Airdrie, North Lanarkshire facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Airdrie Scottish Gaelic: An t-Àrd Ruigh Scots: Airdrie
Airdrie town centre
Airdrie
Population	36,390 (2020)
OS grid reference	NS761654
Council area	North Lanarkshire
Lieutenancy area	Lanarkshire
Country	Scotland
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	Airdrie
Postcode district	ML6
Dialling code	01236
Police	Strathclyde
Fire	Strathclyde
Ambulance	Scottish
EU Parliament	Scotland
UK Parliament	Airdrie and Shotts
Scottish Parliament	Airdrie and Shotts
List of places UK Scotland 55°52′N 3°59′W / 55.86°N 3.98°W / 55.86; -3.98

Airdrie is a town in North Lanarkshire, Scotland. It sits on a high, flat area called a plateau, about 130 meters (400 feet) above sea level. It is located 19 kilometers (12 miles) east of Glasgow. In 2012, Airdrie had a population of 37,130 people.

Airdrie started as a market town in the late 1600s. This happened after a special law allowed it to hold a weekly market. Later, it became important for weaving and making things. It was also close to many coal mines. In the mid-1800s, the town grew a lot. Many people moved there, and new iron factories and railway lines were built. This led to Airdrie opening Scotland's first public library in 1853.

During the 1900s, many big factories in Airdrie closed down. This was part of a wider industrial decline. Today, Airdrie is a place where people can find services and shops. It is also a town where many people live and travel to work in bigger cities nearby, especially within the Central Belt of Scotland. Airdrie is historically part of Lanarkshire. It is connected to its nearby town, Coatbridge. Together, they form a larger urban area with about 90,000 people.

What's in a Name?

The name Airdrie first appeared in old Scottish records in 1373 as "Ardre." Over time, it changed to "Ardry" by 1546 and "Ardrie" by 1587. Finally, in 1630, it was written as "Airdrie."

The most likely meaning of the name comes from the Scottish Gaelic language. An Àrd Ruigh means "a level height" or "high pasture land." Another idea is that it comes from An Àrd Àirighe, meaning a sheiling (a summer hut for shepherds). A third idea is Ard Reidh, which means "high plain." All these names fit well with the town's location on a high piece of land.

Airdrie's Story Through Time

Early Days

Airdrie exists because it is on a high ridge of land. An important part of the town's early history involves Cistercian monks from Newbattle Abbey. This is why the wider area is called "Monklands."

The monks were farmers. Much of the land they used is now a housing area called 'The Four Isles.' This area is named after four Scottish islands: Mull, Islay, Iona, and Luing. The monks had farms and buildings throughout the area. They also built roads. In the 1100s, they created the first main road from Glasgow to Edinburgh. This road went through Airdrie and Bathgate. It helped connect their lands in Newbattle.

Travelling in those days was often dangerous. Horses were rare, and low-lying areas were muddy and full of forests. So, people found it safer and easier to travel on high ground. These paths became known as the King's Highway.

We know for sure that Airdrie existed as a small settlement by 1503. The first houses in Airdrie were built along the old monks' road. The town grew slowly. By around 1650, about 500 people lived in the Airdrie area. Many people from Airdrie fought in the Covenanter Rebellion in 1679. Their old flag can still be seen at the local library.

A big moment for Airdrie was in 1695. The Scottish Parliament passed a special law. This law allowed Robert Hamilton of Airdrie to hold four fairs each year and a weekly market. This helped Airdrie grow from a small farm town into a busy market town.

Airdrie became very important for its weaving industry. The Airdrie Weavers Society started in 1781. Farmers in the area grew flax, which is used for weaving. By the late 1700s, coal mining also began. Many people worked as miners. Weaving continued to be a major industry. By the early 1800s, Airdrie had over 2,500 people.

Because of its many weavers and its location, Airdrie became a center for the Radical War of 1820. The town's population kept growing fast. By 1821, there were 4,862 people. Many new houses were built. In 1821, Airdrie became a free and independent town by a special law. This meant it had similar powers to a Royal burgh.

In 1824, the town decided to build the Town House. This building, designed by Alexander Baird, is now known as the 'town clock.' In 1832, it was used as a hospital during a cholera outbreak. By 1850, Airdrie's population had grown to 12,418.

From 1850 to 1920

Airdrie's huge population growth was mostly due to people moving in. Many came from the Scottish Highlands and especially Ireland. This happened after the Highland Potato Famine in the 1840s. It also showed a change from small home industries to large factories. Most Irish immigrants worked in mining and as laborers.

