Wishaw, as with many towns in North Lanarkshire, offers a varied and eclectic mix of activities and events for the general public. Making use of Wishaw's excellent public transport links, other principal towns such as Motherwell, Hamilton and East Kilbride are less than 8 miles away, with larger cities such as Glasgow are a short twenty minute train ride away.

This isn't to say that you would want to get out of Wishaw to look for something to do. There are many excellent amenities offered by the town. For instance, the towns municipal sports centre, which recently hosted the inaugural Scottish Inter-Regional Athletics Championship, offers twopublic swimming pools as well as gym and 5-a-side football pitches. Two local teenagers are currently seeking to fund the construction of a local skatepark so the towns youth wont have to travel elsewhere. Wishaw Golf Club also houses a full 18-hole course along with two bars, and is easily accessible from the town centre.For those who lead a more sedentary lifestyle, Wishaw offers many independent and chain restaurants for eating in and a wide selection of bars to drink in.

The Zico Bar, which frequently hosts an assortments of different musical concerts, is a truly popular venue and its resident DJ Jan Cree has recently gained a number 1 hit in the dance/techno download charts. Another staple feature of a Scottish town can be seen in the large Mecca Bingo on Kirk Road.

Asides from this entertainment, there is also a palpable sense of community in the area that can be seen through events such as the Newmains Gala Day and its parade. The numerous churches in Wishaw offer the community yet more places to meet offering different groups and activities.

Finally, with the natural beauty of Scotland's central belt on your door step, Wishaw also offers a more natural selection of pastimes. From walking in the North Lanarkshire countryside to lounging in Lord Belhaven Park, Wishaw offers a plethora of things to do for all ages.

© Ciaran Mackie 2009