Ready to explore Clarkston a Scottish suburban town? Clarkston is located in East Renfrewshire. It sits in the Central Lowlands. Around 10000 people live in Clarkston. It’s right on the edge of Greater Glasgow. Clarkston joins Busby and Netherlee. Newton Mearns and Giffnock are nearby too.
Clarkston’s story stretches back centuries. In the 1790s a new road was built. It ran from Paisley to East Kilbride. A toll point appeared where it crossed the Glasgow to Kilmarnock route. A man named John Clark built a house there. People started calling the area Clarkston.
The Maxwell family owned the Williamwood Estate. Clarkston sat on this estate. In 1801 they advertised a new village. Growth was slow at first. Clarkston had no industry. Villagers worked at mills in Netherlee.
The opening of Clarkston railway station changed things. Busby Railways opened the station in 1866. The older Clarkston village buildings were destroyed. The Glasgow tram network reached Clarkston in 1921. The Williamwood Estate was divided up in the 1920s. This encouraged more house building.
Clarkston grew quickly in the 20th century. New suburban homes sprang up. Stamperland was built in the 1920s. Carolside and Williamwood followed in the 1930s and 1940s.
In 1971 a tragic event occurred in Clarkston. The main shopping building exploded. Twenty-two people died. About 100 people were hurt. A plaque now marks the spot. The building was rebuilt.
Greenbank Garden is located on Flenders Road. It sits on the outskirts of Clarkston. The National Trust for Scotland owns it.
Clarkston has two golf clubs with long histories. Cathcart Castle Golf Club opened in 1895. It was first known as Merrylea Golf Club. The club moved to Clarkston in 1924. Williamwood Golf Club was founded in 1906.
Today Clarkston is part of East Renfrewshire. The East Renfrewshire Council handles local governance.
Clarkston is 7.6 km east of Barrhead. It is 6.3 km northwest of East Kilbride. Glasgow is 9.0 km to the north.
In Clarkston you will find Greenbank Garden. It features the 18th-century Greenbank House. The house has walled gardens. It is a Category A listed building.
Clarkston has several churches. These include Greenbank Parish Church and St Joseph’s RC Church. There is also Stamperland Parish Church.
Alistair MacLean the novelist once lived in Clarkston. Other notable residents include William Kerr Fraser and Harry Benson. Judy Murray also lived here. Musicians like Michael Oakley Brian Robertson and Stuart Murdoch have links to Clarkston.
Clarkston’s story is one of growth tragedy and resilience. It’s a vibrant town with a rich past.