Lanarkshire

Lanark, the county town of Lanarkshire, means ‘glade’, or ‘open space’. Amongst the woodland of Lanarkshire are the Falls of Clyde, a series of impressive waterfalls. As well as the beautiful natural landscape, two out of Scotland’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be found in Lanarkshire.

Named a Royal Burgh in 1140, it is home to a number of historical buildings, including Bothwell Castle and the David Livingstone Centre.

Lanarkshire has seen many battles in its time. In 1297, William Wallace killed the Sheriff of Lanark, prompting the Scottish Wars of Independence, and in 1568 Mary Queen of Scotts was defeated at the Battle of Langside, leading to her imprisonment. 1679 saw the Battles of Drumclog and Bothwell Bridge.

In the 19^th century, Lanarkshire began to develop an iron and steel industry, following the discovery of iron deposits. The Summerlee Industrial Museum in Coatbridge provides an insight into industrial life in the area.

Lanarkshire has a wide variety of places to visit, from the vibrant bustle of Glasgow- Scotland’s largest city, to the natural beauty of the Falls of Clyde near New Lanark.

Golfers will be in their element in Lanarkshire, they can take their pick from flat courses, challenging courses, tree-lined holes, and clear parkland.

Those wishing to learn more about the history of Lanarkshire can choose from a range of museums and heritage sites, including the New Lanark World Heritage Site, and Scotland’s oldest public museum, the Hunterian Museum.

Architecture fans can enjoy the work of Scotland’s most famous architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh with a visit to his House for an Art Lover in Bellahouston Park, or The Lighthouse Centre for Design and Architecture.

Art lovers will feel at home at the Gallery of Modern Art, Scotland’s most visited art gallery, or the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow’s West End, while nature fans can relax in the Glasgow Botanic Gardens or the tranquil Aucholan Garden Village in Lanark.

Lanarkshire is well connected, with both Glasgow Airport and Glasgow Prestwick Airport. By road, Lanarkshire can be reached through the M74, M77, and the M8.

Travel within Lanarkshire is convenient, with options including Glasgow’s Subway, buses, trains, and national cycle routes, as well as by car.