Newton Mearns is the largest settlement in East Renfrewshire, Scotland. The town is situated on the main road to Ayrshire, about seven miles south-west of the city centre of Glasgow, and thirty miles north and east of Ayrshire.
Stretching from Whitecraigs and Kirkhill in the north-east to Maidenhill in the south-east, to Westacres and Greenlaw in the west and Capelrig/Patterton in the north-west, Newton Mearns has a population between 25,000 and 30,000 and is part of the Greater Glasgow conurbation.
The area is characterised by its rolling hills and numerous reservoirs, including Balgray Reservoir and Walkmill Glen Reservoir, which contribute to its picturesque landscape.
The town's name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic Baile Ùr na Maoirne, which means "new town of the stewartry." Its name dates back at least as far as 1306, as it appears on a survey map under that name.
The land was primarily agricultural until the 20th century and passed between a few wealthy families, including the Pollocks, Maxwells, and Stewarts.
By the end of the 18th century, textile mills began to appear, along with some quarrying activities, leveraging local rivers and lochs for a water supply. The construction of a new turnpike road in 1832 further facilitated its growth. Still, in 1893, the town was described as a "single street on the Glasgow and Kilmarnock highroad."
Historically, Newton Mearns was an agricultural hub, known for its fine pasture and dairy farming. The introduction of improved roads and railways in the early 20th century served to transform it into a growing commuter suburb of Glasgow. The 1930s saw numerous housing developments, and, although growth stalled during World War II, residential development resumed after the war.
Today, Newton Mearns has evolved into a vibrant suburban town with a diverse economy. It features a mix of residential neighborhoods, shopping centres like the Avenue at Mearns, and historical landmarks such as the 15th-century Mearns Castle and Greenback House.
Originally a tower house dating back to the 11th century, Pollock Castle was located west of what is now Newton Mearns in East Renfrewshire. The castle underwent several reconstructions over the centuries, including the addition of an east wing and a formal walled garden in the late 17th century. The castle was destroyed by fire in 1882 but was rebuilt in the Scots Baronial style in 1886. It was used as an ammunition dump by the British Army during World War II and was demolished in 1952. In the early 200s, a new house was built on the original foundations, incorporating some of the remaining walls.
The Greenback House is a home built in the Georgian style in 1763 and is currently named for the Greenback Garden, a 2.5-acre walled garden that surrounds it. The house itself has sixteen rooms, along with barns and stables. It is now managed by the National Trust for Scotland, and open to the public.
Other historical structures in Newton Mearns include Newton Mearns Parish Church and Mearns Kirk.
Newton Mearns Parish Church was established in 1739, although its current building was completed in 1939. The first recorded mention of Mearns Kirk was in 1190 when the priest Helia de Perthic gifted the newly founded Anglo-Norman Church at Mearns to Paisley Abbey. However, it is accepted that this church was built on the site of an early Celtic church, dating back to around 800 AD. The original Anglo-Norman church was replaced in 1813, and it has undergone several renovations and additions since.
Today, Newton Mearns has four churches affiliated with the Church of Scotland, a new church associated with the Free Church of Scotland, a Baptist church, a Catholic church, two Jewish synagogues, and an Islamic mosque. Newton Mearns is home to roughly a quarter of Scotland's Jewish population.
Newton Mearns has nine primary schools and four secondary schools, including one private school.
Parks in Newton Mearns include Broom/Broomburn Park, Mearns/Shawwood Park, and Crookfur Park, and it is adjacent to Rouken Glen Park. There are also several golf clubs, a golf academy, a tennis club, a rugby club, and a bowling club.
Topics related to the town of Newton Mearns are the focus of this category, including local businesses, industries, libraries, museums, art galleries, places of worship, organisations, entertainment venues, recreational and sports programmes, and events.
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Recommended Resources
Opened in 2016, Dodside offers secure, off-the-lead exercise areas for dogs who need the freedom to run in a large area without the worry of getting lost. Bookings provide exclusive use of the Run, so if your dog has poor or no recall, is nervous, or is aggressive towards others, you can have a relaxed time on your own or with friends. A description of how the program works is provided, and an online booking calendar is available. A telephone number, email address, and enquiry form are featured.
https://www.dodsidedogruns.co.uk/
Eastwood is a traditional members golf club with a reputation for friendliness, making societies, visitors, and corporate parties feel more than welcome. Situated in or near Newton Mearns, the club is only about ten minutes from Glasgow, East Kilbride, and Kilmarnock. The moorland course is set in open countryside with stunning views, and no two holes are the same. A course flyover, an overview of its clubhouse, memberships, visitor rates, and contacts are posted on the site.
https://www.eastwoodgolfclub.co.uk/
Developed by CALA Homes (West) and Taylor Wimpey West Scotland, Maidenhill is a growing, socially-inclusive neighbourhood featuring a variation of family homes, ranging from two-bedroom semi-detached, to five-bedroom detached properties, set among acres of open green space. At the heart of the development is Maidenhill Primary School, which includes a nursery and sports and play facilities for the community. Available homes, news, and contacts are featured.
https://www.maidenhill.scot/
Offering traditional homemade Italian recipes and other dishes, Nonna Gina's has been serving the Greater Glasgow area for nearly thirty years. Located on Ayr Road in Newton Mearns, Scotland, its address, telephone number, email address, and hours of operation are published on the site, which includes facilities for online bookings. Its à la carte, gluten-free, takeaway, lunch, early evening, breakfast, desserts, kids, and drinks menus are posted, with a gallery of photographs.
https://www.nonnaginas.co.uk/
Parklands Hotel & Country Club
Parklands is a 4-star hotel and wedding venue in Newton Mearns, Scotland. The hotel features spa facilities and two purpose-built function suites, ideal for intimate and bespoke weddings, christenings, birthday parties, conferences, and other events. Opened in 2016, Parklands boasts thirty bedrooms and suites and offers free parking in its on-site car park. An online enquiry form is available for those wanting information about memberships in its health and fitness club.
https://parklandscountryclub.co.uk/
