Salvation Data 0800 075 0720

Airdrie, North Lanarkshire

Airdrie (Gaelic An Àrd Ruigh/An Àrd Àirighe) is a town within North Lanarkshire, Scotland. It lies on a plateau roughly 400 ft (130 m) above sea level, and is approximately 12 miles (19 km) east of Glasgow. Airdrie, along with its neighbour Coatbridge, forms the area known as the Monklands. As of 2006, it had a population of 36,853.^[1] Chapelhall, Calderbank, Glenmavis, Greengairs, Plains and Caldercruix are generally considered satellite villages of Airdrie.

Name

The origin of Airdrie's name is not known for certain; however, given the topography of the area, the most likely interpretation is that it derives from the Gaelic An Àrd Ruigh meaning a level height or high pasture land. Another possibility is that it was taken from the Gaelic An Àrd Àirighe meaning a sheiling or wayside town.

Early history

The history of Airdrie might be dated back to AD 577, which was the year of the Battle of Arderyth^[2] However, the historicity and location of the battle are the subject of debate and shrouded in myth. The battle was believed to have been between the Gododdin, Rydderych The Bountiful, King of Strathclyde, and Aeddam The Perfidious, the Scoti King of Kintyre. While few might have heard of the main protagonists, amongst Aeddam's contingent was the legendary Celtic bard, Merlin. The history of Airdrie between the Battle of Arderyth and AD 1162 is unclear, due to the scarcity of written historical records.

1162 to 1850

Airdrie owes its existence to its location on the 'Hogs Back' - a ridge of land running from east to west. One very important aspect of the town’s history were the Cisterian monks of Newbattle Abbey, hence a name for the wider area; Monklands. The monks were farmers and most of the land they used is known today as 'The Four Isles' (a housing estate named after four Scottish islands; Mull, Islay, Iona and Luing in the Petersburn area of modern Airdrie). The monks of Newbattle had numerous establishments throughout the area including a farm grange at Drumpellier, Coatbridge, a court house at Kipps, a chapel in the area of Chapelhall and a number of corn mills. The Monks were also expert in the construction of roads. In the 12th century they established the original Glasgow to Edinburgh road via Airdrie and Bathgate, to link up with their lands in Newbattle in East Lothian.

In those days travelling was often dangerous. Horses were still very rare and could only be afforded by the rich. Low lying ground was usually extremely difficult to navigate because of the numerous bogs, forests and burns - not to mention the possibility of ambush by a footpad or robber. Hence, it became much more practical to travel on the high ground (the 'High Way') where one could avoid the mud and the robbers. These roads (or rather tracks) became known as the King's Highway.

Definitive evidence of the existence of Airdrie as a tenantry was only made clear in 1503. The old monks' road was via Cliftonhill (an area now in neighbouring Coatbridge), Airdrie House (now the site of Monklands Hospital), Aitchison Street, High Street, Hallcraig, Flowerhill and Colliertree. It was along this road that the first houses in Airdrie were built. Development was slow and it was only around 1650 that evidence of the number of inhabitants was known at around 500 for the Airdrie area. A large contingent of Airdrieonians fought at the Battle of Bothwell Brig during the Covenanter Rebellion of 1679; their banner can still be viewed at the local library.

Airdrie first came to prominence for its weaving industry. Airdrie Weavers Society was founded in 1781 and flax was being grown in sixteen farms in and around the burgh. In the last decade of the eighteenth century, coal mining was in progress and around thirty colliers were employed. Weaving continued to flourish making up a substantial part of the population of over 2,500 around the turn of the 19th century. Given its large number of weavers, its geographic location, and a large number of unemployed soldiers following the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Airdrie became a major centre of support for the Radical War of 1820. The rapid pace of population growth continued and by 1821 there were 4,862 inhabitants. At this time the number of houses being built increased dramatically and in 1821, by a private Act of Parliament, Airdrie became a free and independent Burgh of Barony. Due to the fact it was 'independent', it had all the powers of a Royal Burgh.

Voting in the early part of the nineteenth century was rather hit or miss as not only locals but residents outside the burgh were allowed to vote. In 1821 the first election of a town council took place and by August it had appointed an assessor, procurator fiscal, master of police and a town crier.

In 1824 it was decided to build the Town House, which was originally designed by Alexander Baird and is now a local landmark known as the 'town clock'. In 1832 the Town House was used as a hospital due to the cholera outbreak of this year.

By 1850, the population had grown to 12,418.

