell, Stoneyburn, Fauldhouse, Whitburn, Armadale, Bathgate and Boghall.

Credit Union Aims

Not-for-Profit Structure

As cooperative organisations, Credit Unions prioritise the financial well-being of their members rather than maximizing profits. This allows them to set lower interest rates on loans.

Shared Economic Interest

Members of a Credit Union often share a common bond, such as living in the same community or working for the same employer. This shared economic interest can lead to more favourable loan terms.

Member-Owned

Credit Unions are owned and controlled by their members. This means that decisions about loan rates and terms are made with the best interests of the members in mind.

Reduced Overhead Costs

Credit Unions typically have lower overhead costs than traditional banks, as they often operate on a smaller scale and may not have the same extensive branch networks. These cost savings can be passed on to members in the form of lower loan rates.

Community Focus

Credit Unions are often deeply involved in their local communities. This focus can lead to a more personalised approach to lending, with a greater emphasis on helping members meet their financial needs.

Frequently asked questions

  • Anyone who is a member of a Credit Union can potentially receive a Dividend.

  • We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

  • As of 2023, there are over 86,00 Credit Unions operating in 118 countries worldwide.

  • To be eligible for a loan, you must be a current member of our Credit Union and have a consistent savings record.

  • Our current rate is 12.68% APR

    £500 repaid over 52 weeks will cost around £33 in interest (weekly repayment £10.26)

Become a volunteer today

Help make a difference by volunteering.