Visiting Lanarkshire
Lanarkshire in Scotland
The Edinburgh Festival, the Loch Ness Monster, world-class golf courses, the Highlands and the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond bring millions of visitors from around the world to Scotland.
Lanarkshire is an undiscovered gem at the centre of Scotland that is only now starting to be recognised as home to many must-see attractions, including a World Heritage Site, spectacular and unspoilt scenery, ancient castles and Scotland's Family Theme Park. Lanarkshire is home to traditional towns such as Motherwell and historic market towns such as Lanark – with such diversity, modern town life and rural living will never be far apart. The area also offers the ideal base to explore the rest of Scotland; it is less than an hour's travel from Glasgow and Edinburgh and a day trip to the Highlands can be easily managed.
Welcoming Lanarkshire
Lanarkshire reflects Scotland’s identity, comfortably mixing ancient and modern; urban and rural; new technology and tradition.
Lanarkshire has boasted international trade and cultural links since the days of the Roman Empire and through the centuries has given birth to world renowned social reformers; medical, scientific and industrial innovators; sporting champions and cultural icons. Lanarkshire and its people have shared ideas and inspirations with the world and at the same time have been open and welcoming to ideas and individuals from other areas.
Lanarkshire straddles the Clyde Valley which was historically called Y-Strad-Cluyd – The Warm Valley; the International Children's Games is assured of a warm welcome here. Lanarkshire is the perfect location to experience Scotland encompassing breathtaking, unspoilt scenery to the south and north – while the Scottish Highlands can be reached in around an hour.
World-changing and historic
Historically Lanarkshire has been pivotal in the development of modern Scotland. It is currently home to some of the country's most modern companies – many of which are keen to support the Children's Games. Beyond Scotland the ideas and innovations of Lanarkshire’s people have helped shape the modern world – missionary and explorer Doctor David Livingstone; industrial pioneer and humanitarian Robert Owen; Keir Hardie, founder of the British Labour Party; 18th century medical pioneers William and John Hunter. Lanarkshire already boasts one World Heritage Site at New Lanark and is home to a second prospective World Heritage Site, The Antonine Wall – the northernmost boundary of the
ancient Roman Empire. Lanarkshire was also the starting point for William Wallace’s rebellion against the occupying forces of the English Crown, the inspiration behind the Hollywood movie ‘Braveheart’.
Natural, multicultural and fun!
Modern Lanarkshire boasts a vibrant, multicultural mix where traditions ancient and modern, Scottish and international sit comfortably side by side.
Special events such as The Shotts Highland Games and Scotland’s National Living History Festival in Lanark bring our history to life, while Lanarkshire can promise ICG participants, supporters and officials a wealth of fun not just in competition but away from the stadiums, sports grounds and pools. From the thrills and spills of go-kart racing, mountain biking, rock climbing, water sports and skateboarding to the more sedate pace of country walks or a leisurely cycle.
Lanarkshire’s natural heritage can be experienced at any one of its five country parks and at numerous nature reserves and conservation areas. Access to enjoy nature in Lanarkshire is easy, with an excellent network of local cycle paths which link into the national cycle network, and walking routes offering everything from a relaxing stroll to the challenges of the Southern Upland Way straddling Scotland from east to west.
Despite short distances and good transport links to Scotland's two biggest cities, Lanarkshire towns have retained their own strong identities and boast bustling high streets. Lanarkshire is also home to Scotland's largest covered shopping centre, East Kilbride Town Centre, which offers not only a wide range of shops but also a full-size ice rink and a multi-screen cinema.
Links for visitors
Lanarkshire information for business, visitors and residents
www.lanarkshire.comLanarkshire is a great place to visit and is home to a fantastic range of events
www.visitlanarkshire.com