Hamilton Advertiser
Club spent £500,000 on wages in six months honouring Championship level salaries
The challenge facing Hamilton Accies’ new owners to slash the club’s wage bill has been laid bare — with the former regime spending half a million pounds in the first six months of this season in League One. Wrestling guru and Welsh football club...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
REMARKABLE RECOVERY
A Hamilton man has shared grateful thanks to the dozens of medical staff who saved his life and helped him throughout a threeyear“extraordinary journey back to health”. Brian Wands spent seven months in hospital, including three in intensive care,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘We want to rebuild relationship with SFA’
New Hamilton Accies owner Rob Edwards wants to rebuild the club’s fractured relationship with the SFA and SPFL after they were hammered with sanctions over the past several months. Previous owner Seref Zengin and former director Gerry Strain were...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
Double family tragedy was a festive agony for gran
A Blantyre gran rocked by a double death tragedy has shared her pain over losing her granddaughter and daughter in the space of just nine months. Heartbroken Diane Edgar has paid tribute to Paula, 34, and her granddaughter Pixie, saying that the...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
WRAPPED UP
Hundreds of disadvantaged children across South Lanarkshire will wake up to a bundle of gifts under their Christmas tree – thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our readers. Once again the Hamilton Advertiser’s festive toy appeal ended on a high,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
TOWN’S £20M BOOST
Hamilton town centre’s planned transformation is to benefit from an investment of £20 million over the next 10 years. The major regeneration project was chosen to benefit from South Lanarkshire’s allocation of Pride in Place funding from the UK...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CHRISTMASISCOMING
Christmas is coming, and with two weeks until the big day, it’s the busiest time of the year for the bighearted volunteers behind the Advertiser’s annual toy appeal with the Salvation Army. Hundreds of gifts have so far been donated but we are asking...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
GOINGTHAT EXTRA SMILE
A charity earned an incredible boost of more than £16,000 thanks to its inaugural ball. SMILE, which supports children with serious illnesses and their families, said the glittering sold-out event at luxury High Blantyre venue Crossbasket Castle was...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
LET THERE BE LIGHTS
An illuminating Hamilton put on a dazzling show for 6000 visitors as the countdown to Christmas officially got underway with a spectacular Saturday in the town centre. The town’s Christmas tree and festive lights all along Quarry Street have now been...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PARTYTIME
There was double delight for Hamilton hero Lewis Ferguson on Tuesday as he helped Scotland reach the World Cup for the first time in nearly 30 years – on his daughter’s third birthday. Ferguson, who grew up in Quarter and came through the ranks at...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
FRAUDPROBEAT ACCIES
A report of alleged fraud at Hamilton Academical Football Club is being investigated by Police Scotland. It is more bad news for the League One outfit after they saw owner Seref Zengin and director of football Gerry Strain deemed “not fit and proper”...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PITCHVANDALS
Vandals setting off fireworks have caused severe damage to a public sports pitch near Hamilton town centre by driving a vehicle onto the playing surface and causing huge ruts and burns. Officials from South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture (SLLC)...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BURLESQUE TRIBUTETO TRIPLE AMPUTEE DAD
Nikkole Jamieson was only aged 13 when she and her family found out that her dad Gary was in a critical condition. Her younger sister Taylan was aged just 11 months. On a routine patrol in Afghanistan in 2010, Gary Jamieson, a sergeant in the 1st...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Blazeyob torches own home
A man has been convicted of setting fire to his home in Hamilton. Jurors heard firefighters found an overwhelming smell of petrol and didn’t believe Anup Singh Padam’s claim that a chip pan had caught fire. Padam, 37, denied wilful fireraising at his...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
THE TRUTH MUST COME OUT
A grieving Hamilton dad has welcomed moves to hold a fatal accident inquiry nearly six years after his son’s death in prison from a bleeding stomach ulcer. Father-of-three Stewart Glancy, 38, left, was found dead in his cell at HMP Addiewell, West...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
RAISEASMILE FORCHARITY
A growing Lanarkshire charity has opened a new fundraising shop in Hamilton town centre and is seeking the support of the community as they work to create a respite centre for children and young people with serious conditions. SMILE children’s charity...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
LEISURE CENTRE BACKIN BUSINESS
Blantyre Leisure Centre has reopened its doors after a month of renovations, including the relocation of the area’s library into a newly-created space in the reception area. Fitness classes and racquet sport bookings have resumed in the games hall and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
