Curious about a village named after a loch? Auchinloch. It means Field of the Loch in Scottish Gaelic. Today, we’ll uncover the story of this unique village.
Auchinloch sits near the boundary of East Dunbartonshire. Kirkintilloch and Lenzie are a short distance north. Stepps and Chryston lie to the south-east. Robroyston is to the west.
Let’s step back in time. Old maps show Auchinloch with various spellings. Religious revivals touched Auchinloch in the 18th century. The village once had rows of weavers’ cottages. Coal mining was present. Limestone quarrying also took place. In the mid-19th century, Auchinloch had just over 120 residents. A convalescent home offered 64 places.
Industrialisation arrived in the 1880s. The Lumloch colliery opened. Wester Auchengeich Colliery followed in the 1920s. However, it closed in 1968.
Outside Auchinloch, near Auchinleck Farm, stands the Wallace Well. It marks the boundary between Glasgow and North Lanarkshire. This well, once called Auchinloch Well, served all farmers.
Now, let’s explore modern Auchinloch. The newer western part is known as Wester Auchinloch. The older part is called Easter Auchinloch. Auchinloch Primary School educates local children. The original 19th-century school building still stands. It serves as the village hall. The Auchinloch Community Centre sits near the Golden Pheasant pub. A grocery shop serves the village. A Bowling Green offers recreation. Cardyke Farm Shelter, a branch of Cats Protection, lies to the west.
Auchinloch had a public right of way. It was overgrown for many years. A project restored the path. This connects Auchinloch to other communities. The goal was to enable residents to walk to nearby towns. This gives them access to healthcare and social opportunities.
In Auchinloch, a large percentage of residents live with a long-term illness. Unemployment had increased, impacting wellbeing. The restored walking route allows access to opportunities. It connects residents to work, transport and shops.
Volunteers collaborated for four years. They worked with Paths for All and North Lanarkshire Council. They secured funding and partnered with the Community Payback team.
On New Year’s Day, the new walking route opened. Residents enjoyed the surroundings. The path allows families to spend time outdoors. They can explore the Bluebell Dell. It also allows access to the Seven Lochs network.
The Community Council maintains the route. This ensures its longevity for residents.
Auchinloch. From its lochside origins to its revitalized walking paths. It stands as a testament to community and resilience. Remember Auchinloch, a village where history and community intertwine.