1850 to 1920

The enormous growth in population was not due to high birthrate, but instead due to an influx of residents from the Highlands and predominantly Ireland. This followed the Highland potato famine of the mid 1840s and also reflected the change from cottage industry to heavy industry in the area. Most of the Irish immigrant population were involved with mining and labouring. This led to an increase in ironwork foundries around the area. Because of this explosion in industry, railway links were soon established (circa 1830) and by 1862, the Airdrie and Bathgate Junction Railway provided a direct link to Edinburgh with Airdrie South Station providing the starting point for trains to Glasgow.

In August the Public Libraries Act (Scotland) 1853 was passed, and in November Airdrie Public Library became the first in Scotland.

The dramatic rise in population and industry prompted the need for more accessible water supplies. Until the mid 1800s, various wells were put in place feeding from surrounding streams in the area. These served to provide many houses with private wells. By 1846 Airdrie and Coatbridge Water Company was founded to construct (along with Forth and Clyde Canal Company) the reservoir at Roughrigg.

Around the mid 1800s, several local newspapers began appearing and notably the Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser, which is still the most popular local paper today. Also at this time, football and cricket began to emerge as popular sports. Following the codification of association football rules a local team called Excelsior was formed in 1878 which would later be renamed Airdrieonians F.C. Hores race meetings were also held in the town (1851–1870) but this land became the golf course for the newly formed Airdrie Golf Club in 1877.

Education posed a major problem with severe overcrowding in the few schools available, therefore three new school boards were established. Fees were routinely charged within the schools with the belief they should be self-supporting until a parliamentary act of 1889 relieved some of the infant classes in schools of this burden. Airdrie Academy was built in 1895 and by 1919 all school boards were dissolved and Lanarkshire Education Authority took over responsibility for education throughout Lanarkshire.

Airdrie Public Observatory, one of only four public observatories in the UK (Second Oldest and Smallest)- all in Scotland, was founded in the first library building in 1896, and is still operated in the present building by Airdrie Astronomical Association ([AAA]http://www.airdrieobservatory.com), a Scottish astronautic and astronomy society and registered charity.

By the turn of the century variety shows were becoming popular in the area and by 1911 the Pavilion in Graham Street was built which after initially being used as a music hall started showing cinematographic pictures. Unfortunately it was destroyed by fire in 1917 but was rebuilt in 1919 and finally closed in 1970. The New Cinema was opened in 1920 in Broomknoll Street but too has since closed. The town had no suitable venue for larger functions so in 1912 the Sir John Wilson Town Hall was opened (following a generous offer from Sir John Wilson covering the total cost of £13,500). This still stands and is used for major events in the town.

1920 onwards

At the end of the First World War, Airdrie was hard hit with many casualties from the war. Many inhabitants also chose to emigrate around this time. Consequently the population only rose by 3% to around 26,000 by 1931. The depression years had made a great impact on the town and several well known manufacturers ceased to exist and few replaced them. It was reported that 50% of the registered population were unemployed. Church groups tried to provide some comfort for the poor folk in the area and set up educational and work experience projects to help and by 1936 the Airdrie Churches Council had attracted national interest through their work culminating in a building in Graham Street being provided for them (the Mutual Service Club). This is now Airdrie Community Centre.

The current Airdrie Public Library building was eventually constructed on its present site in 1925 after years of moving from one site to another.

Conditions in the town did not really improve until well after the Second World War but in 1949 the Boots pharmaceutical company and Banner Textiles Ltd were attracted to the town (between them employing 1200). With this impetus, new companies began to consider Airdrie as a viable option for business and in 1958 Pye opened employing over 1000 people. The emergence of industrial estates was also prevalent around this time (Newhouse, Chapelhall, and Brownsburn). The Airdrie Arts Centre opened in 1967 in the former Airdrie Library building and remains a popular venue for concerts and plays.

The 1970s saw the opening of Monklands Hospital, which replaced an older hospital on the Airdrie House estate that had been closed in 1962 and demolished in 1964.

Modern Airdrie

Airdrie town centre has changed much in the last ten years with a new road scheme and a shift in emphasis with the type of shopping it offers. Graham Street, the main pedestrianised street, has recently been refurbished and has had the pedestrian precinct area upgraded. New housing complexes are being built around this suitably situated commuter town, notably in Chapelhall, Rochsoles and Glenmavis, the former Boots factory site in Rawyards and the former Imperial Tube Works in Cairnhill.

Airdrie also has signage in the Scots Gaelic language around the town centre, (alongside English) this was first introduced for the 1993 Royal Gaelic MOD. The signs were originally erected by Monklands District Council, but have been maintained by North Lanarkshire Council.

