Lanark

The town's name is believed to come from the Brythonic {{lang|xcb|Lanerc}} meaning "clear space, glade".{{cite book |last1=Darton |first1=Mike |title=The Dictionary of Scottish Place Names |date=1990 |publisher=Lochar Publishing |location=Moffat |isbn=0948403489 |page=169 |url=https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofscot0000dart |access-date=9 May 2025 |language=en-GB |oclc=28295164}}{{cite book |last1=Nicolaisen |first1=Wilhelm Fritz Hermann |author1-link=W. F. H. Nicolaisen |title=Scottish Place-Names: Their Study and Significance |date=1986 |publisher=B T Batsford |location=London |isbn=071345234X |pages=164, 172 |edition=Reprint |url=https://archive.org/details/scottishplacenam0000nico_b6e2/ |access-date=9 May 2025 |language=en-GB |format=Paperback |oclc=263711965}}

In May 1297, the action at Lanark is said to have seen William Wallace, later a prominent figure in the First War of Scottish Independence, joining the uprisings taking place across Scotland with an attack on the English Sheriff of Lanark, William de Heselrig, killing the sheriff and many of his men.{{cite web |title=The Story of William Wallace |url=https://www.nationalwallacemonument.com/william-wallace/ |website=National Wallace Monument |access-date=9 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250509131842/http://web.archive.org/screenshot/https://www.nationalwallacemonument.com/william-wallace/ |archive-date=9 May 2025 |language=en-GB |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=The Struggle |url=https://wallace.scran.ac.uk/story/struggle.html |website=Wallace 700 |publisher=Scran |access-date=9 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530115857/http://wallace.scran.ac.uk/story/struggle.html |archive-date=30 May 2024 |language=en-GB |url-status=live}}

Lanark originally had four town gates, West Port, East Port, Wellgate and Castlegate. West Port gate was demolished in the 1770s.{{cite book |last1=Wilson |first1=Rhona |title=Old Lanark |date=1998 |publisher=Stenlake Publishing |isbn=1840330198 |language=en-GB |oclc=39002566}}{{Page needed|date=May 2025}} Later toll gates were constructed at Cartland Bridge and Lanark Racecourse around 1820. These were relocated to the former site of Lanark Auction Market following the abolition of tolls in 1883, with the Cartland Bridge toll gates still present and protected as a listed building.{{cite web |title=Cartland Toll Gates |url=https://www.lanark.co.uk/history/hidden-history/cartland-toll-gates |website=Discover Lanark |access-date=9 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009135135/https://www.lanark.co.uk/history/hidden-history/cartland-toll-gates |archive-date=9 October 2024 |language=en-GB |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Hyndford Road, Gates, Gatepiers and Railings at Auction Room and Cattle Market (LB37024) |url=https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/apex/f?p=1505:300:::::VIEWTYPE,VIEWREF:designation,LB37024 |website=Historic Environment Scotland |access-date=9 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130082929/https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/apex/f?p=1505:300:::::VIEWTYPE,VIEWREF:designation,LB37024 |archive-date=30 November 2024 |language=en-GB |url-status=live}}

The first aviation meeting to be held in Scotland was held at Lanark Racecourse between 6 and 13 August 1910. This location was chosen because the land was relatively flat, the racecourse already had facilities for a paying public, there were stables to act as hangars for the aeroplanes and the racecourse was accessible by both road and by rail, especially as The Caledonian Railway Company were prepared to construct a new station near the main entrance. The aeroplanes were transported to the meeting by rail, as aviation technology at the time was not advanced enough to safely fly there. The Lanark meeting took place shortly after a similar event in Bournemouth at which Charles Rolls died. Influenced by this, it was decided that no aircraft would fly closer than {{convert|300|yd|sigfig=2}} away from the spectators. For the first time, aeroplanes were accurately timed over a straight measured distance, allowing the first world records to be set, covering flights over {{convert|1|mi}}. The meeting was described by The Aero magazine as 'the most successful yet held in Britain'.{{cite book |last1=Ord-Hume |first1=Arthur W. J. G. |title=Scotland's Aviation History |date=2014 |publisher=Stenlake Publishing |isbn=1840336536 |language=en-GB |oclc=880770460}}{{page needed|date=May 2025}}