This led to more iron factories being built. Because of this industrial boom, railway lines were built around 1830. By 1862, the Airdrie and Bathgate Junction Railway connected Airdrie directly to Edinburgh. Airdrie South Station was the starting point for trains to Glasgow.

In 1853, a law called the Public Libraries Act (Scotland) was passed. In November of that year, Airdrie Public Library became the first public library in Scotland.

The rapid growth of people and industry meant more water was needed. Until the mid-1800s, people got water from wells and streams. In 1846, the Airdrie and Coatbridge Water Company was formed. They built a reservoir at Roughrigg.

Around the mid-1800s, local newspapers started appearing. The Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser is still popular today. Also, football and cricket became popular sports. A local football team called Excelsior was formed in 1878. It later became Airdrieonians. Horse races were also held in the town from 1851 to 1870. This land later became the golf course for the Airdrie Golf Club, which started in 1877.

Education was a big challenge because schools were very crowded. Three new school boards were set up. Fees were usually charged in schools. But a law in 1889 helped some younger classes. Airdrie Academy was built in 1895. By 1919, all school boards were replaced by the Lanarkshire Education Authority.

Airdrie Public Observatory opened in 1896 in the first library building. It is one of only four public observatories in the UK, and all are in Scotland. It is still used today by the Airdrie Astronomical Association.

By the early 1900s, variety shows were popular. In 1911, the Pavilion in Graham Street was built for music shows and later movies. It burned down in 1917 but was rebuilt in 1919. It closed in 1970. The New Cinema opened in 1920 but has also closed. The town needed a place for bigger events. So, in 1912, the Sir John Wilson Town Hall opened. Sir John Wilson paid for the whole building, which cost £13,500. This hall is still used for major events.

From 1920 Onwards

After World War I, Airdrie faced hard times. Many people from the town died in the war. Also, many people chose to move away. As a result, the population only grew a little, to about 26,000 by 1931. The Great Depression had a big impact on the town. Many well-known factories closed, and few new ones opened. It was reported that half of the town's working population was unemployed.

Church groups tried to help the poor people. They set up projects for education and work experience. By 1936, the Airdrie Churches Council gained national attention for their work. They were given a building in Graham Street, which became the Mutual Service Club. This is now the Airdrie Community Centre.

The current Airdrie Public Library building was built in 1925. It is on its present site after moving several times.

The first Airdrie Public Library building, a Carnegie library opened 1894.

Conditions in Airdrie did not really get better until after World War II. But in 1949, the Boots pharmaceutical company and Banner Textiles Ltd came to the town. Together, they employed 1,200 people. This encouraged other companies to consider Airdrie. In 1958, Pye opened and employed over 1,000 people. New industrial areas also appeared around this time. The Airdrie Arts Centre opened in 1967 in the old Airdrie Library building. It was a popular place for concerts and plays until it closed in 2012.

In the 1970s, Monklands Hospital opened. It replaced an older hospital that had closed in 1962.

Modern Airdrie

Airdrie town centre has changed a lot in recent years. There is a new road system and different types of shops. Graham Street, the main street for walking, has been updated. New houses are being built around Airdrie. This is because it is a good place for people who travel to work in other towns. These new homes are in areas like Chapelhall, Rochsoles, Glenmavis, Rawyards, and Cairnhill.

Airdrie also has signs in the Scottish Gaelic language in the town centre, along with English. These signs were first put up for a Scottish festival called the Royal National Mòd in 1993.

How Airdrie is Governed

Airdrie is part of different levels of government. North Lanarkshire Council is the local government for Airdrie. It is based in Motherwell. This council makes decisions and laws for the local area.

The Scottish Parliament handles matters for Scotland. These include education, health, and justice. Matters that affect the whole United Kingdom are handled by the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

Representing Airdrie in the UK Parliament

Airdrie is part of the Airdrie and Shotts area. This area elects one MP to the House of Commons in London.

Some important MPs from this area in recent years include:

• John Smith: He was an MP from 1970 to 1994. He led the Labour Party until he passed away.
• Helen Liddell: She was an MP from 1994 to 2005. She was also a government minister.
• John Reid: He was an MP from 2005 to 2010. He held many important government jobs.

The current MP for Airdrie and Shotts is Anum Qaisar from the Scottish National Party.

Representing Airdrie in the Scottish Parliament

For the Scottish Parliament, Airdrie is part of the Airdrie and Shotts area. This area has slightly different borders from the UK Parliament area. The current Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Airdrie and Shotts is Neil Grey MSP. He is from the Scottish National Party and won his seat in 2021.

