Lanark and Hamilton East Constituency

Introduction

Lanark and Hamilton East is a new constituency created as a result of the Fifth Periodical Report of the Boundary Commission for Scotland (2005) which reduced the number of Scottish constituencies from 72 to 57. It is made up of 12 wards from the former Clydesdale constituency, five from the old Hamilton North and Bellshill and four from the old Hamilton South constituencies.

 This area of South Lanarkshire is located in the central belt of Scotland and straddles the upper reaches of the River Clyde, extending into the Southern Uplands. The area encompasses a diverse mix of urban and rural environments. Its major settlements lie in the north of the area and include Hamilton, Bothwell and Uddingston. The rural area includes former market towns such as Lanark and former mining settlements such as Forth and Carluke.

Economic and Social Profile

Carluke is the Clyde Valley's largest town and sits on a high plateau overlooking the River Clyde. It lies on Jock's Burn northwest of Lanark, right in the heart of Lanarkshire's fruit growing area. It has a thriving shopping centre and has seen a recent boom in house building thanks to its direct train link with Glasgow. Thanks to its proximity to the Clyde Valley's major fruit growers, one of Carluke's biggest employers is a jam company. Other major employers in the area include glazers and light engineering firms.

The Royal Burgh of Lanark sits on high ground at the south end of the Clyde Valley. It is surrounded by rich countryside, bordered by the River Clyde. It is a historic place, full of buildings from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. With its roots firmly in agriculture, Lanark Auction Market attracts buyers and sellers from all over Scotland and the north of England. Lanark Loch is a popular weekend destination for families and dog walkers alike and its new decking and landscaping make it a popular backdrop for sunny lunches and picnics. Lanark Racecourse and the Scottish Equi Complex have many equestrian events throughout the year, attracting riders and horses from all over the world. Castlebank Park is situated near the town centre, close to the former site of Lanark Castle and is on the Clyde Walkway. It is reputed to be the place where William Wallace began the chain of events that led to the Scottish Wars of Independence.   New Lanark on the banks of the River Clyde near to the Falls of Clyde boasts the UNESCO World Heritage Site under the auspices of the New Lanark Conservation Trust.  The New Lanark Mill was once Britain’s largest cotton manufacturing centre and was the birthplace of Robert Owen’s far-reaching social and educational reforms, and forms the mainstay of this World famous visitor centre. 

Uddingston is a prosperous commuting town in the northern tip of the South Lanarkshire area. The town has a vibrant centre and nightlife and its proximity to Glasgow, Hamilton and even the M8 corridor to Edinburgh make it an attractive base for commuters. Uddingston is probably most famous for Tunnocks bakery, producers of the world-famous Caramel Wafer, Caramel Log and Teacake. This family-run business, founded in 1890 is still one of the main employers in the area but thanks to regeneration in the surrounding industrial estates, things are looking up for Uddingston. Other big employers include heating manufacturers.

Hamilton lies in the Central Lowlands of Scotland where the Clyde and Avon rivers meet at the head of the Clyde Valley's rich, agricultural lands. This bustling historic town was once the fiefdom of the Dukes of Hamilton. The Duke's Hunting Lodge at Chatelherault, Hamilton Mausoleum, the Low Parks Museum buildings and the Parish Church designed by William Adam are all reminders of the links between the town and the Hamilton family.   Horseracing has been famously linked with Hamilton since the 18^th Century and the current Hamilton Racecourse is a favourite venue for race goers throughout Britain. 

Larkhall sits in the rolling countryside of Avondale and is situated to the south east of Hamilton with excellent access to the M74 motorway. A draft regeneration programme to build on the major investment taking place in the town was launched in June 2004. Work on a £35 million rail link has been completed and a £17.4 million replacement for Larkhall Academy and £40,000 redevelopment of Larkhall town centre are in the pipeline. The reopening of the rail line in 2005 saw the reinstatement of the first passenger rail service between Hamilton and Larkhall since 1965.  Following the decline of the coal industry around Larkhall in the 1940s a programme of diversification in both manufacturing and services attracted new business to the area. Among today's large employers are plastic and blind manufacturers.

Carnwath is a farming village set in rolling countryside, on the edge of open moorland and with views to the Pentland Hills. Its proximity to the A70 makes it popular with commuters to Edinburgh. Carnwath is a very pretty village with hanging baskets along the main street and considerable effort has gone into improving the local environment in recent years. Carnwath holds the oldest foot race in Scotland and probably Europe, the Red Hose, dating from 1508.

The village of Law, which takes its name from the nearby Law Hill, lies on high ground on the east side of the River Clyde providing spectacular views of the Clyde Valley. Originally a mining village, Law remains a close knit community. Law Hospital which was actually outside the village closed down a few years ago when it was replaced by the new Wishaw General and many local people are still employed by the health service.

Bothwell is a pleasant, picturesque village centred on a conservation area, located between Hamilton and Glasgow, on the north east boundary of the River Clyde, with easy access to the M74 motorway.  Complete with Scotland's largest and finest 13th century castle and oldest collegiate church in Scotland still in use, the village is popular with commuters to Glasgow, Hamilton and East Kilbride. Its red sandstone villas and modern houses have attracted a number of affluent residents from premier league footballers to Lottery winners. The village has a number of category 'A' listed buildings including Bothwell Castle, Bothwell Bridge and Bothwell Parish Church. Although Bothwell feels like a village it has many industrial employers on its periphery. The main employers in the area include civil engineers and janitorial suppliers.

 

Constituency Map

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