Broxburn, in West Lothian, has a population of around 16,000, and its skyline is still shaped by the pink-tinted spoil heaps left behind by the world's first shale oil boom.
"Shaleopolis"
The discovery in 1858 that the area sat on oil-bearing shale transformed Broxburn almost overnight. The Broxburn Oil Company's refinery employed 700 people by 1862 and 2,000 by 1901, and so many firms were extracting oil locally that the town earned the nickname "Shaleopolis." Competition from cheaper crude oil pushed the industry into decline from the early 1900s, and West Lothian's shale industry finally stopped altogether in the 1950s.
A landscape of bings
The Greendykes Shale Bing — the largest in West Lothian and now a designated historic monument — is still visible from the Edinburgh to Glasgow railway line near the town, alongside the neighbouring Albyn Bing. Only a fraction of the region's shale reserves was ever mined, so these pink hills remain as a reminder of an industry that once employed around 40,000 people across West Lothian.
Sweets still arrive the same way as everywhere else
Broxburn's history is built on shale oil, 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, Broxburn 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 Broxburn?
Yes — the same as the rest of the UK, with most orders dispatched in 1-2 business days.
What are the shale bings in Broxburn?
Huge pink spoil heaps left by the shale oil industry, including the Greendykes Shale Bing — the largest in West Lothian and now a protected historic monument.
Can I buy bulk or wholesale sweets in Broxburn?
Not locally — we deliver bulk bags, multipacks and trade cases direct to Broxburn addresses.
Browse Pick 'n' Mix and Bulk Bags.