Discover Biggar: history and culture

Biggar brings together several different ways to explore its history: Scotland’s only surviving gasworks, collections on rural and small-town life, historic buildings and an interactive street scene. There is also the Biggar Heritage Trail, the Biggar & Broughton Circuit and walking trails in the surrounding area. If you are looking for a hotel in Biggar, these themes can shape your stay – from cultural history to trails and scenery.

Industrial history and heritage

Biggar Gasworks is the only surviving gasworks in Scotland. From 1839 to 1973, it produced coal gas for the town and surrounding district for more than 130 years. Its long period of operation and regional role in supplying gas make the gasworks a distinct part of Biggar’s industrial history.

Biggar Corn Exchange is a Category B listed building; it was built in 1860 and opened in 1861. St Mary’s Church in Biggar is a collegiate church dating from 1545.

The collections at Biggar Museum explore 14,000 years of rural and small-town life in Biggar and Upper Clydesdale. They focus on the people who lived and worked in the region from prehistoric times to the mid-20th century. This brings together a broad time span and a regional perspective on everyday life and work. The museum building includes an archive room and a separate area for temporary exhibitions.

Interactive culture and performances

Gladstone Court is an interactive experience that recreates the sights and sounds of a busy Victorian High Street. The street scene is set in the second half of the 19th century and depicts a historic shopping street with a range of shops. Visitors can call between the shops using a working telephone exchange. The telephone connection makes communication between the shops part of the interactive scene.

The Purves Puppets’ permanent theatre is the first and only fully functioning puppet theatre of its kind in Scotland. The permanent venue in Biggar offers performances and workshops; individual productions may change. Alongside historic collections and street scenes, the cultural offering therefore includes a puppet theatre with shows and workshops.

Trails and tour planning

The Biggar Heritage Trail takes in historic attractions and important events in the town’s history. The Biggar & Broughton Circuit is 12 miles (20 km) long and has 767 feet (234 m) of elevation gain.

There are many scenic walking trails in the area around Biggar, following the Biggar Country Path network. While the Circuit is a single route with a specified distance and elevation gain, the network includes several walking trails.

Maps and signage may be updated; trail conditions and access may change. Check the latest information before setting out. Biggar can be reached by car, taxi and public transport. Check suitable connections before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Abington, Carluke, East Kilbride, Strathaven, Hamilton, Larkhall, Lanark, Blantyre

For the wider travel overview: South Lanarkshire.