A permanent military presence was established in the town with the completion of Winston Barracks in the 1930s.{{cite web |title=Hyndford Road at A70, Winston Barracks, Sergeants' Mess (LB46982) |url=https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/apex/f?p=1505:300:::::VIEWTYPE,VIEWREF:designation,LB46982 |website=Historic Environment Scotland |access-date=9 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250509123406/http://web.archive.org/screenshot/https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/apex/f?p=1505:300:::::VIEWTYPE,VIEWREF:designation,LB46982 |archive-date=9 May 2025 |language=en-GB |url-status=live}}

File:Duncancarter-campbell&queenelizabeth.jpg and HM Queen Elizabeth II inspecting the guard of honour of the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) during the Queen's visit to Lanark in June 1953]] On 29 June 1953, Queen Elizabeth II visited Lanark to mark her coronation.{{cite news |last1=Leadbetter |first1=Russell |title=Remember when ... 1953: A regal wave from our new Queen |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/19040670.remember-1953-regal-wave-new-queen/ |access-date=9 May 2025 |work=The Herald |publisher=Herald & Times Group |date=27 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250509123946/http://web.archive.org/screenshot/https://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/19040670.remember-1953-regal-wave-new-queen/ |archive-date=9 May 2025 |language=en-GB |url-status=live}}

Lanark is within the South Lanarkshire unitary authority area. In local elections, they are part of the Clydesdale North ward which elects three councillors.{{cite web |title=Electoral Ward: Clydesdale North |url=https://statistics.gov.scot/atlas/resource?uri=http%3A%2F%2Fstatistics.gov.scot%2Fid%2Fstatistical-geography%2FS13003096 |website=statistics.gov.scot |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=10 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250510141427/https://statistics.gov.scot/atlas/resource?uri=http%3A%2F%2Fstatistics.gov.scot%2Fid%2Fstatistical-geography%2FS13003096 |archive-date=10 May 2025 |language=en-GB |url-status=live}} Following the 2022 election, Clydesdale North is represented by Richard Eliott-Lockhart of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Julia Marrs of the Scottish National Party, and Catherine McClymont of Scottish Labour.{{cite web |title=Declaration of Results: Ward 2 - Clydesdale North |url=https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/15397/ward_2_clydesdale_north_declaration_of_results.pdf |website=South Lanarkshire Council |access-date=10 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205091343/https://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/15397/ward_2_clydesdale_north_declaration_of_results.pdf |archive-date=5 December 2024 |language=en-GB |date=6 May 2022 |url-status=live}}

In elections to the Scottish Parliament, Lanark elects its representatives as part of the Clydesdale constituency, and also contributes to the election of seven additional list members as part of the South of Scotland region. The current Clydesdale MSP is Aileen Campbell of the SNP, who defeated the Labour incumbent Karen Gillon in the 2011 election after Gillon had held the seat since 1999.

In Westminster elections, Lanark is part of the Lanark and Hamilton East constituency. Labour's Jimmy Hood represented the area in Parliament from 1987 until 2015; since then the MP has been Angela Crawley.

File:Provost's Lamp, Lanark.jpg Lamp" outside Lanark Tolbooth (on the left)]]

There are 14 historical closes or vennels in the town - alleyways allowing access to the High street. Some are named after an original shop owner, one is named Wallace close as it depicts key moments of William Wallace's life in Lanark lanarktrust.co.uk

Visitors to the town can visit the nearby World Heritage Site of New Lanark,{{cite web|url=http://www.newlanark.org/|title=New Lanark World Heritage Site and Visitor Attraction Lanarkshire near Edinburgh and Glasgow Scotland|website=www.newlanark.org|access-date=23 March 2018|archive-date=23 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323063237/http://www.newlanark.org/|url-status=live}} close to the Falls of Clyde, the Corehouse estate and the Scottish Wildlife Trust's Corehouse Nature Reserve.{{cite web|url=http://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/visitor-centres/falls-of-clyde/|title=Falls of Clyde - Scottish Wildlife Trust|website=scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk|date=18 January 2010|access-date=23 March 2018|archive-date=29 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129122538/http://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/visitor-centres/falls-of-clyde/|url-status=live}}

The Lanark Museum{{cite web|url=http://lanarkmuseum.org/|title=Lanark Museum and the Royal Burgh of Lanark Museum Trust|website=lanarkmuseum.org|access-date=23 March 2018|archive-date=2 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202100528/http://lanarkmuseum.org/|url-status=dead}} is located in West Port, inside the YMCA building.

A large boating lake, Lanark Loch, adjoins Lanark Golf Club which has a lovely and historic 18 hole course for more experienced golf players and a 9-hole golf course. The former racecourse now offers pony-trekking activities.

