“Avoid living here unless you are desperate.”
Despite one negative review, there is lots to see and do around the town(Image: Google Maps)
When it comes to Scotland’s many cities, towns, and villages, everybody has their own preferences. Some love the hustle and bustle of the country’s cities, while others prefer the relative peace and quiet of a small village.
While most are happy to simply have their own opinions, there are a few Scots who go one step further and share their thoughts online. ILiveHere is a website where people across the UK can leave a review of their hometown or somewhere they have visited.
Many of the reviews on ILiveHere are negative in nature, with the Daily Record recently reporting on a village that was once named the “armpit of Scotland”. Another settlement that earned the scorn of one writer is East Kilbride in South Lanarkshire.
One of Scotland’s largest towns, East Kilbride is home to a population of approximately 75,000 people. It was the country’s first designated ‘New Town’, and is located around eight miles out of the centre of Glasgow.
In the negative ILiveHere review, East Kilbride was described as a “slice of hell cut off from civilisation”. The review was written by somebody “who moved to East Kilbride 2.5 years ago temporarily and will soon be leaving, by the grace of all that is holy”.
The writer criticised many aspects of the town, including its “famous grey concrete skyline”. Although they said there are “nicer areas”, the reviewer did not specify what they were.
In summary, the writer commented: “All in all, East Kilbride is fine to visit for a day or so—but avoid living here unless you are desperate.”
While the writer of the ILiveHere review was unimpressed with East Kilbride, many locals and visitors alike are very fond of the town. In fact, it is a great destination for a day out.
East Kilbride is known for its wide variety of parks. This makes it a good place to head if you are wanting a picturesque walk.
Calderglen Country Park(Image: Josie Campbell / Calderglen Country Park Conservatory Garden)
One of the top parks around town is Calderglen Country Park, which is found along its eastern edge. Among East Kilbride’s main green spaces and recreation areas, it is home to a tropical conservatory, ornamental gardens, nature trails, and even a zoo.
Elsewhere, James Hamilton Heritage Park covers an extensive area of 32 acres. Highlights of the country park include its 16-acre loch and the various water sports on offer.
East Kilbride also features a number of fascinating nearby attractions for those looking to learn more about Scottish history.
The National Museum of Rural Life allows visitors to gain an insight into centuries of rural history, while the Whitelee Windfarm includes a visitor centre with an exhibition all about wind power.
The National Museum of Rural Life(Image: National Museum of Rural Life by Jim Smillie, CC BY-SA 2.0 )
For younger ones, the town is also home to the Wonderworld softplay and adventure centre. The custom-built indoor softplay is designed to stimulate children’s imagination and encourage physical development.
East Kilbride also has lots of options when it comes to food and drink, including Asian fusion restaurant Yakitori House, traditional Spanish tapas venue Tinto Tapas Bar, and stylish eatery Once upon a Table. Meanwhile, top pubs around town include Hudsons and The Montgomerie Arms.
For more information about East Kilbride and what you can get up to around town, check out the VisitScotland website. Meanwhile, for the full review, visit the ILiveHere website.