East Kilbride MSP Collette Stevenson has called on South Lanarkshire Council to make the town's 75th anniversary one to remember.
The town will reach the milestone on May 6 and the council is preparing to mark the anniversary of the "new town" by consulting locals on how it should be marked.
And now Ms Stevenson has called for bold and ambitious plans to celebrate the special day.
She told Lanarkshire Live: “I wrote to the chief executive of South Lanarkshire Council asking what plans they have to mark this special occasion.
"I’m glad there are plans to organise a programme of events to recognise this historic birthday and I look forward to further details on this.
"I have stayed in East Kilbride all my life and it really is a great place to live.
"This occasion gives us all an opportunity to reflect on where we are and what our vision is for the future - there is in my opinion a real opportunity to build a smart, sustainable East Kilbride fit for future.
“East Kilbride was the first designated new town in Scotland and in May we will be celebrating its 75 th birthday.
"I’m keen to hear from residents and I would encourage everyone to get in touch with me regarding how they want this occasion celebrated. I’m keen to see local businesses, schools, the third sector and community groups get involved with the celebrations. We should plan big and pull the community together.”
The council's chief executive, Cleland Sneddon, said: “The council announced at the end of last year that we would be seeking the views of the local population on the 75 th anniversary of East Kilbride becoming a new town.
"Although we need to keep the potential restrictions that may be caused by the pandemic in mind, we are hopeful that there will be a full programme of events to mark this historic year, as indeed there was on the 70 th anniversary in 2017.
“As everyone will understand, the pandemic has of course had a massive impact on all our lives, including the progress of significant projects across South Lanarkshire and beyond.
"During this period the council, our partners and community groups have worked tirelessly to provide services in East Kilbride and elsewhere."
Ms Stevenson can be contacted on 01355 232800 or collette.stevenson.msp@parliament.scot or, alternatively, write to her at 1/3 Strathmore House, East Kilbride, G774 1LF.
**Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did yo u know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head over to our page to give us a like and share.
