Livingston revealed as biggest buyer of jigsaws according to charity research (2025)

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland announced today that its second-hand shop in The Centre sold an impressive 1890 jigsaws in just 12 months, helping to raise funds for its vital heart research.

Livingston has been revealed as the biggest buyer of jigsaws as it tops a shopping poll of nearly 700 charity shops across the UK.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland announced today that its second-hand shop in The Centre sold an impressive 1890 jigsaws in just 12 months, helping to raise funds for its vital heart research.

The announcement comes as new research into retail habits from BHF found that we have become a nation of pre-loved shoppers with 78% of the Scottish public now regularly shopping second-hand.

The ‘Re-use, Reduce, Recycle’ generation of mindful shoppers is becoming more cost savvy and environmentally conscious, with a quarter (27%) of shoppers in Scotland choosing pre-loved every week.

The results of a new survey commissioned by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) which has 680 shops across the UK, including 68 in Scotland, found four in ten of those surveyed (45%) now look to see if they can buy something second hand before buying it new, with more than a third (41%) of Scottish shoppers choosing to wait for a second hand find rather than splashing out on buying an item new.

On average, consumers surveyed shop second hand four times per month.

Michelle Armstrong, Livingston’s BHF store general manager, said: “It is amazing to think that we sell the most jigsaws in the UK. We knew there was a high turnover, but we never realised it was that high. Who would have guessed that Livingston is such a hotspot for puzzlers!

“Our incredible staff and volunteers check all of the donations that come in and make sure the display is constantly stocked. They do an amazing job. We are always looking for donations for our entertainment section, as well as the rest of the shop, so I hope this inspires people to have a clear out and donate any of their unwanted games, toys, books and of course, puzzles.”

This month marks the start of Reuse Revolution, the BHF campaign raising awareness of the benefits of shopping and donating via its 680 nationwide shops – preventing good quality items from ending up in landfill, saving consumers money and helping to fund lifesaving research.

David McColgan, Head of BHF Scotland, said: “We are so grateful to savvy shoppers in Livingston, and throughout Scotland, for choosing to shop with us.

“Whether you’re buying a beanbag, a bed or shopping for a whole home makeover, you can visit your local British Heart Foundation shop, or browse our online stores, to pick-up some unique bargains.

“This spring we are asking the public to join the Reuse Revolution and shop, or donate preloved furniture, homeware, clothes and toys while helping to raise vital funds for lifesaving heart research.”

In a year, the BHF saves over 54,000 tonnes of goods from going to waste, including 186,000 sofas and armchairs. In a year, the charity resells 11,000 tonnes of preloved clothes.

Shop and donate with the British Heart Foundation and become part of the Reuse Revolution this spring, visit www.bfhf.org.uk.

Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here.