A 20-year strategic community action plan has been created for Bothwell.

In conjunction with a host of partners in the village, Bothwell Futures the local Community Trust, completed the plan in April, following early facilitation by Bothwell community council.

The focus is to "grow and work together for Bothwell" and the plan was developed as a starting point in energising and driving the community and its businesses as they come through Covid and look to the future.

It is a plan built on engagement and inclusiveness and one which, it is hoped, will create an even stronger and better place to live for young families, and a safer and supportive environment for older people in the village.

The outline model for the future was based on three themes: A sustainable future which includes green space and carbon neutral; the Bothwell Experience which will include traders and business, walks, parks and nature and a Main Street of the future and phase three of Bothwell Past and Present which will include heritage and history, landmarks and living in Bothwell.

The plan has also highlighted that Bothwell has faced many challenges in recent years including a loss of activity on the main street; increasing traffic on the roads; pressure on activity amenities, especially sport; and a challenging economic time.

Kevin Moore OBE, interim chair of Bothwell Futures told Lanarkshire Live: "Our plan is ambitious, and it has the people of Bothwell at the very centre of our journey.

"Bothwell Futures are working on several projects on which we are working, including how to ensure our village assets are protected, managed and developed by our community. We realise too, that we must work together with many of the stakeholders who already work for our village, especially South Lanarkshire Council.

"Bothwell Futures will also endeavour to work closely with other excellent activity groups in the village including the Scarecrow Festival, Brighter Bothwell, Bothwell Horticultural Society, The Community Garden and the Parent Teachers Associations at the two local primary schools."

Nick O’Neil, past chair of Bothwell community council added: "Scratch together the surface of this desirable commuter village and you reveal a thriving community with an abundance of history, character and charm. Bothwell boasts a castle, a river, a battlefield, many famous sons and daughters, and of course its scarecrows. Bothwell’s real strength however is its people and the community groups that make it special.

"The vision being developed for Bothwell ambitiously aims to build on its solid foundations by protecting its heritage and enhancing the experience for residents and visitors alike."

The Bothwell Futures 20 Year Strategic Community Plan can be accessed on the website at https://bothwellfutures.org/home/