Hamilton is a town in South Lanarkshire, part of the central
Lowlands of Scotland. It’s situated 12 miles from Glasgow, 35 miles from
Edinburgh and 74 miles from Carlisle. It overlooks the River Clyde and lies
close to the River Avon. It has a population of over 53,000 and is twinned with
the commune, Châtellerault. The town is divided into the following areas:
Avongrove, Burnbank, Barncluith, Earnock Estate, Ferniegair, Eddlewood, Fairhill,
Hamilton West, High Earnock, Hillhouse, Laighstonehall, Little Earnock, Low
Waters, Meikle Earnock, Neilsland, Silvertonhill,Torheads Farm, Whitehill and
Woodhead.
Originally Cadzow, Hamilton owes its name to the Hamilton
family, who were fervent supports of the English during the Wars of Scottish
Independence. Lord Hamilton was married to Princess Mary, King James II’s
daughter, and was a prominent nobleman, politician and scholar of his day.
Numerous landmarks were created in the Hamilton name and
still remain to this day including Hamilton Low Parks Museum, Hamilton
Mausoleum, Hamilton Palace and Hamilton Old Parish Church - a beautiful
Edwardian building created in 1734. In its heyday, Hamilton Palace was the
biggest non-royal residence in the Western World, whilst The Low Parks Museum
is housed inside what was once a major staging post between Edinburgh and
Glasgow. Other attractions include Hamilton Park Racecourse, Hamilton Water
Palace and Bothwell Castle.
Various famous people hail from Hamilton such as explorer
and missionary, David Livingstone, politician, Margo McDonald and novelist,
Robin Jenkins. Other notable residents include actress Laurie Brett, and
musician Brian Connolly.
Hamilton is linked by the M74 motorway which joins the M6
motorway via Carlisle. The town has a three train stations: Hamilton West,
Hamilton Central and Chatelherault. Hamilton bus station, meanwhile, offers
various connections to and from the town.
There are various cycling paths which run through Hamilton and adjoin the
banks of the Avon and Cylde. The closest airport to Hamilton is Glasgow
International Airport, at roughly 17 miles away.
Complete your trip to Hamilton with a stay in a SilverDoor
serviced apartment.