The town's Castlebank Park lies near the former site of Lanark Castle,{{cite book|last=Clarke|first=John|author2=Glasgow Archaeological Society |title=The Roman occupation of south-western Scotland: being reports of excavations and surveys carried out under the auspices of the Glasgow Archaeological Society|editor=Miller, Steuart Napier |publisher=R. MacLehose|date=1952|series=Glasgow University Publications|volume=83}} and allows access to the River Clyde and the Clyde Walkway.

An ornate gas lamp, known as the provost's lamp stands at the bottom of the High Street. After the burgh council was abolished in 1975,{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1973/65/contents|title=Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973|publisher=Legislation.gov.uk|accessdate=1 January 2023|archive-date=2 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502181830/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1973/65/contents|url-status=live}} the provost's lamp, which had historically been placed outside the house of the provost as one of their marks of office, was relocated to the pavement just to the east of Lanark Tolbooth on a permanent basis.{{cite web|url=https://www.lanark.co.uk/history/hidden-history/the-provosts-lamp|title=The Provost's Lamp|publisher=Discover Lanark|access-date=1 January 2023|archive-date=17 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517113615/https://www.lanark.co.uk/history/hidden-history/the-provosts-lamp|url-status=live}}

One of the churches in the town bears the name of The Old Church of St Kentigern (perhaps better known as St Mungo), who set up many medieval churches in the Scottish Lowlands, including Glasgow, and died c.612 AD. The town's cemetery stands on the site of The Old Church of St Kentigern, and includes many Covenanter graves.

File:lanark07.jpg' Church]]

St. Nicholas Parish Church stands at the bottom of the high street. The church bell is believed to date from 1110, and may be one of the oldest church bells in the world. It was moved from The Old Church of St Kentigern when St. Nicholas Church was built in 1774. It has been recast four times, including 1659 and 1983. There is an 8-foot (2.45 m) statue of William Wallace in the steeple. This was sculpted by Robert Forrest, from an ancient drawing in the possession of the Society of Antiquaries.

{{Further|Hyndford Quarry}}

File:lanark04.jpg, 2006]]

This historic background forms the basis for the Lanark Lanimers, which take place each year for one week in June. Local primary schoolchildren elect a Lanimers queen and court; and a Lord Cornet is chosen from local businessmen. On the Monday night the Perambulation of the Marches takes place, when townspeople turn out to walk around half the town boundary, following the Lord Cornets past and present as they inspect the border-stones. Traditionally, the townspeople carry "birks" (Scots for "sticks of birch"), which are small branches of birch trees cut from the woods at the Glenburnie estate. This tradition was started in 1948 by Joseph Doolan, whose family owned the land. The other half of the boundary is inspected on the Wednesday night, again led by the Lord Cornet accompanied by many local riders who participate in the Riding of the Marches, locally referred to as the Rideout. On the Thursday morning, schools and other organisations parade before the Lanimer Queen in themed dress, accompanied by pipe bands. The best Lanimer Lorries win prizes, and after the parade the crowning of the Queen takes place on a temporary stand erected in front of St Nicholas' Church, under the statue of William Wallace. The Queen holds a reception party in the town's Memorial Hall{{Cite web|url=https://www.slleisureandculture.co.uk/info/464/lanark_memorial_hall|title=South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture|access-date=17 June 2019|archive-date=17 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617145533/https://www.slleisureandculture.co.uk/info/464/lanark_memorial_hall|url-status=live}} on the Friday night, where children perform songs and dances.

William Wallace is one of the most notable people in Lanark's history. A key leader in the Scottish Wars of Independence, he is known to have first "drawn his sword to free his native land" at Lanark in 1297, killing the English sheriff Haselrig.{{cite web|title=William Wallace|work=Wars of Independence|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/scottishhistory/independence/features_independence_wallace.shtml|publisher=BBC History|access-date=1 October 2011|archive-date=1 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001113914/http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/scottishhistory/independence/features_independence_wallace.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Wallace|first=Andy|title=Wallace in Lanark|url=http://www.wallaceinlanark.com/wallace.php|publisher=The William Wallace Heritage Trust Lanark|access-date=1 October 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930165450/http://www.wallaceinlanark.com/wallace.php|archive-date=30 September 2011|df=dmy-all}} An 8-foot statue of Wallace sits on St Nicholas Church at the town cross dating back to 1817 which was sculpted by Carluke-born Robert Forrest.{{cite web|title=Lanark from kings to {{sic|nolink=y|convenanters|expected=coventanters}}|url=http://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/476/local_history_and_heritage/618/lanark_from_kings_to_convenanters/1|work=Local History and Heritage|publisher=South Lanarkshire Council|access-date=1 October 2011|archive-date=31 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331224539/http://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/476/local_history_and_heritage/618/lanark_from_kings_to_convenanters/1|url-status=live}}

