This portion of our web guide focuses on Blantyre, a small town and civil parish in South Lanarkshire, Scotland.

Blantyre is about eight miles south-east of Glasgow, and Hamilton borders the Burnbank, Hillhouse, and Whitehill areas of the town. Other nearby localities include Bothwell, Uddingston, Cambuslang, Rutherglen, East Kilbride, and Motherwell. The River Clyde borders the town to the north, the Rotten Calder to the west, the Park Burn to the east, and the Rotten Burn to the south.

Archaelogical evidence suggests that the area now known as Blantyre was inhabited during the prehistoric period. The town's name is derived from the Gaelic Blantaidhr, meaning "field of the saints," hinting at ancient roots.

The town's modern history is intertwined with the Industrial Revolution. Blantyre gained prominence during the 18th and 19th centuries due to its thriving coal mining and textile industries.

The Blantyre Mining Disaster occurred on the morning of October 22, 1877. Pits number 2 and 3 of William Dixon's Blantyre Colliery were the site of an explosion that killed 207 miners and possibly more. The incident left 92 widows and 250 fatherless children, and the youngest fatality was an 11-year-old boy. This was Scotland's worst mining accident.

Historically, the town's economy was dominated by coal mining and textile manufacturing. Its coal mines were among the most productive in Scotland, and its textile mills produced goods that were exported across the country and beyond. However, the decline of these industries in the 20th century led to significant changes.

By necessity, the town has diversified its economy today. While remnants of its industrial past are still in operation, the retail, healthcare, and education sectors have become dominant. Small businesses and other local enterprises have also contributed to the town's contemporary economy.

The 19th-century missionary and explorer David Livingstone was born in Blantyre in 1813. His family resided in a tenement building for the workers of a cotton factory on the banks of the River Clyde, and was himself employed in a cotton mill at the age of ten. Today, the David Livingston Centre, located in the tenement where he was born, commemorates his life and explorations.

Another significant Blantyre landmark is the Blantyre Priory, a medieval monastery founded in the 13th century. Although it is now in ruins, the priory testifies to the town's historical and religious significance.

The Clyde Walkway, a scenic trail along the River Clyde, offers stunning views and hiking, cycling, and birdwatching opportunities. The town's parks and green spaces, including Stonefield Park and David Livingstone Memorial Park, are recreational areas for residents and visitors.

Blantyre is home to five primary schools (St. Blane's Primary School, St. Joseph's Primary School, High Blantyre Primary School, David Livingstone Memorial Primary School, and Auchinraith Primary School), two secondary schools (Calderside Academy and John Ogilvie High School), and a special education facility (Kear Campus). Additionally, a University of the West of Scotland campus relocated from Bell College to Hamilton International Technology Park in Blantyre in 2018.

There are at least six churches in Blantyre, including four associated with the Church of Scotland and two Roman Catholic churches.

Blantyre has two football clubs (The Vics and the Blantyre Celtic).

Appropriate resources for this category include businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, libraries, museums, art galleries, entertainment venues, organisations, activities, and events in Blantyre, Scotland.

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