Signs of the times

Published: Friday 15 May 2026

Rutherglen 900 Royal Burgh signage on Castle Street

In recognition of the 900th anniversary of the Royal Burgh of Rutherglen special street signs have been posted on major roads in the town.

The Rutherglen 900 Steering Committee came up with the idea as part of the many events and activities taking place throughout the year to celebrate the Royal Burgh coming into being.

Rutherglen 900 chair, Councillor Robert Brown, who is also Chair of the council’s Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, said: “Rutherglen’s 900th anniversary is a hugely significant milestone achieved by very few if any towns in Scotland.

“It is being marked by a wide variety of cultural, environmental, sporting and heritage events in the community. There are banners up in Main Street and in all the local areas of the burgh.

Rutherglen 900 Main Street banners

“However, many people felt there should be a more permanent and visual marker of our Royal Burgh status and the idea of distinctive street signage was raised with us by the Community Council.

“The council was hugely supportive and agreed to support the idea. Many people will have seen vintage street signs in the London Burghs and other older towns across the UK.

“The new signs show the street name under a heading: ‘Royal Burgh of Rutherglen 1126’ and the coat of arms.

“Now these signs are in place it certainly does add a bit of style and significance to mark this historic landmark in the town’s long and remarkable existence.”

A total of 25 new signs have now been erected along Main Street, Mill Street, Stonelaw Road, Farmeloan Road and Castle Street.

Alison Brown, the council’s Head of Enterprise and Sustainable Development, said: “We were delighted to help with this project to further mark the status of the Royal Burgh’s anniversary.

“Our Street Naming and Numbering service visited the streets suggested by Rutherglen 900 and identified existing and potential new locations for the signage to further enhance the enjoyment for the town’s residents as they continue to celebrate the year of celebrations of the Royal Burgh.”

For more information, please go to the Rutherglen's 900th Anniversary pages.