Home Report Lesmahagow

Lesmahagow, South Lanarkshire, is a small town of roughly 4500 residents sitting at a high elevation in rural Lanarkshire, providing views over the Clyde Valley. It sits to the south of nearby town Kirkmuirhill, and about 26 miles south-east of Glasgow city centre. It is primarily a residential commuter town for workers in wider South Lanarkshire and Glasgow.

Lesmahagow was once a thriving coal mining town with its own dedicated railway station on the Caledonian Railway and stopping point on the then upgraded Carlisle to Glasgow road. As time went on with the decline of the coal mining industries into the 20th century it saw a change in the town economically, shaping it into the commuter town we know it as today.

As such, the town has decent transport links mainly via the nearby M74 motorway. There is a regular bus service to Lanark and Glasgow. Unfortunately, the town has no dedicated train station of its own, the closest being in nearby Lanark to the east.

In terms of amenities and things to do the town has the usual independent businesses and shops. Rather uniquely, it is the location for the Scottish branch of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. An eco-farm is also located here and offers an insight into the Krishna way of life, Indian cultural tours, environmental talks, festivals (such as Holi – festival of colours, Henna, etc), retreats and meditation events. Also very worthy of note are the annual (and free) Highland Games which are held annually in June with Pipe Bands competing in Grades 1 through 4. There are also events for Highland dancing, weight over the bar, tossing the caber and archery.

In terms of local schooling, the town has two primary schools: Woodpark Primary School and Milton Primary School. The secondary school is Lesmahagow High School.