Football

The town's major football club is Airdrie United, who play in the First Division of the Scottish Football League, and are based at the Excelsior Stadium. They were formed as a replacement for Airdrieonians, who folded in 2002.

Golf

Airdrie Golf Club was established in 1877. It is a wooded parkland par 69 course with tight fairways and well protected greens.

Bowls

Airdrie Bowling Club (founded 1852)

Central Bowling Club

Clarkston Bowling Club

Springwells Bowling Club (also a tennis club)

Swimming

Airdrie also has an amateur swimming club, which is home to a number of swimmers.

Rugby Union

Airdrie was home to it’s own rugby union team called Waysiders RFC. This team was amalgamated to form Waysiders Drumpellier RFC who currently play out of Drumpellier RFC’s traditional home ground in Langloan, Coatbridge.

They currently play in the Scottish Hydro Electric National League Division Two. (Level five)

Culture

Airdrie Arts Centre

Airdrie Public Library

Airdrie Public Observatory, with its celebrated Cooke telescope.

The Cellar Bar, with the largest and finest selection of whiskies in the UK.

Monkland Canal

Vulcan (barge) - The world's first iron boat was constructed in Airdrie and launched into Monklands Canal in 1819.

Centenary Park

Organisations

Airdrie and Coatbride Amateur Operatic Society

Monklands Light Opera - http://www.monklandslightopera.com

Airdrie and District Round Table, no.585

Army Cadet Force - Glasgow and Lanarkshire Battalion

Airdrie Astronomical Association - http://www.airdrieobservatory.com - A leading Scottish amateur astronomical organisation.

Boys Brigade - Airdrie, Coatbridge and District Battalion, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 11th Companies.

Girl Guides (and Brownies) - County of North Lanarkshire

The Moira Anderson Foundation - A charity providing support for those affected by child abuse.

The Royal Scottish Geographical Society maintains a regional centre at the Airdrie Arts Centre.

The Scout Association - Clyde Region, Calder District, 5th Lanarkshire, 88th Lanarkshire and 126th Lanarkshire Troops.

Sea Cadet Corps - T.S. Enterprise

Governance

Airdrie is represented by several tiers of elected government. North Lanarkshire Council, the unitary local authority for Airdrie, is based at Motherwell, and is the executive, deliberative and legislative body responsible for local governance. The Scottish Parliament is responsible for devolved matters such as education, health and justice,^[3] while reserved matters are dealt with by the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

Westminster

The Rt. Hon. John Smith QC MP for North Lanarkshire 1970-1983 and Monklands East 1983-1994 (Eastern Coatbridge and Airdrie area). Former Shadow Chancellor and then leader of the Labour party until his untimely death in 1994.

The Rt. Hon. Helen Liddell MP for Monklands East 1994-1999, Airdrie and Shotts 1999-2005. Former Secretary of State for Scotland and currently Britain's High Commissioner in Australia.

The Rt. Hon. Dr. John Reid MP for Airdrie and Shotts 2005–present. Former high profile member of government who has held various ministerial posts including the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (the first Catholic to do so) and the Secretary of State for the Home Department (the Home Secretary). Currently, a backbencher and Chairman of Celtic F.C. who announced his intention to stand down as MP for Airdrie and Shotts at the next general election^[4].

Scottish Parliament

For the purposes of the Scottish Parliament, Airdrie forms part of the Airdrie and Shotts constituency. This has slightly different boundaries than that of the UK Parliament constituency of the same name. The current member of the Scottish Parliament for Airdrie and Shotts is Karen Whitefield (Scottish Labour Party), who has held the seat since the instatement of the Scottish Parliament in 1999.

In addition to this Airdrie is represented by seven regional MSPs from the Central Scotland electoral region.^[5] They are: Linda Fabiani (Scottish National Party, SNP), Jamie Hepburn (SNP), Christina McKelvie (SNP), Margaret Mitchell (Scottish Conservative Party), Alex Neil (SNP], Hugh O'Donnell (Scottish Liberal Democrats), and John Wilson (SNP).

Local government

Up until 1975, Airdrie had its own Burgh Council. Between 1975 and 1996, Airdrie came under Monklands District Council operating in conjunction with Strathclyde Regional Council. Monklands District Council was headquartered in the Coatbridge Municipal Building. Many Airdrieonians felt short-changed by MDC's actions and a significant political scandal known as Monklandsgate greatly tarnished the Council's reputation. After 1996, it came under the authority of the unitary North Lanarkshire Council. Currently, the council is in control of the Labour group and the leader of the council is Jim McCabe, councillor for Thorniewood.

