Scotland's BEST KEPT SECRET (Until Now!)
Nestled in the heart of Scotland, Milngavie (pronounced "Mull-guy" - don't worry, someone will correct you if you get it wrong!) is a destination SO AMAZING that visitors often forget to leave! đ
A fannyful of fascinating facts about our wonderful town!
Milngavie's sons and daughters have spread far and wide. You might be surprised to learn how many famous faces were born right here in our beloved town.
Former Liberal Democrat leader and noted Humanist!
Better known to his millions of fans as H from Steps!
The UK's premiere Hugh Jackman impersonator and Australia's Got Talent finalist!
Scotland's very first Lady Flying Instructor!
Charity fundraiser and England Cricket legend!
Fearless polar explorer and award winning actor!
Former Glasgow Rangers captain and head coach!
Much-loved host of TV quiz show The Weakest Link!
Some towns are twinned with others. Not us - we're a quadruplet town!
Here are our international siblings:
Hove and Brighton are so much like Milngavie and Bearsden that we simply had to hook up! We also borrowed our town motto - Milngavie, actually - from Hove
The birthplace of Milngavie's founding mother, Louise Jordan Miln! â¤ī¸
Yambio's local warlord has donated generously to the town's redevelopment program. Town elders had the chance to meet him last year, and report that he is 'Very friendly, with a keen interest in horticulture, and not at all involved in genocide, war crimes, or international espionage.'
A tale of novelists, wolverines and epic battles!
In the year 1834, Milngavie was founded as a vision of the perfect Highland town by the Scottish politician and adventurer "Rugged" Ronnie Garvin and the celebrated American novelist Louise Jordan Miln. A clever adaptation of their surnames gave their new town its name, though the origins of the modern day pronunciation are unknown.
Garvin's grit and deep pockets, combined with Miln's literary genius and American can-do attitude, ensured the town would offer both character and culture.
Together, they laid the first stone (which now lies at the western end of Tesco car park) and declared: "Let there be Milngavie!" And it was good.
Milngavie didn't stay peaceful for long. In 1865, rebels from nearby Bearsden attacked the Milngavie garrison in a bid to annex it to their town. These marauders had long been sworn allies of the hated French, and so the Millers fought with gusto and repelled the attack, claiming many Bearsden scalps in the process.
The great battle is commemorated by a festival every 5th of July, when the town indulges in croissant-throwing contests and mock scalpings. Local baked goods are generally available at this time.
â ī¸ Please note the town tends to get very busy around this time of year - advanced booking is advised! â ī¸
If you've spotted the various statues around the town, or have ever seen our local Lacrosse team, The Wolvies, destroy their opponents, you can probably guess that Milngavie's official animal is the wolverine.
Why the wolverine, you ask? Well, it's all about honouring our wild heritage! In 1963, the last wolverine in the United Kingdom was shot right here in Milngavie. While tragic for the wolverine, it was truly Milngavie's gain - we became the last place in the UK to see a wild wolverine!
To commemorate this historic moment, the town unanimously voted to make the wolverine our official animal. You'll now find wolverine statues, wolverine-themed merchandise, and even a "Wolverine Day" celebration every September! Local celebrity Sandy Fallopian will be this year's guest of honour!
In 2005, Milngavie became the centre of an international murder mystery when local businessman Jonathan Hancock-Chisholm's remains were discovered stuffed into a chicken coop.
MySpace sleuths descended on the town in an attempt to solve the 'Cock in the coop' case, but failed to root out the culprit. Several weeks later, local farmer Henry William French confessed to the sordid crime, claiming a 'slight to his chickens' heritage' as motive. The chickens, which had allegedly feasted on Hancock-Chisholm's corpse, were euthanised by the local butcher on the condition that the breasts were offered to locals at a discounted price.
A minor diplomatic incident occurred a few years later when popular TV show CSI Miami adapted the storyline without mentioning or crediting Milngavie.
Today, Milngavie stands as a testament to its rich and colourful history. With over 11 quality shops, some cafes, and the official start of the 113-mile West Highland Way, we've come a long way from our humble beginnings!
We honour our past through annual celebrations, historical markers, and of course, our official wolverine mascot. But we're also looking forward - embracing modern amenities while maintaining that unique Milngavie charm. That's why we're special. That's why we're The Millers.
Come visit and experience the magic for yourself! Whether you're here for the history, the shopping, the dining, or just to see where the last UK wolverine roamed, Milngavie welcomes you with open arms (Even if you're French)!
You won't believe your eyes!
Experience the thrill of a big clock, right in the middle of the town!
Visit the famous redwoods of Mugdock Park, or take a stroll through the meadows of nearby Loch Lomond!
Shop 'til you drop with our carefully curated selection of cafes, charity shops, and other shops!
Walk! Jog! Cycle! Run! The choice is YOURS as you tackle 113 miles of adrenaline-pumping Scottish adventure!
Edinburgh Castle isn't far from Milngavie, and truly embodies the spirit of the town we strive to be.
â ī¸ A new store is opening, brought to you by... YOU?! â ī¸
Here in Milngavie we have a large selection of empty shops available for you to make your mark on the town. How about another cafe? Another gift shop? Or, if you're feeling charitable, another second-hand shop?
The choice is YOURS! Join the illustrious ranks of the never forgotten Bullands Cafe, the now defunct Peacocks, or the amazing Fantoosh Fish (sadly now gone) and make your (and your customers') dreams come true! â¤ī¸
Of course we think Milngavie is simply the nicest little town in the whole world, but don't just take our word for it.
Here's what London's leading property newsletter, The Colonist, had to say:
"Of all the picture-perfect little Scotch towns we'd love to winter in, Milngavie is right at the top of the Munro. With a plethora of walks, scenery and lived-in funk, it has all the twee whisky-soaked charm you could ever ask for.
Milngavie is nicely insulated from Glasgow, and with an average asking price of around ÂŖ400,000 for a 3 bedroom terraced home, there's little of the riff-raff you'd usually associate with a town in the Central Belt.
And best of all? With 43% of residents responding as having an English accent, you won't have to learn a single lick of Scotch!"
â Mary Reese-Mogg, The Colonist
"Milngavie changed my life! 10/10 would visit again!"
"Where will my holiday be this year? Why, Milngavie actually!"
"I've travelled all over East Dunbartonshire, but nothing compares to Milngavie!"
Don't wait! Book your trip TODAY and join thousands of satisfied visitors!
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