Carluke

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The town of Carluke lies between the towns of Lanark and Wishaw in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, and has a population of 13,454 people. The town is largely a commuting town, with only small stores or supermarkets available in the centre of the town itself. The main shopping area of Carluke has recently been redeveloped - Carluke High Street is now reopen to one-way traffic after many years as a pedestrian-only area.

In a charter by Robert I, dated 1315, Carluke is written "Carneluk"; and subsequently at different periods it appears as Carlowck,Carlowk, Carluk, Carlook, Carlouk and Carluke. Car or Caer tells us that it is a height or strong position and Luke suggests that it may be dedicated to the saint of that name, however there is evidence that the earliest church was dedicated to St. Andrew.

The town has the distinction of being home to three gallant recipients of the Victoria Cross, and is the birthplace of General William Roy. Carluke was also famous for being the home of Scott's jam, which was recently downsized, and subsequently bought over.

The town currently has 5 primary schools, Carluke Primary, High Mill Primary, Kirkton Primary, Crawfordyke Primary and St Athanasius Primary, all of which are in the process of being rebuilt/refurbished. Carluke High School is also being rebuilt, on its current site, ready for opening in 2007.