Blantyre’s Christmas lights switch-on returns after seven years on Saturday, 14 November 2026, at Blantyre Leisure Centre and Stonefield Park. From 1pm, families can enjoy a free Christmas market, live entertainment, Mrs Claus stories, sensory facilities, food, a raffle and festive activities. Lights switch on at 4.30pm; the first 200 children receive goodie bags.
As we mark Remembrance Sunday today, we’re featuring a spotlight to remember one of Blantyre’s remarkable wartime heroes. A local man who dedicated his life to educating local children, before making the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefields of France. This is the story of Captain James Brown, a former headmaster of Auchinraith Primary School, whose […]
Blantyre residents will gather on Sunday, 8 November 2026, at 3pm at High Blantyre Cemetery’s War Memorial for the annual Remembrance Service. The community will honour those who sacrificed their lives in war and conflict. Attendees are invited to refreshments at High Blantyre Hall afterward, with local organisations laying wreaths in tribute.
Blantyre’s Jimmy Downie, aged 94, has celebrated 50 years of devoted membership with the Knights of Saint Columba. A member of Council 490 since 1976, he was presented with a Golden Jubilee Certificate and Medal for his charitable and community service. Jimmy and his wife Kathleen have also been married for 70 years.
BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions? will be broadcast from UWS Lanarkshire campus in High Blantyre on Friday, 27 November 2026. Hosted by Alex Forsyth, the programme features four speakers responding to audience questions. Attendance is free but requires advance registration. Doors open at 6:30pm, with security checks and parking available.
A large section of pavement outside Edinburgh’s fire-damaged former Debenhams store on Princes Street may reopen by the end of December. Closed since the July fire, it has been replaced by a temporary roadside walkway. Engineers are stabilising the historic building, while reopening would improve pedestrian access during the busy Christmas shopping season.
Sally Lamb (née McMahon), aged 78, passed away peacefully on 25 October 2026, surrounded by her family. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, she will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Her Requiem Mass will be held on 18 November 2026 at 10am at St Joseph’s RC Church, Blantyre.
Saturday night stays cloudy with occasional light rain or drizzle, mainly in the east, though brief clear spells may develop from the west. Sunday begins cloudy, misty, and foggy before becoming drier with brighter intervals. Monday to Wednesday bring morning mist and fog, followed by sunny spells; Wednesday may see slight rain.