Home Report Bellshill

The town of Bellshill in North Lanarkshire forms part of the Greater Glasgow area and sits about 10 miles to the south-east of the city. Nearby towns include Hamilton, Coatbridge, and Motherwell. It has an approximate population of around 20,000 residents.

Once part of the old Bothwell Parish in the late 1700s and a centre for hand looming and weaving, it was only in the 19th century when coal was discovered that Bellshill, as we know it today, began to emerge. New industry, machinery and people began were attracted to the area and by the late 19th century 20 deep coal pits were in operation. Iron and steel production were also central to the development of the town during the industrial boom until their eventual decline and closure.

Links with football are strong in the town, the Sir Matt Busby Sports Complex in the town was named after the footballer and the Sports Centre itself offers an Olympic standard pool, a large hall and health suite. Additionally, the nearby area of Viewpark was home to the famous Celtic player ‘Jinky’ Jimmy Johnstone who began his footballing career playing for St Columba’s team that won three trophies between 1953-54.

Besides the Sports Complex Bellshill has several more amenities practically on its doorstep. Most notably Scotland’s National Theme Park M&D’s is a short drive away, as is Strathclyde Country Park which offers 400 hectares of park and woodland surrounding Strathclyde Loch. There’s also Bellshill Golf Club and Hilton Hotel with leisure facilities including a spa.

As for local schooling, there are several primary schools: Holy Family Primary School, Sacred Heart Primary, Mossend Primary, Noble Primary, St. Gerard’s Primary and Lawmuir Primary. There are two fairly large secondary schools, Bellshill Academy and Cardinal Newman High School.