Torbothie
Torbothie is a small area in the town of Shotts, North Lanarkshire. Shotts has an overall population of approximately 8,570.[1] Torbothie has a mixture of properties including council-letted accommodations and private dwellings, a swing park, a Salvation Army Corps, a graveyard, large areas of forestry, a pub, a butcher's shop, a small football ground, and Stane Primary School, as well as a small man made loch called The Voe, also known locally and informally as 'Torbothie Beach.' Torbothie is very close to Springhill and Dykehead, two larger sections of Shotts. Torbothie means "the bothie on the hill".
History
There were once 22 mines in Shotts, a few of which were in Torbothie, Southfield for example was one, but they were shut down in the 1960s.
Torbothie culture and wildlife
The local wildlife is varied, ranging from local birds to animals like foxes, and roe deer. Rabbits are not uncommon, and domestic pets, such as dogs, are frequently found. Badgers have been sighted, as well as rats, small ferrets and weasels, and the occasional squirrel. There have also been one or two reports of adders.
Torbothie is populated generally by mixed class families. Its culture is mostly made up by white Scots.
The Voe
The Voe is a man-made body of water situated near the Torbothie Club, next to a quarry. It was created by damming the upper Calder water to create a source of cooling for the now-demolished Shotts ironworks and brass foundry. Abandoned and ruined stone structures are dotted around it. It is suitable for fishing, with common fish including pike and perch. Young people often ride their bikes to the beach. It is currently believed to be undergoing a makeover with 1400 houses planned for its future, a project estimated at £85m.[2]
Economy
The businesses in Torbothie are mostly limited to a butcher's shop, however, in the centre of Shotts there is a local supermarket, two garages, a pharmacy and several take aways and small convenience shops scattered throughout Shotts. There is also a public library, a leisure centre and a health centre.
Memorable events
Every year Shotts holds a Gala Day, situated in the Brandy Park in Torbothie. Much of Torbothie's population can be found here, where a Gala Queen is crowned, people make speeches, and a number of fairground attractions can be enjoyed.
In 1999, Stane Primary School was burnt down due to an act of vandalism,[3] and the pupils were sent to Eastfield Primary until the New Stane Primary was rebuilt in 2003.
Local bus services
From Torbothie, the local bus service is the number 365 Torbothie - Wishaw General Hospital, operated Mon-Sat by McGills Buses on behalf of SPT. A short walk allows access to more services offered by other local operators to destinations such as Hamilton (First Glasgow 266/JMB Travel 56) and Livingston (Blue Bus Ltd. 701)
References
- "Mid-2016 Population Estimates for Settlements and Localities in Scotland". Table 3a: Estimated population of localities by broad age groups, mid-2016. National Records of Scotland. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
- http://www.wishawpress.co.uk/wishaw-news/local-wishaw-news/wishaw-news/2009/12/02/85m-torbothie-development-bid-nears-reality-76495-25298507/
- Herald Scotland