Cambuslang Park has been awarded a grant of £551,500 by HLF which will be used to restore the historic character of this popular public place, upgrade its amenities and introduce a range of volunteering and training opportunities.

Although formally established as a park in 1913, the site of Cambuslang Park has been used for hundreds of years as a gathering space, beauty spot  and in the 1740’s, a focus for a Christian revival movement which attracted crowds of 30,000 to daily lectures on its ‘Preaching Braes’. The only green space in the area, it remains popular today with an active friends group of around 200 members holding many fun and cultural events such as guided walks, bulb planting and fun days. It is also used by schools who come along for scavenger hunts, beastie hunts and clean ups.

Covering an area of 27 acres, Cambuslang Park has four very distinct areas: the formal area with the historic ‘Preaching Braes’; the Borgie Glen, a dramatic tree-lined ravine; the sunken arena and children’s play area; and an area of open grassland which is used for sports and recreation.

Each area will benefit from restoration and replanting encouraging more people to use the Park. The arena will be improved to allow more events to take place, the play area will be upgraded, and railings, paths and seating areas will be improved. The introduction of a full-time Park Keeper will help develop new activities and oversee people using the park. Themed guided walks will increase awareness of the park’s rich history while more organised sporting events will encourage young people to use its facilities. There will also be opportunities for volunteers assist in events, healthy living walks and woodland management.

Commenting, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, Colin McLean, said: “Cambuslang Park is a place of sanctuary for many so we are delighted to be able to help transform it into a pleasant leafy green space which the community can enjoy and be proud of. We are particularly pleased as South Lanarkshire is a priority area for HLF and we have been working with lots of local groups to make sure that they make the most of the heritage lottery grants available to them. I hope that this investment will not only encourage many more people through the gates of Cambuslang Park but will also encourage other projects to come forward to benefit from Heritage Lottery investment.

Councillor Chris Thompson, Chair of South Lanarkshire Council's Enterprise Resources Committee, said “This is an exciting award for the local community and all those involved in planning the regeneration of Cambuslang Park.

“The grant award is testament to the hard work over several years of the local community working in close partnership with South Lanarkshire Council and the Changing Places community regeneration partnership.

“The project will deliver physical improvements to the park such as improved play facilities and entrances but will also help the community to get involved and learn about the environment and local history.”

The total cost of the project is just over £1million with half coming from South Lanarkshire Council and the other half from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Notes to editors

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has invested over £500million in projects in Scotland. 

Further information

Shiona Mackay HLF Scotland on 01786 870 638 or 07779 142890 or Laura Bates, HLF Press Office on 020 7591 6027 or 07915 608 729. 

Kenny Lean, Cambuslang Park on 01698 455072 / kenny.lean@southlanarkshire.gov.uk or James Davitt on 01698 453857 / james.davitt@southlanarkshire.gov.uk