Wishaw

  Lanarkshire history book
  Images of Scotland

The town of Wishaw has grown up through the centuries as smaller settlements grew into one another. With the expansion of industry in the 19th century the settlements of Coltness, Muirhouse, Murdieston and Cleland formed the nucleus of the present town.

The main factor in the town's growth was its underground mineral wealth. Wishaw and its surrounding rural area had abundant riches of coal as well as ironstone and its exploitation by mining  led to the rapid expansion of the town .

Beside the coal mines , major heavy industries developed including iron and steel manufacturing ,and engineering. With the coming of the Wishaw and Coltness Railway, followed by other lines such as the Caledonian Railway, expansion became rapid. More coal could be mined as new markets further away could be exploited and this led to the opening of yet more collieries. The Coltness Iron Company opened works in the area employing many thousands of workers making products for both home and export markets.

Staff at Wishaw Academy 1900

Wishaw today

Today the traditional heavy industries of Lanarkshire have all but gone. In this volume, author Helen Moir captures memories of those bygone days when Coal and Steel were king. Illustrated with 200 images of the town, its people and its industry, the book Wishaw will bring back memories for those who can remember the heady days of industry.

 For younger residents, and for those whose family ancestors lived and worked in the Wishaw area it will help create a better understanding of the town.