East Renfrewshire

I

Introduction

East Renfrewshire, unitary authority, central Scotland, bordered to the north by Renfrewshire unitary authority and Glasgow unitary authority, to the east by South Lanarkshire unitary authority, to the south by East Ayrshire unitary authority, and to the west by North Ayrshire unitary authority. East Renfrewshire came into existence on April 1, 1996, as a result of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Bill 1994, which provided for the restructuring of local administration in Scotland: single-tier, all-purpose unitary authorities have replaced the two-tier system of regional and district councils established in 1975. East Renfrewshire comprises, from the former Strathclyde region, the district of Eastwood and, in the north, a very small part of Renfrewshire district. Historically it comprises the southern part of the old county of Renfrewshire, which in 1975 was incorporated into Strathclyde. East Renfrewshire has an area of about 173 sq km (67 sq mi).

II

Land and Resources

Geographically East Renfrewshire is made up of the southern suburbs of Glasgow in the north, and a rural area of hills dissected by numerous streams in the south. There are several lochs and reservoirs in the unitary authority including Bannan Loch and Long Loch; the principal rivers that cross the region or act as a border include the River Levern, White Cart Water and Earn Water. Corse Hill, rising to an altitude of 376 m (1,234 ft), is the highest point in the unitary authority.

III

Population and Administration

East Renfrewshire has a population of 89,311 (2001). The administrative centre of East Renfrewshire Council is in Giffnock (1991, 16,190). The main urban areas are Busby (1991, 1,617) and Thornliebank on the outskirts of Glasgow, Newton Mearns (1991, 19,494), Barrhead (1991, 17,251), and Neilston (1991, 5,260). The police authority is the Strathclyde Police Force, with headquarters in Glasgow. East Renfrewshire comes under the jurisdiction of the Sheriffdom of Glasgow and Strathkelvin.

IV

Places of Interest

Rouken Glen Park, located in Giffnock is one of the largest public parks in Scotland; the extensive grounds include grasslands and lawns, a highland glen complete with waterfalls, cliffs, and crags, and a boating park. Located within the park is the Gatehouse Gallery, which exhibits the work of contemporary Scottish artists. The burgh of Barrhead has a museum dedicated to local history and culture, with particular emphasis on the development of weaving and the textiles industry in the region. Many of the historic castles and fortified buildings that once dominated the area, including castles at Eastwood and Lee, are no longer standing. However, an exception is Mearns Castle, an imposing 15th-century tower house near the village of Newton; the building has been restored and is now used as a church.