Great Places to Live: East Kilbride, Lanarkshire

Located near the northeastern tip of South Lanarkshire in Scotland is East Kilbride, the county’s largest town. As Scotland’s first designated ‘New Town’, East Kilbride was expanded to provide homes for what was at the time the overcrowded City of Glasgow, located just 9 miles to the north and separated from the town by an expanse of green belt. For those looking to move to the Glasgow area, but not wanting to commit to full-time City life and eager not to have to endure a long and tortuous work commute, this could be the perfect place for you - a lively town surrounded by beautiful country parks and waterways.

East Kilbride countryside

It is thought that the town’s early settlement formed around a Christian church dedicated to the Irish saint, Saint Bride, which is where the name East Kilbride originates from. This was followed by later nearby settlements at Mains Castle which has been restored into a private residence, Torrance Castle also restored and split into two houses, and Lickprivick Castle, which unfortunately no longer stands. Exploding with green spaces, the town is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities and family time in the various country parks. For those who like to regularly practice their swing, there are so many golf courses in the surrounding area you really will be spoilt for choice. There is also an aqua centre with pool, flume and tire rides as well as a sauna, steam room, sanarium, and relaxation area, Community Centre, several sports centres, gyms, a train station, a hospital, and James Hamilton Heritage Park and Loch. For those who love to shop, EK, East Kilbride Shopping Centre is Scotlands largest undercover shopping centre with over 180 brands to choose from. If you like evenings out, there are many restaurants in East Kilbride catering to a variety of tastes. Everything from Asian cuisine to Spanish tapas can be found in the town centres eateries. We recommend trying the food at Number 38 Bar & Grill which is both tasty and gorgeously presented.

Glasgow

East Kilbride is ideally situated for access to Glasgow, who’s city centre can be reached within 30 minutes by either car or train. If your interest lies in culture you’ll be sure to visit this thriving hub often given that Glasgow is home to Scottish Ballet and Opera and the National Theatre of Scotland, not to mention the many museums, galleries and gorgeous Victorian and art nouveau architecture that can be found across the City. To the west of East Kilbride, there is a collection of lochs, reservoirs, and dams. Still further west on the south Clyde estuary is the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, a glorious 108 square miles of Scottish countryside, the perfect place for families who love the outdoors. Here you can enjoy sailing and paddle sports, power boating, cycling, walking, and some truly wonderful wildlife activities.

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park

An excellent place to settle down in whether you have children or not, it is worth mentioning that there are some excellent schools in the East Kilbride area and indeed given its proximity to Glasgow and even Edinburgh which is an approximately 2 hour drive to the east, is a great location for those needing access to Scotlands finest universities. All East Kilbride schools are no more than a 10 minute drive away.

Nursery Schools: Glenburn House Nursery, Childcare, and Early Learning, Kirriemuir Nursery, Kirktonholme Nursery, Busy Bees, Toybox Nursery, Harlequin Kindergarten, Jack and Jills Pre 5s Nursery, Little Scholars Nursery.  

Primary Schools: Hunter Primary School, St Leonard’s Primary School, Kirktonholme Primary School, Murray Primary School, Blacklaw Primary School, Maxwellton Primary School, East Milton Primary School, Mount Cameron Primary School, St Hilary's Primary School, Canberra Primary School, Cairns Primary School, St Kenneth's Primary School, Long Calderwood Primary School.

Secondary Schools: St Andrew’s and St Bride's High School, Calderglen High School, Sanderson High School, Duncanrig Secondary School, Claremont High School

Special Schools: West Mains School, Greenburn School.

The 'Coull'

Merlin Gardens is a beautiful collection of modern new homes in East Kilbride. This new development enjoys a suburban feel with all the conveniences of a thriving town. A selection of 3 and 4 bedroom homes with prices between £188,995 - £289,995 and available through the Help to Buy scheme.

The 'Coull' living room
 

Featured Home: Plot 195, the ‘Coull’. A 3 bedroom mid-terrace home that’s perfect for the first time buyer, priced at £188,995. This home can be secured with just a 5% deposit. The spacious lounge at the rear of the home is perfect for entertaining friends and family, with space for a dining area and access to the garden. There is also a separate kitchen, as well as a WC. Upstairs, you will find two double bedrooms, a single bedroom, and a family bathroom. This house is particularly bright, letting in oodles of natural light. From Barratt Homes.

The 'Coull' kitchen

The 'Coull' double bedroom