Local information & events
Biggar is a thriving border town, with 3 museums, puppet theatre, boating pond, and a public park which has a golf course, tennis courts, and putting green. There are Italian, Chinese, Indian and traditional restaurants and hostelries within the town as well as a dozen country hotels within a short distance
Nearby facilities:
Golf, fishing, shooting [by arrangement], walking and hiking, horse riding [riding school nearby], picnic sites, historical sites, shopping, resaurants, swimming pools, children's play parks
Edinburgh International Festival (Aug-Sept)
A truly worldwide event including the largest arts festival in the world as well as jazz, crafts, comedy, musicals and many more. The Daily Telegraph suggested ; '' Edinburgh in August is not just the most thrilling , beguiling preposterously enjoyable place on Earth; it is also wonderfully addictive."
Hogmanay in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Whichever city you decide to 'Hogmanay' in you'll be in the middle of 100,000 revellers bringing in the New Year in one of the largest street parties in the world. Both cities are around 35-40 minutes by road or rail with numerous museums, historical monuments, castles and interesting things to do for everyone.
Biggar Hogmanay Bonfire
A huge bonfire is built in the middle of the street every year. One the town's oldest residents is selected to light the bonfire at 9.30pm preceded by a torchlight parade up the streets. Thousands of people pack the street to see the New Year in. Dancing to traditional Scottish music with both locals and visitors mingling together.
Lanark (approx 20 mins)
A historical market town dating back to the 1100's which has prospered and developed into one of the largest markets in Scotland. 'Lanimers' week in June is a week-long festival and pageant during which the history of the town is remembered and among other things the Lanimer Queen is crowned.
New Lanark World Heritage Site is located nearby on the River Clyde and dates from 1785. It was originally built to mill cotton and has recently been lovingly and painstakingly restored to its former glory.With its variety of shops it shows how cotton was milled and woven and how life was in those times.
Livingston.
A large town nearby with many sporting facilities including golf, bowling, swimming and football. It also plays host to the largest designer outlet in Scotland with huge savings and many bargains to be had for the shopaholics.
Biggar Gala Day (mid June )
This is the day every summer when a Fleming Queen is crowned in Biggar. The "reign" of the Fleming Queen during Gala Week is an historic tradition in Biggar. Ever since Mary Queen of Scots named Mary Fleming (her cousin and lady-in-waiting) "Queen for a Day" in 1563, a local girl has been selected to be the Fleming Queen. The Fleming Queen is crowned outside the municipal hall at 11.am. A parade of decorated lorries in the morning and an afternoon of fun for the children is finished off with dancing in the street in the evening.
Vintage Car Rally (early Aug)
The Biggar show field is the venue for the annual vintage car rally run by the Biggar Albion Foundation. An amazing collection of Albion Lorries, vintage cars, vans, buses and tractors with enthusiasts coming from all over the country.
For extensive inforamtion on the local area please visit the Scottish Tourist Board web site
For travel information; rail/air please visit Plan a Journey
Things to Do Nearby
Strathclyde Country Park: Guided walks,wildlife and water sports
Newmill Trout & Deer Farm: six pool trout fishery
South Queensferry: (35 minutes drive) historical town on the river Forth with famous bridges, a 12th century chapel and beautiful views from the promenade. Many places to eat or drink and railway / bus access to Edinburgh (9 miles). See also www.ferriescarie.co.uk which is a tour around Queensferry.
Maid of the Forth: Enjoy a cruise on the Maid of the Forth.
Edinburgh Military Tattoo (40 mins) - Amazing spectacle. Unmissable
Royal Highland Show (30 mins) - Scotland's largest agricultural show and great family day out
Ten pin bowling
Places to Eat Nearby
La Capannina, West Calder
The Nestlers Hotel, Newbigging
The Wee Bush Inn, Carnwath
55, Biggar
Cornhill House Hotel, Biggar
Elphinstone Hotel, Biggar
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