East Kilbride town centre is giving shoppers the opportunity to take a step back in time as East Kilbride celebrates 75 years as a new town.
Through 75 carefully selected images, EK Through the Decades gives a fascinating glimpse of the evolution of the town with a range of photographs showcasing everything from the construction of the award-winning Dollan Baths and St Brides RC Church, to the opening of many of the town’s acclaimed tourist attractions - and even the burying of a time capsule in the Plaza Mall.
Although the new town was designated in May 1947, EK’s history stretches back centuries, with the photo exhibition featuring some of the original landmarks and buildings that still exist in the town today.
Commenting on the exhibition, a spokesperson for EK, East Kilbride, said: “East Kilbride has a rich and varied history and we wanted to try and encapsulate some of the key moments in picture format.
"It would be impossible to show every event, but I am sure the fascinating photos on display will evoke memories and spark conversations amongst locals and visitors alike.“
A key part of the exhibition is a series of poems by local school children marking the town’s 75 th anniversary. The poems, which were chosen as part of competition run by EK Central Library, give a fascinating insight into the thoughts of EK’s younger residents.
Jane Davidson, from Calderwood, pictured with her six-year-old son Hamish, said it was "lovely" to see the pictures of EK from over the years.
She said: "The display is great for kids and gave me an opportunity to tell my son, Hamish, all about how the town has grown.
"We had just been to the Dollan Baths so it was really interesting seeing the photos of it being built."
Danny Murphy, from The Murray, pictured with his daughter Ellie McGowan, 6, said: "T he display is brilliant. My daughter, Ellie, really enjoyed seeing the pictures of all the places she has been in the town.
"You sometimes forget how much there is to see and do in the town."
EK Through the Decades exhibition, located in the Olympia Mall in the town centre, was organised with support from EK Central Library, the East Kilbride News, South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, Core Image Ltd and Wave PR.
The EK, East Kilbride spokesman added: “A walk through the Village is like stepping into a bygone age.
"The Montgomerie Arms is still slating the thirst of locals 350 years after first opening its doors, with the pub’s famous loupin’ stane standing proud outside.
"I suspect many visitors to EK don’t fully appreciate the rich heritage of the area, so hopefully the exhibition will help to put that right."
And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Why not head to our page and give us a like and share.
*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here .
