EAST KILBRIDE Scotland First New Town

In 1946, Glasgow City officials addressed the chronic housing shortage that plagued residents. They wanted a town that could ease Glasgow  burgeoning population.  

After scouting several likely areas, officials finally located a high ground on the south side of Cathkin Braes. This area lies about 13 kilometers southeast of Glasgow City. It is a fertile valley with Rotten Calder River flowing on the east side northwards to the Clyde River.

Glasgow officials carefully laid out the  plan for this new town right out from inception--- the streets, the segregated residential houses that surround the town center, roads, bridges, community facilities, schools, shopping centers, etc.

the result is East Kilbride. It’s Scotland’s very first meticulously crafted new town.

East Kilbride grew from a small village of around 900 inhabitants in 1930 to become eventually a large burgh. According to history, it got its name from Irish saint, St. Bride (or Brigit), a woman who founded a monastery for nuns and monks in Ireland sometime in 6th century BC. Her followers continued her work in Scotland. The term “Kil” in Kilbride comes from the Gaelic word “cill”, meaning monastery, church or burial place.Thus, Kilbride means a monastery of St. Brigit.

East Kilbride today, the town is famous for its large shopping center.  Six large sprawling shopping malls linked together comprise the venue. Residents call it “The Town Center". It got almost everything under one roof. A sort of a one-stop shop.

Notable Places Around East Kilbride

1. Dolan Baths Dolan Aqua Center
It was Scotland’s first 50-meters swimming pool. Designed by Alexander Buchanan Campbell and opened to the public in 1968, Dolan Baths soon became a buzzword in East Kilbride. It serves as a swimming pool and a leisure center.
    
An international organization known as DOCOMO, (International Working Party for Documentation and Conservation of Buildings, Sites and Neighborhoods of the Modern Movement) listed it in 1993 as one of the key monuments in Scottish architecture. In fact, it was listed as Category A building.

If plans push through, Dolan Aqua Center will host the swimming events for the 2011 International Children's Games.

2.Hunter House Museum
Located along Maxwellton Road, Calderwood, this museum serves as a monument to John and William Hunter. The two were known doctors who practiced medicine in the 18th century.The Hunter House Museum features items, displays and information about the Hunter’s childhood years, and their discoveries, and their contribution to anatomy and surgery.

3.Calderglen Country Park
if you follow south of East Kilbride on the Strathaven road, you will soon reach the place ideal for family picnics and outdoor fun.  This is Calderglen Country Park. It features a zoo, a Conservatory, Nature Trails, Visitor Center, and a very safe Play Area. This park is open all year. Free admission.

4.East Kilbride Arts Center
Located just outside East Kilbride village along Old Coach Road, this attractive Arts Center serves as multipurpose arts venue that offers arts-related course, classes, and events about arts and drama productions.

5.James Hamilton Heritage Park
Located in Stewartfield Way, this excellent park houses a small bird sanctuary as well as children play areas. It also features water sports such as rowing boats, pedaloes, windsurfing and boat sailing. A must-see and enjoyable park for all ages.

6.National Museum of Rural Life
Located along Wester Kittochside Philipshill Road, this interactive museum sits on a 70-acre well-kept farm. It features agricultural displays, children's toys, as well as a collection of Europe's biggest harvesters.

 East Kilbride are you a first time visitor? No need to worry about accommodations while in East Kilbride. There’s Holiday Inn Hotel, Macdonald Crutherland House Glasgow situated on a quiet tree lined drive surrounded by beautiful countryside, Bruce Hotel- a 4-storey building with modern amenities, and many others.

            These accommodations will make your stay in East Kilbride a pleasant, hassle-free, and memorable vacation.