One of the 100 largest towns in Scotland, Lanark is still a small country town. This popular market town got its start in 1140. This is when King David I made the town a Royal Burgh which gave it mercantile privileges when it came to the government and taxation. After a time the new Royal Burgh was slotted to become a town so the King's surveyor came to the area and to layout the area for the town's market. Today the city of Lanark has many landmarks for visitors to enjoy.
St Nicolas' Parish Church is one such site. The oldest piece of the church, the bell, is believed to date from the early 1100s. This church bell might even be one of the oldest church bells in the world. The church itself was built in 1774. The bell was transferred from the Church of St Kentigern to St Nicolas Church at this time. The beauty of the church is often a draw for tourists while there many stop into see the ancient bell.
As it might sound a little strange but a popular landmark to see is Provost's Lamp. This lamp stands at the bottom of the high street. This is ornate gas lamp was used to mark the Provost's home. Whoever was the Provost of Lanark at the time would have this lamp located outside of their house. Today it is a popular tourist curiosity.
Another curiosity is the statue of Girnin Dog. Located in Castlegate this statue sits upon the house of its original owner. In the 1840s there was a feud between Deacon McDonald, Girnin's owner and a lady by the name of Miss Inglis. When the dog perished due to poisoning, the Deacon was certain of the culprit. To gain a sort of revenge for the death of his beloved dog Deacon McDonald had a statue of the dog carved in stone, painted and then placed upon the roof of his home. Tourists still stop and view the spectacle that brought fame to Castlegate.
For visitors that come to Lanark during the month of June can enjoy the Lanark Lanimer Day. This festival actually takes place over the course of the week, with each day having its own festivities. The local primary school children get to choose the Lanark Queen and her court, while prominent business men get to vie for the right to be called the Lord Cornet. With many parades, a ride out, and crowning of the queen the festivities are a sight to behold and fun to participate in.
If you are interested in learning about Lanark's history then simply pay a visit to the Lanark Museum. Here you can see exhibitions that cover the history of Lanark and their commerce, famous people that lived in the area and other interesting pieces.
Visitors interested in World Heritage sites can travel to the nearby town of New Lanark. This town is a Heritage Site all of its own for its proximity to areas such as the Falls of Clyde and the Wildlife Trust's Corehouse Nature Reserve.
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