Home Report Stonehouse

Stonehouse began to develop more in the time of the agricultural and industrial revolution when it developed an excellent reputation for weaving, so much so that the local weavers became renowned for their workmanship. This brought much prosperity to the village so much so that many could outright own their own property. Streets of privately owned cottages were built such as those of Hill Road, Camnethan Street and Queen Street. These Streets form part of the conservation area and still retain the character and beauty of their former existence. Inevitably as the 19th century approached and came the weaving industry declined and some years later into the 20th century the main industry of the area became coal mining. Across Lanarkshire, there were some 190 pits of various sizes but have all now since closed with the once vast coal seems almost entirely worked out.

Today, Stonehouse is primarily a residential commuter town for Hamilton, East Kilbride and Glasgow. Its main street has the usual independent businesses and supermarkets but not as many amenities as nearby Strathaven or Larkhall. However, the village is close enough to both by car and bus to benefit from them.

In terms of transport links, the town is on the A71 trunk road between Edinburgh and Kilmarnock providing connections to the wider area and to the M74 a short journey away. Stonehouse has regular bus transport to the nearby towns of Larkhall, Hamilton, East Kilbride and Strathaven. While there was at one time a dedicated railway station, it, unfortunately, closed in 1965, and the closest station is now in Larkhall. The Larkhall station line does connect to Glasgow Central Station though.

As for amenities, the village has the usual independent businesses and shops but does not have too much else to speak of, but benefits from proximity to Strathaven and Larkhall in this regard. Both have plenty to choose from such as additional choice of supermarkets, children’s activities, cinemas, restaurants, pubs and more.

In terms of local schooling, Stonehouse has two primary schools: Stonehouse Primary and Newfield Primary. Both of these schools are within the catchment area of Larkhall Academy, but some children in the village attend Strathaven Academy. The closest Catholic primary school is St. Patrick’s Primary School in Strathaven.