Lanark

Overview

Lanark is a historic market town in south Lanarkshire, and seat of the first Scottish parliament in AD 978.

Approximately 25 miles south-west of Glasgow in the heart of the Clyde Valley, Lanark is still a bustling market town characterised by chiefly Victorian buildings and spires. It is one of the oldest royal burghs in Scotland, granted its royal charter in 1140 by David I, and two centuries before became home to the first Scottish parliament (AD 978).

The world's oldest bell (c.1130) can be seen in the 18th century Church of St Nicholas, also home to an 1882 statue of William Wallace. The town has strong links with the Wallace story, and it is believed that in Lanark he may have got married, then later killed the English commander responsible for his wife's murder. The town truly comes to life during the annual Lanark Lanimer celebrations in June, when the old burgh boundaries are checked and the Lanimer Queen is crowned.