GIVE US OUR FIRE ENGINE BACK
South Lanarkshire Council wants a second 24/7 fire engine restored to Hamilton Fire Station. The Bothwell Road base has housed only one appliance since September 2023 when its second engine became one of 10 across Scotland to be “temporarily...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
IT’SBAKE TOTHE FUTURE
Baking news A much-loved Hamilton business will reopen its doors this weekend, two months after a devastating fire which forced its temporary closure. Cadzow Bakehouse will welcome back customers to their shop on Quarry Street on Saturday after...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
IWARNED COUNCILOF CLEARFIRE RISK
A heart attack victim left homeless after her next door neighbour’s house went up in flames has claimed she warned authorities of a fire risk at the Hamilton property. Susanne Mcmurray, 54, has told how she fled her semidetached council flat in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
LANDMARK’S STARROLE ONHITTV DRAMA
Hamilton’s A-listed landmark has a starring role in a star-studded hit drama currently streaming on Apple TV+. The town’s mausoleum at Palace Grounds features in two episodes of the new season of The Buccaneers, doubling as the Tintagel family crypt...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘BRICKS CRUMBLE’ INHOUSE INFERNO TERROR
Shocked neighbours watched as firefighters battled a raging inferno which gutted a house in Hamilton. The Advertiser understands the owner was not at home when huge flames and thick black smoke engulfed the semi-detached property in Highstonehall Road...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
VOGUEEYESORE ISSETTOBE TORN DOWN
Hamilton’s B-listed former Vogue cinema and bingo hall is set to be demolished after being declared unsafe. The 105-year-old building on Keith Street has been fenced off for the past two months after a dangerous building notice was imposed, and three...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
KILLER IS CAUGHT ON CCTV KNIFING WILLIAM TODEATH
A vicious killer was caught on CCTV brutally murdering a man in Hamilton in broad daylight. William Lewis, 56, stabbed William Copeland to death moments after the men appeared to embrace each other. The thug then turned the knife on the 36 year-old’s...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ORGANISERS ‘BLOWN AWAY’ AS 5000 HEADTO TOWN CENTRE GALA
Thousands of visitors descended on Hamilton town centre to enjoy a spectacular summer gala day which left organisers “blown away”. A host of performers, stalls and family attractions transformed Quarry Street into a busy outdoor market and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CHILDREN’S CHARITY‘S GRAND PLAN FOR NEW HOME
A vacant former nursing home in Stonehouse could be transformed under proposals being developed by Lanarkshire children’s charity SMILE. Their ambition is to take over the derelict Canderavon building through South Lanarkshire’s community asset...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
GOLDENBOY STEPHIS AMAZED TOGET MBEFROM THEKING
Hamilton hero Steph Mcguire received the royal seal of approval for his golden Paralympic achievements as he was presented with his MBE medal by the King at Holyrood. The boccia star, who won a thrilling and muchcelebrated gold medal at last year’s...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SOLD
A property developer has acquired Hamilton’s Regent Shopping Centre for an undisclosed sum. Tahir Ali, of national property development and asset management group Evergold, has had a series of “detailed discussions” with South Lanarkshire Council on...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
DESPERATE DEANIN URGENT PLEAFOR KIDNEY DONOR
A Hamilton man launched a desperate search for a kidney donor after his planned transplant fell through because his mum carries the disease he inherited and his dad was diagnosed with cancer. Dean Rutherford, who suffers from Dent’s Disease, then...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
HELPBUILD FUTUREFOR TRINITY CHURCH
A Larkhall community group are looking into buying a former church building for the use of the town. Trinity Parish on Union Street has been put on the market for offers over £155,000. And Larkhall Plan Partnership (LPP) are exploring the possibility...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Shoppers flock to the village craft market
The recycled paper content of UK newspapers in 2024 was 34.7% A popular community craft market which is now celebrating its first anniversary has been praised for supporting and showcasing local businesses and drawing crowds of shoppers. Stonehouse...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
WE’RESETFORLIFE
A Hamilton couple are living the dream after a “lifechanging” National Lottery win. Olivia Love, 36, scooped £10,000 every month for a year on the Set For Life game after matching five numbers – and immediately resigned from her part-time supermarket...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PAARRKIKNIGNBGAN BAN PUTSTHE PUTS BRAKES ON OBUNSRVOIUTTAEL BUS ROUTE
A Hamilton bus service has had to be re-routed after increased parking congestion made a key street on the route “inaccessible” for the large vehicles. Brankholm Brae in Hillhouse is now being bypassed by the First Bus 226 service, which has diverted...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
DAD DIDN’T WANT TO BEABURDEN