Airdrie is also represented by seven other MSPs. These MSPs are from the wider Central Scotland electoral region.

Airdrie's Location

Neighbouring towns, villages and places.

	Glenboig	Glenmavis, Cumbernauld	Greengairs, Falkirk
	Coatbridge (Coatdyke), Glasgow		Bathgate, Livingston
		Airdrie
	Coatbridge (Carnbroe)	Calderbank, Motherwell, Wishaw	Chapelhall, Lanark

Local Areas (Wards)

North Lanarkshire Council divides Airdrie into different areas called wards:

• Ward 7 – Airdrie North: This includes Glenmavis, Caldercruix, Plains, Burnfoot, Thrashbush, Rochsoles, Holehills, Clarkston, Greengairs, and Longriggend.
• Ward 8 – Airdrie Central: This includes Airdrie Town Centre, Whinhall, Coatdyke, Gartlea, North Cairnhill, Central Park Area, and Rawyards.
• Ward 11 – Airdrie South: This includes Craignuek, Petersburn, Moffat Mills, Chapelhall, Calderbank, Brownsburn, South Cairnhill, and Gartness.

Weather in Airdrie

Who Lives in Airdrie?

We have records of Airdrie's population from the 1700s, 1800s, and early 1900s.

According to the 2001 Census, Airdrie had 36,326 people:

• 47.31% were male, and 52.69% were female.
• 20.7% were under 16 years old.
• 95.74% were born in Scotland or said they were Scottish.
• A small number (0.42%) spoke Scottish Gaelic.

Airdrie's Economy

How People Make a Living

In the past, Airdrie was known for weaving, coal mining, and heavy industry. These jobs are no longer common. While a distillery (Glenflagler) used to be here, it is now closed. However, Airdrie still has links to the whisky industry. A crisp factory (Crimpy Crisps) was also once in Airdrie.

Because Airdrie is close to Glasgow and other industrial areas, many people who live here travel to work. New houses have been built on old factory sites, like the former Boots factory. Airdrie still has important businesses and jobs.

Important Businesses

• Albert Bartlett & Sons: This company supplies root vegetables across the UK. The Bartlett brothers, Alan and Ronnie, are very successful.
• Inver House Distillers Limited: This company has its main office and warehouses in Airdrie. They make famous whiskies like Old Pulteney and Balblair.
• Airdrie Savings Bank: This was a small local bank that served the town and nearby areas.

Business Parks

Airdrie has two main business parks: Brownsburn Industrial Estate and Osprey Trade Park. These are places where different companies have their offices and factories.

Fun Things to See and Do

Places to Visit

• Airdrie Public Library: Scotland's first public library.
• Airdrie Public Observatory: One of only four public observatories in the UK. You can look at the stars here!
• Arran View: A beautiful old house built in 1867.
• Black Hill transmitting station: A tall tower that sends out TV and radio signals.
• Centenary and West End Parks: These parks include the Airdrie Cenotaph, a monument to remember soldiers.
• Monkland Canal: This is where the Vulcan, the world's first iron boat, was built in 1819.
• New Monklands Parish Church: An old church with a long history.
• The Wallace Stone: Legend says that William Wallace, a Scottish hero, sharpened his sword on this stone.

Law and Order

Police in Airdrie

Burgh of Airdrie Police helmet badge (Victorian Crown) pre 1902

The police in Airdrie are part of Police Scotland. Airdrie is in the Coatbridge Area Command. There is one police station in Airdrie, and it is open 24 hours a day.

Airdrie Sheriff Court

Airdrie Sheriff Court is a modern building on Graham Street. It handles local court cases, including civil actions and criminal cases. It is run by the Scottish Court Service.

Places of Worship

Christian Churches Church of Scotland – These churches are part of the Presbytery of Hamilton.

Cairnlea Church

• Cairnlea Church: Formed by two churches joining in 2016.
• Clarkston Church (1837)
• High Church
• Jackson Church
• New Monkland Parish Church: Located in nearby Glenmavis.
• New Wellwynd (1834)
• St Columba's Church

Roman Catholic Church – These churches are part of the Diocese of Motherwell.

Saint Andrews Chapel

• St Andrew's Church (Whinhall)
• St Edward's Church (Gartlea)
• St Margaret's Church (Airdrie centre)
• St Serf's Church (Rawyards)

Congregational Church – These churches are linked with the Congregational Federation.