File:Colin Mcrae crop.jpgOther notable figures from Lanark include:

• William Smellie (1697–1763), obstetrician{{cite web |last1=Parry |first1=Carol |title=William Smellie, Man-Midwife |url=https://heritageblog.rcpsg.ac.uk/2014/02/20/william-smellie-man-midwife/ |website=Heritage Blog |publisher=Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow |access-date=9 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250509084121/https://heritageblog.rcpsg.ac.uk/2014/02/20/william-smellie-man-midwife/ |archive-date=9 May 2025 |language=en-GB |date=20 February 2014 |url-status=live}}
• Robert McQueen, Lord Braxfield (1722–1799), senior Scottish judge known as the "hanging judge"{{cite web |title=Robert Macqueen, Lord Braxfield (1722-1799) |url=https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/research/learning/hall-of-fame/hall-of-fame-a-z/macqueen-robert |website=National Records of Scotland |date=31 May 2013 |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=24 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226172648/https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/research/learning/hall-of-fame/hall-of-fame-a-z/macqueen-robert |archive-date=26 February 2024 |language=en-GB |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Cassidy |first1=Jane |title=The life and times of Robert McQueen – the real Weir of Hermiston |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/17231855.life-times-robert-mcqueen---real-weir-hermiston/ |access-date=24 June 2024 |work=The National |issn=2057-231X |publisher=Herald & Times Group |date=19 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624132004/https://www.thenational.scot/news/17231855.life-times-robert-mcqueen---real-weir-hermiston/ |archive-date=24 June 2024 |language=en-GB |url-status=live}}
• Margaret Agnes Bunn (1799–1883), actress{{cite web |title=Margaret Agnes Bunn |url=https://www.scottish-places.info/people/famousfirst4155.html |website=Gazetteer for Scotland |access-date=24 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624141451/https://www.scottish-places.info/people/famousfirst4155.html |archive-date=24 June 2024 |url-status=live |language=en-gb}}
• William Budge (1828–1919), prominent member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints{{cite book |last1=Jenson |first1=Andrew |title=Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia |date=1936 |publisher=Andrew Jenson Memorial Association |location=Salt Lake City |pages=511–512 |url=https://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/digital/collection/BYUIBooks/id/6017 |access-date=25 June 2024 |language=en-US |via=Birmingham Young University Library Digital Collection |volume=IV }}
• Walter Elliot (1888–1958), Scottish Unionist party politician who served in various cabinet roles{{cite news |last1=Holme |first1=Chris |title=Forgotten Scottish hero who saved Westminster Hall from destruction |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/forgotten-scottish-hero-who-saved-westminster-hall-from-destruction-cbjjpchr6 |access-date=25 June 2024 |work=The Times |date=2 March 2024 |language=en-GB |url-access=subscription}}
• Judith Hart (1924–1991), Labour party politician who was the Minister for Overseas Development and later elevated to the House of Lords{{cite news |last1=Leadbetter |first1=Russell |title=THOSE WERE THE DAYS - 1967: Judith Hart, 'an influential figure in Scottish politics' |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/16906419.days---1967-judith-hart-influential-figure-scottish-politics/ |access-date=25 June 2024 |work=The Herald |publisher=Herald & Times Group |date=27 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625034052/https://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/16906419.days---1967-judith-hart-influential-figure-scottish-politics/ |archive-date=25 June 2024 |language=en-GB |url-status=live |issn=0965-9439}}
• Colin Cameron ({{tooltip|b.|born}} 1933), lawyer and Malawian politician{{cite web |title=Cameron, Colin, b 1933 (Scottish lawyer and politician) |url=https://archives.collections.ed.ac.uk/agents/people/9509 |website=University of Edinburgh Online Archives |publisher=University of Edinburgh |access-date=25 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625021924/https://archives.collections.ed.ac.uk/agents/people/9509 |archive-date=25 June 2024 |language=en-GB |url-status=live}}
• Jimmy McRae ({{tooltip|b.|born}} 1943), five time British Rally Champion in 1981, 1982, 1984, 1987 and 1988, father of Colin and Alister McRae{{cite magazine |last1=Smith |first1=Kenny |issn=0036-9209 |title=Motorsport's Jimmy McRae has mud, sweat and tears |url=https://www.scottishfield.co.uk/motors/motorsports-jimmy-mcrae-has-mud-sweat-and-tears/ |access-date=24 June 2024 |magazine=Scottish Field |date=31 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624142732/https://www.scottishfield.co.uk/motors/motorsports-jimmy-mcrae-has-mud-sweat-and-tears/ |archive-date=24 June 2024 |language=en-GB |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=David |title=HOW THE MCRAES DOMINATED THE BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP |url=https://dirtfish.com/rally/brc/how-the-mcraes-dominated-the-british-championship/ |access-date=24 June 2024 |work=DirtFish |date=1 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624143631/https://dirtfish.com/rally/brc/how-the-mcraes-dominated-the-british-championship/ |archive-date=24 June 2024 |language=en-GB |url-status=live}}
• Colin McRae (1968–2007), rally driver who was the British Rally Champion in 1991 and 1992 and World Rally Champion in 1995, son of Jimmy McRae and brother of Alister McRae{{cite news |title=Obituary: Colin McRae |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/obituary-colin-mcrae/28063573.html |access-date=24 June 2024 |work=Belfast Telegraph |issn=0307-5664 |publisher=Independent News & Media |date=17 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624133823/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/obituary-colin-mcrae/28063573.html |archive-date=24 June 2024 |language=en-GB |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Peacock |first1=Anthony |title=Colin McRae |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2007/sep/17/guardianobituaries.sport |access-date=24 June 2024 |work=The Guardian |issn=1756-3224 |date=17 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624134126/https://www.theguardian.com/news/2007/sep/17/guardianobituaries.sport |archive-date=24 June 2024 |language=en-GB |url-status=live}}
• Alister McRae ({{tooltip|b.|born}} 1970), British Rally Champion in 1995, son of Jimmy McRae and brother of Colin McRae{{cite news |title=Rallying: McRae's relative success is the spur for elusive British driver's championship |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/rallying-mcrae-s-relative-success-is-the-spur-for-elusive-british-driver-s-championship-1146065.html |access-date=24 June 2024 |work=The Independent |publisher=Independent Digital News & Media |date=21 February 1998 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624145327/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/rallying-mcrae-s-relative-success-is-the-spur-for-elusive-british-driver-s-championship-1146065.html |archive-date=24 June 2024 |language=en-GB |url-status=live |issn=1741-9743}}

