Walston, South Lanarkshire Explained

Country:Scotland
Official Name:Walston
Population Ref:<
Coordinates:55.7°N -33°W
Map Type:UK
Pushpin Map:Scotland South Lanarkshire#Scotland Scottish Borders
Unitary Scotland:South Lanarkshire
Lieutenancy Scotland:Lanarkshire
Static Image Name:Former Walston Parish Church, Oggcastle Road, Walston (geograph 5555145).jpg
Static Image Caption:Former Walston Parish Church

Walston is a hamlet in the middle of black mount area of South Lanarkshire, Scotland.[1] [2]

History

Patrick Molleson in the Old Statistical Account records that the name sometimes used to be written as Welstoun (with a long s) and may have come from a copious spring of good water known as Walston-well.[3] However John Wilson in the New Statistical Account suggests that the name may have come from Waldef, the brother of the Earl of Dunbar. In this theory the name started as Waldef's-toun and transformed via Walyston to Walston.[4] John Wilson also mentions Patrick Anderson of Walston who was imprisoned on the Bass Rock for keeping conventicles and corresponding with banned ministers.

Walston Today

It contains a few houses and bungalows. A park and church are located at the ends. There is also a telephone box and a bed and breakfast. Walston Primary School provides an education for around 45 children aged 5 – 11. Due to the small pupil population, the classes are composite and the staff may fill multiple roles, such as janitor and chef. In 2018 plans were approved to rebuild the school in the village of Elsrickle.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Groome, Francis, Hindes . 6. Ordnance gazetteer of Scotland : a survey of Scottish topography, statistical, biographical, and historical . 1895 . T.C. Jack . 475. Edinburgh . Francis Hindes Groome.
  2. Book: Lewis, Samuel . A topographical dictionary of Scotland, comprising the several counties, islands, cities, burgh and market towns, parishes, and principal villages, with historical and statistical descriptions: embellished with engravings of the seals and arms of the different burghs and universities . 1851 . S. Lewis and co. . London . 585 . 2 . Samuel Lewis (publisher).
  3. Book: Molleson. Patrick. The statistical account of Scotland. Drawn up from the communications of the ministers of the different parishes. 1791. Parish of Walston. William Creech. Edinburgh. 116–123. 7.
  4. Book: Wilson. John. The new statistical account of Scotland.. 1845. Parish of Walston. William Blackwood and Sons. Edinburgh and London. 846–867. 6.
  5. Web site: Committee approves new Walston primary school . South Lanarkshire Council . 12 February 2019.