Fancy some history? Viewpark, a town in North Lanarkshire, holds more stories than you might expect. It sits near Uddingston and Bellshill. Viewpark’s story is one of miners, mansions and modern life.
Viewpark got its name from a rural estate. This estate sat off New Edinburgh Road. Today, that road is part of the A721. The Viewpark Colliery was nearby. It was one of many mines dug in the area. These mines included Rosehall and Tannochside.
The miners lived in small villages. These villages had rows of cottages. Aitkenhead and Thorniewood were two examples. Mansions also dotted the landscape. Thornwood House and Fallside House were grand homes. Fallside House even had a railway station. A section of Roman road was found there in 1952.
Viewpark House had an interesting history. John Baird designed it in the 1830s. The Addie family lived there from the 1850s to the 1900s. They controlled the local mines. The house later became a women’s refuge. It housed Belgian refugees during World War I. Eventually, it was divided into apartments. Like other houses in the area, it was demolished in the 1950s.
Today, Viewpark Gardens mark the spot. The community uses the gardens as a park. There are allotments and a walled flower garden. Wedding photos are often taken here. Two sculptures remain from the gardens’ past. They depict Hercules and Athena. They might be the work of Robert Forrest.
After World War II, Viewpark grew quickly. “The Scheme” began in the late 1940s. Houses were built for miners. Housing was built near Old Edinburgh Road. The local police station was there too. Dominic’s Shop provided quick access to the community.
By 1956, Laburnum Road was underway. People called it “The Burma Road” because of its length. The council created Burnhead Bowling Club. Burnhead Parish Church was built at the end of Laburnum Road. Viewpark Parish Church is in Tannochside.
A shopping complex appeared in Market Place. It sat off Burnhead Street. The Gala Day Park is nearby. Viewpark still holds a Gala day each summer. The Miners Welfare club organized MayDay celebrations there.
Industries like Ranco Motors and Caterpillar Tractor Company arrived. This boosted the population. Families moved to Viewpark. They were displaced by the demolition of miners’ homes in Tannochside. This land was needed for the Caterpillar factory.
Manufacturing declined later. Ranco closed in 1973. Caterpillar followed in 1987. Workers occupied the factory in protest. They secured better redundancy terms.
Viewpark Glen or Douglas Support Estate lies north of the housing. It features woodland. Rosehall House once stood there. Roman ruins and old tombs are also found in the Glen. The local conservation group secured a grant to preserve the estate.
St Columba’s Primary School was on Old Edinburgh Road. St John Paul II Primary school sits on Laburnum Road. Tannochside Primary School opened in 2006. Thorniewood United plays football in Viewpark. Viewpark Boxing Club is based at Burnhead Community Centre.
Jimmy Johnstone, the famous footballer, lived in Viewpark. A memorial garden honors him. Chic McSherry, a Scottish rock guitarist, grew up in Viewpark. Viewpark’s story is a reminder of the area’s rich history. It is also a testament to the community’s resilience.