Leadhills is a small village nestling in a high valley in the Lowther Hills. Designated an ancient monument (can you believe that?), Leadhills had a long history, with the neighbouring village of Wanlockhead, as a major lead mining centre until the industry’s decline in the 1930s. Since then, Leadhills has had mixed fortunes though more recently, has experienced something of a revival and is currently a growing and increasingly vibrant community.
The mining legacy of Leadhills includes the Leadhills Miner’s Library, the oldest subscription library in the world. The desire for self improvement that the library fostered, must surely have contributed to the crop of famous persons who have hailed from Leadhills. The library remains a major part of Leadhills life alongside many other community endeavours. Despite concerns over contaminated ground, Leadhills still attracts new visitors and residents and longevity seems to be a feature of life here; what of John Taylor who spent the latter part of his 137 years in Leadhills?
Leadhills’ location, just off the Southern Upland way and just an hour from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dumfries, makes it an ideal holiday location for those who wish to explore South-West Scotland. Accommodation includes the Hopetoun Arms Hotel and several holiday cottages.
Get to know Leadhills. Be it exploring the Clyde or Nith valleys, walking the uplands, learning of our rich history, or of Leadhills’ most extraordinary residents; or perhaps a round on the Golf course, the highest in Britain – Leadhills has something for you. On that note, here’s some of it.
Welcome to LeadhillsOnline
LeadhillsOnline.org.uk is dedicated to providing comprehensive information on the community and life of Leadhills. To do this, we need input, especially in the areas of local business, services and art and crafts; but we also need information on local events – before they happen! We know you’re out there but not all of you or your enterprises or your events are represented on this site. Please tell us about you and what you have to offer, get in touch by sending us an email or calling Mike on 01659 74428.