Police

Policing in Airdrie is undertaken by Strathclyde Police. Airdrie is part of N Division which is headquartered in Motherwell with Chief Superintendent Graham Cairns responsible for local strategy. Airdrie also forms part of NA (or Monklands) sub division which includes Coatbridge and the surrounding area. There is one police office in Airdrie and this is open 24 hours.

Sheriff Court

Airdrie Sheriff Court provides a comprehensive local court service for the area including civil actions and criminal cases. It is administered by the Scottish Court Service and part of the South Strathclyde, Dumfries and Galloway Sheriffdom headed by a Sheriff Principal.

Other

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, responsible for the prosecution of crime in Scotland, maintains an office in the town directly opposite the Court.

The Airdrie Hearing Centre holds Children's Hearings within the town. The Centre is part of the Central West Region of the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration.

Overview

As outlined in the history section Airdrie's traditional economic activities of weaving, coal mining, and heavy industry have ceased to exist. Whilst the Glenflagler Distillery is now closed the town still retains a strong involvement in the whisky industry. It is fair to say that, given its location near to Glasgow and other commercial or industrial areas, Airdrie might now be considered something of a commuter town. In fact housing construction in Airdrie has been very prominent in recent years with builders developing a number of brownfield sites following the closure of various factories such as Boots whom closed their factory in 2004. Nonetheless it does retain notable economic activity.

Notable Airdrie employers

Airdrie Savings Bank, one of the few independent banks in the UK, and the only savings bank.

Albert Bartlett & Sons, the leading supplier of root vegetables in the UK, have expanded their operations with a new site on the Stirling Road towards Cumbernauld which vastly increases their presence in the town. Indeed the Bartlett brothers, Alan, 52, and Ronnie, 44 are jointly ranked in The Sunday Times Rich List 2008 as the 63rd richest persons in Scotland and the 969th richest persons in the UK with a worth valued at £80 million.^[6]

beCogent Group, a major leader in telesales and virtual help-desking is within the Cairnhill area of the town, in part of the former Pye factory.

Bell Group, the UK's largest commercial and industrial painting firm.

Bell Stewart Distillers, blending, maturation and warehousing. Products include Deanston, and Tobermory Single Malt.

Caldervale Forge Co. Ltd., better known by their Rockeater products. World leading manufacturer of hydraulic breaker steels.

Harrison-Field, a major garment manufacturer and supplier with headquarters and production facilities in the town.

Inver House Distillers Limited, headquarters and warehousing in Airdrie. Products include Old Pulteney, Balblair, and Coldstream Gin.

Legionella Control Services, Water treatment services in the area, with a goal to provide free services to charitable organizations.

Monklands Hospital

Rowan Timber, Scotland's leading timber supplier, was established in Airdrie, maintains a major depot in the town and is headquartered in nearby Plains.

Demographics

47.31 male, 52.69% female.

20.7% were under 16, 16.67% were pensioners.

46.61% were married (first marriage), 29.81% were single.

95.74% were born in Scotland or described their nationality as Scottish.

only 0.42% spoke Gaelic.

Religion

New Monkland Parish Church (bef 1698)

Broomknoll Church (1889)

Clarkston Church (1837)

Flowerhill Church (1875)

High Church

Jackson Church

St Columba's Church

New Wellwynd (1834)

Roman Catholic Church - Airdrie's Roman Cathloic churches are immediately governed by the Diocese of Motherwell, currently led by Bishop Joseph Devine. The Bishops' Conference of Scotland (effectively the Church's headquarters in Scotland) is situated in Airdrie.

St Andrew's Church

St Edward's Church

St Margaret's Church (1839)

St Serf's Church

Congregational Church - Airdrie's Congregational churches are associoated with the Congregational Federation.

Coatdyke Church

Ebenezer Church (Broomknoll Street) (1882)

Pilgrim Church

Evangelical Church - Airdrie's Evangelical churches are Brethren and associated with the Evangelical Alliance.

Ebenezer Church (Aitchison Street)

Other

Airdrie Baptist Church (1869) - part of the Baptist Union of Scotland.

Airdrie Islamic Centre (mosque) - part of the UK Islamic Mission.

Airdrie Reformed Presbyterian Church - part of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland, which is largely headquartered in Airdrie.

The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints Chapel

Jehovah's Witnesses' Kingdom Hall

The Salvation Army, Airdrie Corps

St Andrew's Hospice - operated by the Sisters of Charity.

St Paul & St John the Baptist - part of the Scottish Episcopal Church, governed by the Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway, currently led by Idris Jones, Primus of the whole Church.

