South Lanarkshire
Locator map for the Scottish administrative region of South Lanarkshire.
Unitary authority in south central Scotland, created in 1996 from three districts of Strathclyde region.
Area
1,772 sq km/684 sq mi
Towns Hamilton (administrative headquarters), Lanark, Rutherglen, East Kilbride, Carluke, Cambuslang |
Physical
area of stark contrast: predominantly rural to the south and urban to the north. The River Clyde flows through the area. Tinto (707 m/2,320 ft) is a key landmark to the south
Features
Craignethan Castle; Carstairs State Hospital, New Lanark
Industries
textiles, electronics, engineering
Agriculture
fruit cultivation in the valleys of the Clyde; less intensive grazing and stock rearing in the upland south; dairying around the urban core in the north
Population
(2001) 302,200
History
New Lanark village is a World Heritage Site, significant for the attempt to improve living conditions for workers and their families in the 19th and early 20th centuries
Economy The northern part contains de-industrializing towns, towns within the Glasgow economic system, and the new town of East Kilbride. To the south, a more rural economy prevails, focused aroung the market town of Lanark. The area is one of economic contrast. |
Environment There are 38 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, two National Nature Reserves, and three country parks. |
Administrative history The districts of Clydesdale, East Kilbride, and Hamilton were merged into South Lanarkshire in 1996. Prior to 1975, this area was part of the county of Lanarkshire. |
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