The daughter of a former Hamilton firefighter expressed her “overwhelming relief” after Scotland’s assisted dying bill passed the first vote. Robert Easton died from pancreatic cancer in 2021, aged 69. His daughter Joanne has been campaigning for a...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
EXTRA £4M TOGIVE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT
Larkhall’s expanded new leisure centre will now include a three-court games hall following a successful public campaign and increase of almost £4 million to the available funding. The new facility is to be included in redesigned plans for the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ENDOFANERA ASACCIESSETTO LEAVE TOWN
Hamilton Accies have announced they will be leaving New Douglas Park and moving to play home games in Cumbernauld. The club’s board shared the shock news last week, after rejecting a proposal from the stadium owner which they say “cannot be accepted...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MANSUFFERSTHREE BRAINBLEEDS AFTERSTREET RAMMY
A man suffered three separate bleeds to the brain and his skull was fractured following a rammy outside a Hamilton pub. The victim fell and struck the back of his head against the pavement after he was punched by thug Paul Cassidy, 47, of the town’s...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
OAP ROBERT KILLED BY LORRY DRIVER ON DRUGS
A lorry driver who had taken cocaine killed a pensioner as he crossed the road. Edward Feelie failed to stop at a red light and went on to hit Robert Shirragibb, 84, in Blantyre. He was found to have six times the “specified limit” of cocaine in his...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
DATESETFOR BY-ELECTION
The Hamilton, Larkhall & Stonehouse by-election will take place on Thursday, June 5. It follows the death last month of long-serving constituency MSP Christina Mckelvie, the Scottish Government minister, who died of breast cancer aged just 57. Ms...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Let’s mourn ‘bright and sparkly’ Christina in colour
The funeral of Hamilton MSP Christina Mckelvie will take place tomorrow – with her family saying they have been “overwhelmed” by messages and kind wishes since her passing two weeks ago. Mourners at Friday’s funeral service at Daldowie crematorium are...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Community in mourning for Christina
A host of warm tributes have poured in from community groups and organisations across Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse following the death of Christina Mckelvie MSP. The popular politician, who had represented the constituency for 14 years and had...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
Watch out for scam messages
withinspector We at Police Scotland hope that 2025 has been favourable to you all and wish you all well as we head towards springtime. Our officers continue to liaise with our partners Hamilton Our Town and are encouraged by the work they are doing...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
‘NECK LICK LEFT ME FEELING VIOLATED’
A female MSP who was licked on the neck in a Hamilton street while campaigning has demanded greater protection for women in politics. Monica Lennon opened up after thug Elspeth Wood was convicted for licking her neck, grabbing her and making a sexual...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ARE HERE!
Terms and conditions apply. Prices from £15 per person based on four people sharing. Subject to availability
Read Full Story (Page 1)
DEMOLITION OFNEW CROSSWILL KICKSTART THEFUTURE
Hamilton’s town centre regeneration is being “kickstarted” with an £8 million funding boost. The sum was announced in South Lanarkshire’s budget as part of a new “building back” fund, and will be used to begin work on the first stage of the longterm...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Walker goes walkabout in Hamiltonwith top politician
Hamilton’s MP welcomed a senior Cabinet colleague to her constituency last week as part of her work on the regeneration of the town centre. Imogen Walker took part in a walkabout on Quarry and Cadzow streets with Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PEOPLEPOWER SPARKS GAMES Hallu-turnfacilities
The old centre is being replaced An extra £3.85 million to upgrade the planned games hall facilities at the new Larkhall Leisure Centre is set to be confirmed in next week’s council budget. South Lanarkshire leader Joe Fagan, pictured below, says his...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
£45CHARGE FORCOUNCIL TOPICK UPYOUR GARDEN WASTE
South Lanarkshire’s new garden waste permits will go on sale next week as a £45 charge for the service is introduced from April. Officials say South Lanarkshire is joining the majority of Scottish councils in charging for the service – for which they...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
1200BACK DEMAND FORGAMES HALL
Hundreds of Larkhall locals have signed a petition calling for inclusion of a games hall in the planned new £24 million leisure centre. They say proposals to make use of sports courts at the neighbouring school represent “a downgrade” of the current...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MAN ON IAIN MURDER CHARGE
A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a“muchloved” Larkhall local. Tributes have been paid to Iain Kennedy, 32, who died in hospital in Glasgow after emergency services had been called to Fairholm Street in the town at around 10pm on...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
WOMANCHARGED WITH MURDER OF‘NICEST’ PENSIONER
