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This section of our web guide highlights the town of Larkhall, South Lanarkshire, Scotland.

Today, Larkhall is primarily a residential community, with many residents working in Glasgow. It is located on the edge of the Clyde Valley, between the River Clyde and the Avon Water. The villages of Ashgill, Dalserf, and Netherburn surround it.

Archaeological evidence suggests that the area of Larkhall was inhabited as early as 9000-7000 BC.

However, the modern history of the settlement goes back to the 1620s or before. The name Laverock Ha appears in journals around that time. Although laverock is the Scots word for "skylark," there is no evidence that the town was named for the bird. More likely, Laverock was a surname.

Like many Scottish communities, the settlement grew quickly during the Industrial Revolution, primarily due to its emerging coal mining and weaving industries, which attracted workers from surrounding areas. The Larkhall Foundry, established in 1795, was a significant early employer.

The decline of the coal mining and textile industries forced the town to find other ways to sustain its economy. Today, retail, manufacturing, and service industries support the town's economy. While many residents commute to nearby cities for work, local businesses and retail shops also provide employment opportunities.

Saint Machan's Parish Church is one of Larkhall's historically or architecturally significant buildings. Built in the Gothic Revival style in 1859, it remains an active part of the Church of Scotland. Trinity Parish Church, also constructed in the 19th century, is another Church of Scotland congregation in Larkhall.

Larkhall Academy's original building was built in the 19th century, although it has since been modernized. It is still in operation as a non-denominational, co-educational secondary school serving students in Larkhall and the surrounding villages.

Morgan Glen Viaduct is the tallest viaduct in Scotland, rising more than 170 feet. Built in the 19th century, it once carried the Caledonian Railway across the Avon Water. Also known as the Larkhall Viaduct or Avon Viaduct, the structure still stands, although it no longer carries railway traffic.

Broomhill House in Larkhall is a former mansion that has fallen into disrepair. It is known for the local legend of the Black Lady, a ghost said to haunt the ruins.

Larkhall has several schools, including Craigbank Primary School, Dalserf Primary School, Glengowan Primary School, Hareleeshill Primary School, Machanhill Primary School, Netherburn Primary School, and Robert Smillie Memorial Primary School. Saint Mary's is a Roman Catholic Primary School, and Larkhall Academy is the only secondary school in the town.

Nearly half of Larkhall's residents are members of the Church of Scotland. There are three Church of Scotland churches in town: Chalmers Parish Church, St. Machan's Parish Church, and Trinity Parish Church. Other places of worship in Larkhall include the Church At The Cross, Larkhall Baptist Church, Larkhall Congregational Church, Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Strutherhill Gospel Hall, and a Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall.

This category should include online resources for Larkhall businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, museums, libraries, entertainment venues, organisations, attractions, and events, as well as informational sites focused on the town.

 

 

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