Armadale's name and its industrial history both trace back to the same period of 19th-century ambition, not all of which paid off.
From Barbauchlaw to Armadale
The town was originally called Barbauchlaw. Sir William Honeyman bought the estate in 1790 and renamed it Armadale, after his own estate in Sutherland. The railway arrived in 1855, carrying coal and ironstone to the Monkland Iron Company's works.
A shale works that didn't pay off
In 1865, two local businessmen sank a pit and built extraction plant for the Armadale Oil Works, betting on a seam of shale. The deposit wasn't of a paying quality, and after heavy losses the works were abandoned. By 1914, the wider town still had three collieries, a number of oil shale mines, a gasworks, five brickworks and a large steelworks — shale was only ever one part of its industrial mix.
Sweets still arrive the same way as everywhere else
Armadale's history is built on coal, shale and iron, not confectionery — so pick 'n' mix, bulk bags and trade cases for the town come by delivery, the same as the rest of West Lothian and the UK.
25,000+ customers, and counting
We've served over 25,000 customers UK-wide, Armadale and the rest of West Lothian included, with most orders dispatched within 1-2 business days. The range covers pick 'n' mix by the bag and tub, bulk bags from 1kg to 3kg, trade cases for events and businesses, vegan and halal-friendly sweets, retro favourites, and full chocolate ranges from the major brands.
Frequently asked questions
Do you deliver sweets to Armadale?
Yes — the same as the rest of the UK, with most orders dispatched in 1-2 business days.
Why did Armadale have an oil works?
Two local businessmen built the Armadale Oil Works in 1865, but the shale wasn't of a paying quality and the works were abandoned soon after.
Can I buy bulk or wholesale sweets in Armadale?
Yes — we deliver bulk bags, multipacks and trade cases direct to Armadale addresses.
Browse Pick 'n' Mix and Bulk Bags.