A woman has been charged with the murder of a pensioner in Hamilton. Louise Markson, from Wishaw, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Friday, January 17. The 50-year-old made no plea and was remanded in custody. She was set to appear at court again...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SCHOOLGIRL FIGHTSFOR HER LIFE IN SPANISH HOSPITAL
A teenage girl from Larkhall has been left fighting for her life in Spain, after her lungs filled with blood on a family holiday. Charlotte Meek, 13, jetted off to Alicante with mum Wendy, 52, and dad Stephen, 54, on January 5. However, tragedy struck...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MUM’S TERROR AS CAR STOLEN WITH CHILD STILLINSIDE
A car with a child inside was taken from a busy Larkhall street in a terrifying incident on Hogmanay. The youngster was found safely still in the back of the vehicle when it was seen being driven back to where it had been parked on Union Street, with...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
IT’SAKING’S HONOURFOR GOLDENBOY
Hamilton hero Steph Mcguire has a new honour to add to his Paralympic gold medal – after being appointed an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List. The boccia champion was recognised for services to his sport and to young people, the latter in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
COMMUNITY RALLIES ROUND TO HELP
Volunteers have been helping youngsters in Larkhall and the surrounding area enjoy an extra-special Christmas. Larkhall Community Network is a collaboration of charities within the town bringing the voices of the community to decision makers and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
THEJOYOFCHRISTMAS
Thousands of toys will be ready and waiting across Hamilton on Christmas Day– thanks to bighearted Advertiser readers and local groups and businesses. More than 1000 youngsters will receive gifts thanks to the success of this year’s toy...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
DADSEEN WITH MACHETE INSTREET JAILED
A Hamilton dad has been jailed for 16 months after a passing motorist saw him carrying a machete in the street. Stuart Connal claimed he had seized the blade from his son in a bid to prevent trouble. But Hamilton Sheriff Court heard he has previous...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
LAST CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
It’s the final few days of the annual Advertiser toy appeal with Hamilton Salvation Army – and we’re asking generous readers to join with a lastminute push to ensure Christmas stockings across the town are filled for the big day. Donations are...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CHRISTMAS ISCOMING... (AGAIN)
It’s take two for Hamilton’s big Christmas switch-on this Saturday – with a new light-up event having been swiftly planned after wintry weather curtailed last week’s celebration plans. The town’s festive lights will be illuminated by hometown hero and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
WOMAN CHOKED BY PARTNER IN STREET ATTACK
Neighbours watched on in shock as a man choked his terrified partner in a Larkhall street. William Macauley, 37, was jailed for 16 months for putting the woman through a “horrendous” experience. He was sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court after he...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
AMMONIA ATTACK ‘BLINDS’ COUSIN
A man who threw ammonia in his cousin’s face has narrowly avoided prison. Hamilton Sheriff Court heard the victim was temporarily blinded in one eye after the incident. David Nisbet, 46, carried out the attack at the man’s home in Allanshaw Gardens,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
HALLOWEEN SPOOK SHOW
Trick or treat – youngsters in Hamilton and the surrounding areas got dressed up for a creepy Halloween. There were some spook-tacular outfits as kids enjoyed guising and heading to frighteningly-good parties.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
TRIBUTES PAIDTO BELOVED PAPA KILLEDIN HIT-AND-RUN
James Craig, 70, was struck by a dark-coloured Mercedes car at about 12.40am on Sunday. The incident happened on the A273 near Quarry Street in the town. The pensioner, who police say was crossing the road, was pronounced dead at the scene. In a...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ARRESTISMADE AFTERMANDIES ONSTREET
The man who died following an alleged stabbing in a Hamilton street has been named as William Copeland. A 56-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the death and the attempted murder of another man, and was due to appear at...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
LITTLE SMILER BEATING CANCERON CLINICALTRIAL
An inspirational Blantyre schoolgirl who is undergoing cancer treatment is among the first in Scotland to take part in a new clinical trial, and has received a star award in recognition of her courage. Five-year-old Fearne Stewart is now in remission...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ARREST MADE IN MURDERPROBE
Police Scotland launched a murder investigation following the death of the 38-yearold after he was allegedly attacked while walking alone in the Generals Gate area of Uddingston on October 6. He was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PITCH PERFECT
Players and supporters at Eddlewood Football Association have something special to cheer about after the club took possession of their pavilion and pitches – with longerterm plans to create a hub serving the whole community. The organisation have...
Read Full Story (Page 1)