I may be from Scotland but really am having problems trying to decide what to do as I am unfamiliar with the area!
We (two adults, two children 1 and 4yrs) are visiting family members for the very first time and they reside in Livingston - it will be a long weekend trip. I am unsure if we should base ourselves there or in Edinburgh? Also are there any recommendations for places to stay? I would really appreciate any help.

I don't personally know any B&Bs in Livingston but I'm sute that are some. Are you going to have a car or taking public transport?

If you are driving I'd consider someplace like Linlithgow or Bo'ness. They are close to Livingston and outside of the crazy Edinburgh traffic, and are interesting in and of themselves. Convenient for seeing family, and convenient for Edinburgh.

http://home.clara.net/hollywoodhouse/ is in Bo'ness

or just one opssibility in Linlithgow http://www.thornton-scotland.co.uk/index.html

We stayed 5 nights at the Hotel Ceilidh-Donia, and loved it! Easy access to town center (we didn't have a car so we rode the bus every day) and great breakfast every morning.

website: http://www.hotelceilidh-donia.co.uk/
email: [email protected]

Will you be spending days and evenings with your relatives? Or are you just dropping in on them while you're there?

If it's the former, you may be better staying in or near Livingston for convenience.

For the latter, then stay in Edinburgh where you're closer to everything the city has to offer.

Tripadvisor.com has a few hotels listed in Livingston:

Holiday Inn Express
Ramada Jarvis
Best Western Hilcroft Hall
Houstoun House Hotel (fabulous and most expensive choice!)

Thank you so much for all your comments. Well I shall check out the accommodations first!
I noticed that the B & B in Linlithgow does ot accept children under 14
We are still undecided on the car or local transport? Leaning toward havingeth car as we have our own little ones (but my four year old LOVES trains!) I will be back!

Oh - that's too bad about the B&B. But there are several B&Bs in/near Linlithgow. A google search should find you some.

But no matter where you end up staying - be sure to take the kids to Linlithgow Palace. The 1 yo is a bit young but the 4 yo will LOVE it. All kinds of towers and staricases to clamber over. Plus it is in a aprk w/ a small lake.