Forth, South Lanarkshire
| Forth | |
|---|---|
 Forth
|
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| Forth shown within South Lanarkshire | |
| Population |
2,220 (2001 census) est. 3500 (2009) |
| OS grid reference | NS9435352017 |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Postcode district | ML |
| Dialling code | 01555 |
| Police | Scottish |
| Fire | Scottish |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament | |
| Scottish Parliament | |
2,220 (2001 census)
Forth is a small village in South Lanarkshire, Scotland with a population of around 3,500 people. It is situated near Lanark, and stands 1,000 feet (320 metres) above sea level.
The town of Forth, is thought to take its name from the meaning "the open air". The town itself is first mentioned in a great seal charter of 1599. The first jobs available in the town of Forth were thought to be handloom weavers who, after an increase in the towns capacity to 170, were replaced by different trades such as ironstone, limestone and coalminers. The latter trades contribute to why it is known as a mining village.
Amongst the historic buildings in the village, Forth Parish Church was built in 1875 and the stone used was quarried directly from nearby Hailstonegreen. The first Police Station in Forth was opened in 1886 and is now home to the local Health Clinic.
The main street garage which still stands today was first opened in the same spot back in 1926 by Sanny Griffin.
Forth Railway Station at Wilsontown was built in 1867. This proved a great success and helped the town move forward. This, however became obsolete in coming years and was eventually closed in the 1950s.
The War had a devastating effect on the town of Forth: forty-nine men from Forth lost their lives. This number is even more significant when you take into consideration that the combined population of Forth was just 1000.
Some traditions from the past are still going today. In 1932, the first "Queen of Heather" was crowned, and this tradition became part of a Gala day for the town of Forth and has continued until this present day.
Blacklaw Wind Farm, once the largest on-land windfarm in Britain, is situated in the nearby hamlet of Climpy.
Forth has a small nursery and primary school and this feeds to Carluke High School. There is a small library attached to the school which is home to a several clubs such as to a book club for the younger children on Tuesdays. Additionally, there is a youth club held for primary children on a Friday night and for older children on a Monday night.
One of the main facilities in Forth is the Sports Centre.
The Centre runs a number of different classes for all ages. There are fitness classes for adults - including gym circuit and body combat classes. There is also a creche for the children of those who wish to use the facilities. Older children can attend classes such as trampolining and gymnastics. There is a gym which is open to everybody aged 14 and over. The halls are available to let out for special occasions such as parties and conferences.
There are a number of football pitches in Forth. There are lighted pitches, they are the best in lanarkshire (opened in 2009) which are free for young children and can be leased by adults. There are also a number of parks where anybody can play for free. Additionally, the local football team the Forth Wanderers own a pitch where they play home matches and have their training sessions.
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Wikipedia