Image:lanark00.jpg|Town centre

Image:High Street, Lanark (2006).jpg|High Street

Image:lanark06.jpg|Wellgate

Image:The Girnin Dug, Lanark.jpg|The "Girnin Dug" statue of a dog erected as a reproach to a neighbour suspected of poisoning the pet{{Cite web|url=https://lanark.co.uk/historical-lanark/look-back-time/2015/12/girnin-dug|title=Discover Lanark|access-date=29 July 2017|archive-date=30 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730045428/https://lanark.co.uk/historical-lanark/look-back-time/2015/12/girnin-dug|url-status=live}}

• Lanark (Parliament of Scotland constituency)
• The Lanark Silver Bell, a horseracing trophy
• Lanark County in Ontario, Canada
• Lanark, Ontario, a village in Lanark County
• Lanark Grammar School
• Bonnington Pavilion, a nearby historic feature.
• Whuppity Scoorie Day
• Lanark Lanimers

{{Reflist}}

• Historical Tours in the Clyde Valley. Published by the Clyde Valley Tourist Association and the Lanark & District Archaeological Association. Printed by Robert MacLehose and Company Limited, Renfrew, Scotland. 1982.
• Building the Royal Burghs by John Barrett and David Iredale. Published in The Scots Magazine. Volume 142, Number 1. January 1995. pp. 10–22.
• Upper Clydesdale: A History and Guide by Daniel Martin. Published by the Tuckwell Press, Phantassie, East Linton. 1999.
• Clydesdale District Guide. Published by Clydesdale District Guide. 1995.
• Lanark Heritage Trail. Published by South Lanarkshire Council. 2001.

{{Wikivoyage|Lanark}}

• {{commons-inline|Lanark}}

{{South Lanarkshire Settlements}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Towns in South Lanarkshire

Category:Parishes in Lanarkshire

Category:County towns in Scotland

Category:Royal burghs