Where is it?

East Kilbride is a large town in South Lanarkshire, about nine miles south of Glasgow. It was Scotland’s first New Town, designed as a family-friendly, healthy alternative to the overcrowding of the city, in 1947. At its heart is the old village, with its quirky shops, cafes, historic pub and church, and cobbled streets.

What’s going on?

The town is a busy, continually expanding centre for retail, property and business. The original town planners drew a line around the housing and industrial estates, buffering the town with substantial areas of green belt and countryside but in recent years, even more housing has sprung up.

Cultural highlight?

East Kilbride Arts Centre (01355 261000) is a fantastic place to visit, complete with café, theatre and gallery. It also offers classes and courses in everything from guitar for kids to photography and
dance.

Place to eat?

The Lost Lamb, in Auldhouse village just on the edge of East Kilbride (01355 263242, www.auldhousearms.co.uk) is a proper countryside treat – hand-cooked, locally sourced food and a warm welcome await.

Hideous roadworks in the town mean you need to take a slight detour to get there at the moment – but just follow the signs and it’s worth the journey...

What’s new?

Merchant Homes (merchanthomes.co.uk, 0141 420 2026) has just unveiled a beautiful collection of two-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom villas in a countryside setting on the edge of the town. Prices around £200,000 forthe apartments and £399,000 for the villas.

The Herald:

Let’s buy…

Thornton Farm Cottage, a fine four-bedroom detached house in Thorntonhall. Highlights include the spectacular countryside setting and beautiful conservatory. Offers over £499,000. (Robb Residential, www.robbresidential.com, 0141 225 388011, www.purplebricks.com)