Larkhall
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Larkhall | |
| Scottish Gaelic: Larkhall | |
  Larkhall shown within Scotland |
|
| Population | 15,549 |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | |
| Council area | South Lanarkshire |
| Lieutenancy area | Lanarkshire |
| Constituent country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Motherwell |
| Postcode district | ML9 |
| Dialling code | 01698 |
| Police | Strathclyde |
| Fire | Strathclyde |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| European Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament | Lanark and Hamilton East |
| Scottish Parliament | Clydesdale & South of Scotland |
| List of places: UK • Scotland | |
Larkhall is a town in South Lanarkshire, Scotland and is around 18 miles southeast of Glasgow. Larkhall sits on high ground between the River Clyde to the East and the Avon Water to the West. Larkhall sits on the edge of the scenic Clyde valley and is rapidly turning into a commuter town for Glasgow.
Larkhall had a population of 15,549 recorded in the 2001 census, and is a typical west of Scotland industrial town. Traditionally a mining, weaving and textile area, most of Larkhall's traditional industries have now closed, including the Lanarkshire iron and steel works, leaving many people unemployed. It has been announced by South Lanarkshire council that over 2000 new houses are to be built in the coming years.
The town also has two junior football teams: Larkhall Thistle F.C. and Royal Albert F.C.. Larkhall is also home to an outdoor Karting track just outside of town where Lewis Hamilton was a regular in years gone by.
One of the town's most notable landmarks is the Morgan Glen viaduct standing over the Avon Water. At 170ft, it is the tallest viaduct in Scotland.
Larkhall has six primary schools and one secondary school called Larkhall Academy, which serves the surrounding region, including Stonehouse, Ashgill and Netherburn.
Larkhall lost its railway connection in 1965, the lines through the town having been a victim of the Beeching Axe. Trains returned to the town in December 2005, with the opening of the new Larkhall railway station on the Argyle Line, providing a regular service to Glasgow.
Larkhall is home to snooker player and 2006 World Snooker Championship winner, Graeme Dott. Previous residents include footballing brothers Jim McLean & Tommy McLean and Celtic legend Paul McStay.
