Newtown landmark
New town status was designated 70 years ago
East Kilbride’s 70th anniversary as a new town should be properly marked.
That’s the view of Councillor David Watson.
He believes May’s milestone can help the town regain its identity and said: “There should be opportunities to highlight what the town has to offer.”
A chance for East Kilbride to regain its identity.
That’s the message from councillor David Watson as the new town this year celebrates its 70th anniversary.
The SNP member for East Kilbride West hopes the landmark occasion can bring communities together – and put the town right back on the map.
East Kilbride was designated as Scotland’s first new town on May 6, 1947.
Thousands of people have chosen to make the town their home.
And businesses have given East Kilbride the thumbs up over the years by moving into the area in their droves.
Mr Watson feels the new town’s 70th anniversary shouldn’t pass without being recognised – and believes it can act as a key moment in East Kilbride’s history.
He said: “This marks an important milestone in the history of our town and I want to know what plans South Lanarkshire Council have to mark this anniversary.
“Not only is there an opportunity to mark the anniversary it is an opportunity to market the town for future business investment.
“On the back of the anniversary, there should be opportunities to highlight what the town has to offer by the way of inward investment as well as the opportunity to educated younger and newer residents to the town about the town’s history.
“This could be done in the classroom as well as through cultural and library services and by supporting local community groups to bring our town’s history to life and to a new audience.
“Over the last few years East Kilbride has lost some of its individual identity. This anniversary gives us an opportunity to regain some of that identity.”