Lucy Lawson, the 26-year-old founder of the Bathgate Market and Car Boot Sale, has been awarded the 2026 Churchill Fellowship. The prestigious fellowship will enable her to travel across the UK, Germany and the Netherlands to study how successful markets support small traders, regenerate town centres and benefit local communities.
From University Project to Community Staple
Lucy launched the market after graduating from university, starting with a five-week trial that has since grown into a full-scale community staple. She runs the market through her community interest company, Unicorn Markets CIC, and has extended the lease multiple times. The market, held every Saturday at 9am at the Old Station Car Park in Bathgate, has become a vital platform for local microbusinesses and a social hub for residents.
Plans to Learn from International Markets
Lucy plans to study market models in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands, focusing on how they support small traders, revitalise town centres and benefit communities. She intends to bring those ideas back to West Lothian and share her findings with markets across Scotland. “There is a lot to learn from the models of more established markets, including how they best benefit their local communities and overcome challenges. I intend to learn from them and apply my knowledge to the markets I am already running,” she said.
Impact on Local Businesses and Residents
Lucy has seen firsthand how the market has helped small businesses flourish. “I’ve seen people make their ideas into reality. A baker started with us and now they have a full scale bread operation,” she noted. The market also provides social connection for residents. “Some people say they come and it’s the first person they spoke to all week. That’s what makes it so special to me is seeing how special it is for other people.”
She recalled a recent event: “We had an Easter bunny come the other week. A mum said she couldn’t afford to have taken her daughter to see the Easter bunny elsewhere. It’s just nice wee things.” Lucy emphasised the market’s reliability: “Rain or shine, we’re there every Saturday. It’s good to be there for people.”
Future of the Market
The Bathgate Market and Car Boot Sale continues to operate every Saturday. Lucy describes the market as her “absolute baby” and is committed to its growth. The Churchill Fellowship will allow her to enhance its impact by learning from international best practices.