Pilgrim Congregational Church

• Coatdyke Church
• Ebenezer Church (Broomknoll Street) (1882)
• Pilgrim Church

Other Religions

Airdrie Reformed Presbyterian Church (1838)

• Airdrie Baptist Church (1843)
• Airdrie Islamic Centre (mosque)
• Airdrie Park (United Reformed Church)
• Airdrie Reformed Presbyterian Church
• The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints Chapel
• Ebenezer Church (Aitchison Street) (Evangelical Church)
• Jehovah's Witnesses' Kingdom Hall
• The Salvation Army, Airdrie Corps
• St Andrew's Hospice: A place that cares for people who are very ill.
• St Paul & St John the Baptist (Scottish Episcopal Church)

Getting Around Airdrie

Airdrie railway station is on the North Clyde Line. This railway offers frequent trains to Glasgow. In 2010, the Airdrie–Bathgate rail link reopened. This gave Airdrie a direct train service to Bathgate, Livingston, and Edinburgh Waverley. Drumgelloch railway station serves the east side of town. Including the nearby village of Caldercruix, Airdrie has four train stations: Caldercruix, Drumgelloch, Airdrie, and Coatdyke.

Airdrie has good road connections to Glasgow, Edinburgh, Livingston, Motherwell, and Cumbernauld. It is also close to the M8 motorway. Bus services are run by local companies. You can get buses to Glasgow from Airdrie.

Airdrie is connected to the UK National Cycle Network by National Cycle Route 75. This path goes between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Healthcare

Monklands District General Hospital with the medical tower, the surgical tower and the A&E entrance

Weaver's Cottage

Airdrie is home to Monklands District General Hospital. It has an Accident & Emergency department that is open 24 hours a day.

Next to Monklands Hospital is Maggie's Lanarkshire. This is a charity that supports people with cancer.

Schools in Airdrie

North Lanarkshire Council runs the following secondary schools in Airdrie:

Airdrie Academy

• Airdrie Academy: This is a school for all students, no matter their religion. Boys and girls learn together.
• Caldervale High: Also a school for all students, where boys and girls learn together.
• St Margaret's High: This is a Roman Catholic school where boys and girls learn together.

Airdrie's Twin Towns

Airdrie is twinned with two towns in other countries:

• Arnhem, in the Netherlands
• Füssen, in Germany

Sports and Activities

• Angling (Fishing): Airdrie is a popular place for fishing because of its lochs and reservoirs. The Airdrie & District Angling Club is at Hillend Loch.
• Athletics: Airdrie Harriers is one of the athletics clubs in North Lanarkshire.

Airdrie Bowling Club

• Football:
  

  The Excelsior Stadium
  

  Penalty kick in Central Park
  The town's main football club is Airdrieonians F.C.. They play at the Excelsior Stadium. This club was formed after the original Airdrieonians club closed in 2002.
• Golf: Airdrie Golf Club started in 1877. It has a course with trees and tight fairways.
• Motor Sport: The Monklands Sporting Car Club holds events at the Forrestburn Hillclimb, east of Airdrie.
• Rugby Union: Airdrie used to have its own rugby team, Waysiders RFC. This team joined with another to form Waysiders Drumpellier RFC.
• Sailing: The Monklands Sailing Club is located at Hillend Loch near Caldercruix.
• Tennis: Springwells Lawn Tennis Club is a local tennis club.

Famous People from Airdrie

Many notable people have come from Airdrie, including:

• Ian Bannen – a famous actor.
• John Carmichael – a soldier who received the Victoria Cross for bravery.
• Paul Craig – a Mixed Martial Artist.
• Nathan Evans – a popular singer.
• Emily Gerard – a writer whose work inspired the famous story of Dracula.
• Grant Harrold – a broadcaster and former butler to Prince Charles.
• Dee Hepburn – an actress known for her role in Gregory's Girl.
• Jim Lambie – an artist who was nominated for the Turner Prize.
• Jason Leitch – the National Clinical Director for Scotland.
• William Robinson – a swimmer who won a silver medal at the 1908 Olympics.
• Jim Traynor – a sports broadcaster.

Footballers

Many footballers have also come from Airdrie, such as:

• Barry Bannan
• Sandy Clark
• Brian McClair
• Alan Morton – nicknamed 'The Wee Blue Devil'.
• Ally Roy

Images for kids

• 

  Pont's "Nether Warde of Clyds-dail" map c.1654 depicting Ardry (Airdrie), Burnfyd (Burnfoot), Carnhil (Cairnhill), Gartly (Gartlea), and Ruchsols (Rochsoles) amongst others.

See also

In Spanish: Airdrie (Escocia) para niños