Uddingston

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Great Days Out in Uddingston
 

Uddingston is probably most famous for Tunnocks bakery, producers of the world-famous Caramel Wafer, Caramel Log and Teacake. This family-run business was founded in 1890 and is still based in the town.

For a taste of time gone by, and a great family day out, visit Bothwell Castle to experience Scotland's oldest and finest 13th Century castle, operated by Historic Scotland.  The entrance to the castle is actually in Uddingston, and not Bothwell!

For the green fingered, or for those that enjoy colour, take the family along to Viewpark Gardens in Uddingston, home of the Summer Flower festival. Enjoy the demonstration gardens from as far and wide as Japan and the Highlands and see the water festures, ponds and waterfalls. 

A great day out for the young, and not so young, to enjoy!
 

Uddingston shopping
 

Shopping in Uddingston has a selection of high street names, traditional shops and cosy cafes and pubs. Uddingston's shops are concentrated along the main street with a selection of local stores, ranging from children's wear and an interior design studio to florists, newsagents and estate agents.

It also has a range of restaurants, bars and cafes, including the famous Tunnocks tea room and Angels Hotel.
 

A Brief History
 

The name Uddingston originated with the Angles who arrived in the area around AD 700. The original spelling of the name was Odistoun, meaning the homestead of Oda. It gradually evolved into Evison and later to Udiston.

Uddingston has been a main thoroughfare since the Roman era. In Roman times the main road from the south ran through the town. In 1790 the first stage coach ran from London to Glasgow, passing through Uddingston. The railway came in 1849 and the motorway in 1968.

The entrance to Bothwell Castle is actually in Uddingston. Between 1296 and 1337 the castle changed hands between the Scots and the English several times and was partially demolished twice. Bothwell Castle was finally abandoned in the 17th century and the New Bothwell Castle was built in the fashionable Palladian style by Archibald Douglas using stone from the old castle. The Palladian mansion was finally demolished in 1930.

In the first half of the 18th century 60 families were recorded in the village of Uddingston and by 1795 there was a population of 287, many of whom were involved in handloom weaving. The manufacture of linen thread from locally grown flax also formed part of the local economy.

By the 19th century, Uddingston had become a centre for the manufacture of agricultural machinery notably Wilkie's Plough. This was first made by Mr John Wilkie in 1800 and was used in all the well-cultivated districts of Scotland and in many parts of England. By 1840 more than 10,000 ploughs had been produced by the Wilkie family.

The Victorian era was a period of growth in Uddingston and most of the tenements and large houses in Uddingston were built then.

Although Uddingston was surrounded by collieries in the early 20th century, there was only ever one pit in the village itself, Maryville, which was abandoned in 1883.
 

Famous people
 

One of Uddingston's most famous sons, Sir James Black, is world-renowned for developing drugs that have saved millions of lives. Born in the town in 1924, Sir James revolutionised heart treatments after he created beta-blocker drugs and later ulcer-tackling medicine with his achievements winning him a Nobel Prize in 1988.

Uddingston is also within walking distance of Hamilton, which contains a racecourse, and Chatelherault country park.