Gowkthrapple facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gowkthrapple |
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 Gowkthrapple tower block and distinctive street sign |
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 Gowkthrapple
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| Area | 0.326 km2 (0.126 sq mi) |
| Population | 1,040 (2020) |
| • Density | 3,190/km2 (8,300/sq mi) |
| OS grid reference | NS790536 |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | WISHAW |
| Postcode district | ML2 |
| Dialling code | 01698 |
| Police | Strathclyde |
| Fire | Strathclyde |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Gowkthrapple is a small neighbourhood located in Wishaw, Scotland. It is about 1.2 kilometers (or three-quarters of a mile) from the town center.
The name "Gowkthrapple" comes from old Scots words. "Gowk" means "cuckoo," and "thrapple" means "throat." One idea is that the area might have had many cuckoos in its woodlands long ago.
Gowkthrapple can be reached from Castlehill Road. This road runs along the edge of the neighbourhood. The area used to be industrial. It was home to the Pather Iron and Steel Works. Later, a clock factory called Smith's opened here in 1951. This factory closed in the 1970s. Its buildings are still there on Smith Avenue and are now used as Garrion Business Park. In 2016, about 1330 people lived in Gowkthrapple.
Buildings and Community Life
Most homes in Gowkthrapple were in large tower blocks and smaller apartment buildings. The biggest towers were built in the 1970s. They were up to 13 floors high. Some smaller blocks had four floors.
In the early 2000s, some of the larger buildings were taken down. This was part of a plan to update the area. Today, only two tower blocks remain: Allershaw and Birkshaw Towers. Each is 12 floors high and has been updated. Allershaw Tower is home to a housing association.
When local industries closed, Gowkthrapple faced some challenges. It also felt a bit cut off from the rest of Wishaw. This led to some social issues in the area. The neighbourhood gained a difficult reputation locally.
Over time, fewer local people lived in the area. This led to many migrants from Eastern Europe, mainly Poland, moving to Gowkthrapple. Projects have been started to help different groups in the community get along. These projects also aim to make the area safer for everyone.
Within the neighbourhood, there was a small shop, but it is now closed. There is also a community center. Several play areas for children are also found within the scheme.
In 2017, North Lanarkshire Council announced plans to replace all its tower blocks over the next 20 years. This includes the lower apartment buildings in Gowkthrapple. The council decided this because old buildings cost a lot to maintain. Also, some flats were not popular and had few residents. By the end of 2022, almost all residents had moved out. This was in preparation for the buildings to be taken down.
Schools in the Area
Castlehill Primary School used to be in Birkshaw Brae. That building has now been taken down. The school moved to a new campus in Overtown.
For secondary school, students can attend Clyde Valley High School. This school is not linked to a specific religion. It is located in Overtown, about half a kilometer (a quarter-mile) to the southeast. Students can also go to St Aidan's High School. This is a Catholic secondary school located in the main part of Wishaw.
