Boost for country parks thanks to budget

Published: Friday 20 March 2026

This image is split, with Calderglen Country Park on the left and Chatelherault Country Park on the right

A one-off investment of more than £7 million is to be spent on enhancing South Lanarkshire’s two country parks.

The funding will progress key elements of the existing masterplans for Calderglen and Chatelherault Country Parks.

Planned projects include the £1.2 million expansion of the playpark at Chatelherault in Hamilton, delivering new facilities that will cater to a wider age range and increase visitor capacity.

At Calderglen in East Kilbride, enhanced access infrastructure, upgraded active travel routes, improved wayfinding, improved footpath infrastructure and new lighting at a total cost of £5.6 million will make the park more accessible, more secure, and easier to navigate.

Executive Director of Community and Enterprise Resources, Kevin Carr, said: “This funding will allow us to significantly improve the visitor experience across these much-valued assets.

“These developments will support local tourism and ensure that the parks continue to offer high quality, family friendly recreation.

“Strengthening the infrastructure within country parks will also assist in attracting new business and events, protect natural environments while encouraging sustainable access for future generations.”

A further £500,000 is identified to support the design development of these projects which will take place during 2026/27 with works programmed to commence from 2027/28.

The investment is part of an almost £40 million funding boost after political groups came together to agree the Budget for People and Place in South Lanarkshire for 2026-27.