Biggar

Overview

Biggar is a historic market town in south Lanarkshire with a number of local visitor attractions.

Situated between the Clyde Valley and Borders regions, Biggar is 12 miles from the M74 motorway. A royal burgh since 1451, the town still retains its medieval layout. The main street, a conservation area, is dotted with houses from the 17th to 19th centuries, and Biggar Kirk itself dates from 1545.

For such a small town, there are a wealth of visitor attractions tracing the history of the area, and a Victorian puppet theatre with a regular programme of quality shows. Biggar is also associated with several historical names including William Wallace (for a notable victory of 1297), Bonnie Prince Charlie, 19th century British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone (whose ancestors are buried at the Church of St Mary) and the writers John Buchan and Hugh McDiarmid.

Within six miles is a popular walk up Tinto Hill (2032 feet) for commanding views over the Clyde Valley.