A few facts and figures and a little bit of history
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East Kilbride has grown from its earliest days as a small village housing a few hundred people into a major centre of population and employment. Historically associated with the agricultural trades and weaving, East Kilbride is now a hub of industrial Scotland where many companies in engineering, manufacturing and high-tech industries have located over the past 60 years following its designation as a new town in 1947.
The town sits on high ground to the south side of Glasgow but is a part of Lanarkshire and currently under the governance of South Lanarkshire Council, although in the past the town has been run as a single local authority.
Historically, the name of the village was simply Kilbride, with the East being added in the 19th century to distinguish it from West Kilbride, in Ayrshire (so as not to confuse the postal service). The town’s name derives from ‘Kil’, the Gaelic word (cill) for a church, and St Bride an Irish patron saint, for whom it is likely an early church dedicated to her was located in the area.
The most famous historical figures to have been born in East Kilbride are John and William Hunter, born at Long Calderwood in the 18th century, both brothers became renowned anatomists, surgeons and pioneers of the medical profession.
The modern day town is a successful commercial and industrial area, with a growing population attracted by high educational standards, job prospects and a healthy environment in which to raise a family. East Kilbride has an active community and is well served by sports clubs and sports centre’s with Calderglen Country Park providing a scenic and popular place for recreation.
Population (census 2001): 73, 796
East Kilbride sits 590 feet above sea level
Life expectancy: Men 74.4, Women 80.3
Places to visit:
National Museum of Rural Life
Hunter House
Calderglen Country Park
James Hamilton Heritage Loch
The Shopping Centre
The Village
Ice Rink
Dollan Aqua Centre
