Residents of East Kilbride will get a say in how the town should celebrate its 75th anniversary.
The town will reach the milestone on May 6 next year, and South Lanarkshire Council is preparing to mark the anniversary by consulting locals on how it should be marked.
Council Leader John Ross said: “East Kilbride had a population of about 2400 in 1947 and the vision was for a thriving town of 82,000 residents.
"When the next census is complete it will likely show that this target has been achieved, or close to it.
“But these are just numbers. What is important is that the town has been a great home to so many people, and the generations that have grown up in the last 75 years have contributed greatly to the country’s business and cultural activities, from engineering to green technology, and from pop music to acting.”
Councillor Ross added: “Like so many places, East Kilbride has faced its challenges in recent years, especially due to the coronavirus pandemic. But the town’s very strengths and proud history make it well placed to ensure that the upcoming anniversary year will be just the first of many more successful and happy years to come.
“I look forward to the council being a big part of the celebrations and activities, and I encourage everyone who lives in East Kilbride, or who is from there – or indeed anyone, like me, who likes the place – to think about how we might best create a much-needed celebration of civic life.”
East Kilbride was officially granted town status on May 6, 1947, as part of Scotland’s regeneration after the Second World War.
It was developed to create a living space away from busy parts of Glasgow, it was the nation’s first new town ahead of Glenrothes, Cumbernauld, Livingston and Irvine.
Details on how to contribute ideas for the celebration will be available next year by the council.