Transport

Airdrie railway station is on the electrified North Clyde Line. This railway provides a frequent train service to Glasgow via Coatbridge and Easterhouse. In 2010, the Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link is due to open. This will provide Airdrie with a direct commuter train service to Bathgate, Livingston (North) and Edinburgh Waverley. Drumgelloch station also serves the eastern end of the town and will be incorporated into the new rail link.

Airdrie has good road links to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Motherwell, and Cumbernauld and is situated close to the M8 motorway. Bus services are largely seen as unsatisfactory with them being undertaken by local operators who came to do service work following the withdrawal of routes by First Glasgow.

Airdrie is connected to the UK National Cycle Network by National Route 75. This route originally provided a path between Glasgow and Edinburgh but the section between Airdrie and Bathgate is currently closed until 2010 whilst the Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link is developed.

Healthcare

NHS Lanarkshire is responsible for the healthcare of Airdrie residents. Airdrie is home to Monklands District General Hospital with a 24-hour Accident & Emergency department. The hospital has 473 beds and provides a comprehensive service with specialist renal and ENT departments. Another NHS hospital, Wester Moffat, provides long term care for the elderly. The West Central division of the Scottish Ambulance Service provides accident and emergency, and patient transport services for the town. Also located in the town is St Andrews's Hospice which is operated by the Sisters of Charity and partly funded by North Lanarkshire Council. The hospice is a leading palliative care unit in Scotland with a strong emphasis on cancer care. The Parkinson's Self Help Group (North Lanarkshire) is based in the Weavers' Cottages (1780) and provides support for people with Parkinson's disease. In addition there are several medical practices, dental surgeries, nursing homes and opticians throughout Airdrie.

Education

There are three secondary schools, 13 primary schools, two dedicated nursery schools, and one special needs school in Airdrie, all of which are run by North Lanarkshire Council.

Secondary schools

Airdrie Academy - Non-denominational, co-educational, comprehensive school

Caldervale High - Non-denominational, co-educational, comprehensive school

St Margaret's High - Roman Catholic, co-educational, comprehensive school

Primary schools

Alexandra Primary - Roman Catholic, co-educational

Chapelside Primary - Non-denominational, co-educational

Clarkston Primary - Non-denominational, co-educational

Dunrobin Primary - Non-denominational, co-educational

Golfhill Primary - Non-denominational, co-educational

Petersburn Primary and Nursery - Non-denominational, co-educational

New Monkland Primary and Nursery - Non-denominational, co-educational (in nearby Glenmavis)

Rochsolloch Primary and Nursery - Non-denominational, co-educational

St Andrew's Primary and Nursery - Roman Catholic, co-educational

St Dominic's Primary and Nursery - Roman Catholic, co-educational

St Edward's Primary and Nursery - Roman Catholic, co-educational

St Serf's Primary and Nursery - Roman Catholic, co-educational

Tollbrae Primary and Nursery - Non-denominational, co-educational

Victoria Primary and Nursery - Non-denominational, co-educational

Nursery schools

Devonview Nursery

Richard Stewart Nursery

Special needs school

Mavisbank School and Nursery

Notable residents

Martin Kerr - Singer/Actor/Fashion Designer

Bill Adam - Racing driver

Ian Bannen - Actor

Hugh de Largie - Australian politician

The Big Dish - Pop/rock band

Ryan Dalziel - Racing driver

Ross Davidson - Actor

Emily Gerard - Writer. Works inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula and coined the term Nosferatu.

John Graham, 1st Viscount of Dundee - also known as 'Bluidy Clavers' and 'Bonnie Dundee'. Royalist and Jacobite soldier.

Dee Hepburn - Actress. Most famous for her role in Gregory's Girl.

Jim Lambie - Turner Prize nominated artist.

David Ross Lauder - Soldier and recipient of the Victoria Cross.

Sir George Macfarlane - Engineer

John O'Neill - Soldier and recipient of the Victoria Cross.

Jim Traynor - Sports broadcaster and journalist.

Sir John Wilson - Baronet (Wilson Baronetcy of Airdrie, which continues today with the 5th Baronet).

Footballers

John Armstrong

Barry Bannan

Dick Black

Gary Love

George Brown

Jackie Campbell

Sandy Clark

Torrance Gillick

Dick Hendrie

Brian McClair

Bob McFarlane

John McGregor

Ian McMillan

Robert Main

Alan Morton - Nicknamed 'The Wee Blue Devil'.

Jimmy Smith

Gardner Speirs

James White

Martin Woods

Alan Lawrence - Nicknamed 'The Nipper'.

Twinned Towns

Airdrie, Alberta, Canada

Arnhem, The Netherlands

Füssen, Germany

Port Stanley, Falkland Islands

Salzburg, Austria