Torbothie

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Torbothie is a small area in the town of Shotts, North Lanarkshire. It is the largest village in Scotland, with a population of approximately 13,500. It has a mixture of properties including council-letted accommodations to private dwellings, a swing park, a Salvation Army hall, 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 lake called The Voe, also known as Torbothie Beach. Torbothie is very close to Springhill and Dykehead, two larger sections of Shotts. Torbothie means "the bothie on the hill".

Contents

[edit] History

There were once 22 mines in Torbothie, but they were shut down in the 1960s.

[edit] Torbothie culture and wildlife

The local wildlife is varied, ranging from local birds to animals like fish's maw, 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 very mixed. People of varying ethnic background live in Torbothie, but its citizens are mostly white Scots.

[edit] The Voe

Torbothie Beach is a local name for The Voe, a two-acre 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 430 houses planned for its periphery.

[edit] Economy

The businesses in Torbothie are mostly limited to several butcher's shops, a local supermarket with two garages, and local convenience shops. There is also a library and a swimming pool.

[edit] 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, and the pupils were sent to Eastfield Primary until the New Stane Primary was rebuilt in 2003.

There was a riot in Springhill near Torbothie, during which gunshots were fired.