Lots to see and do in Strathaven
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Strathaven has a long history as a market town and in 2002 was named Scotland’s first Fairtrade Town.
And it’s a town which continues to thrive with small businesses, family-run restaurants and boutiques growing all the time.
And despite competition from the nearby large towns of East Kilbride and Hamilton, Strathaven still has a number of craft and gift shops, alongside well-known town centre names that give its residents the chance to buy local.
From cafes and restaurants where you can sit back, relax and enjoy a catch-up with friends to a stroll and a ride on the steam train in the town’s park, this ever expanding town has a lot to offer both its residents and visitors.
The highlight of the Strathaven events calendar is the Balloon Festival.
The festival has been running since 1999 and is Scotland’s unique hot-air balloon event, with 20 huge balloons expected to take part.
The weekend sees demonstrations of a balloon being unpacked before it is tethered to a heavy vehicle to stop it flying away, where it will float a few feet above the park.
The town also hosts an annual beer festival.
Strathaven Round Table host their annual beer festival every year which sees people from all over arrive to sample some of the locally brewed beers.
One of the most popular family attractions in the town is Strathaven Park. Here, there is something for everyone to enjoy. You can stroll around and enjoy the autumn trees in the sunshine.
And there are paths galore that take you on a mystery tour, a must for little visitors on their bikes.
But why stop there? There’s an outdoor adult gym where you can keep-fit on the equipment installed in the park.
And of course, there is a large play area for youngsters to enjoy.
Then, spend some time at the summer boating pond – guaranteed fun for all.
One of the main attractions of Strathaven Park is the mini railway.
Watch as volunteers work on the trains and send them round the park track for you to enjoy.
Other places to visit in Strathaven include Strathaven Airfield. This is home to a microlight flying school, which operates both the traditionalstyle weightshift microlights and the light aircraft-style ones, and the airfield manager’s house is a must for architecture fans as it was featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs back in October 2013.
And why not visit Strathaven Castle dating back to 1350 on a bend of the Powmillon Burn?
Although uninhabited now, it is worth a walk around.
Sport is a big part of the Strathaven community with golf and rugby featuring strongly.