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Stepps is a settlement in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, near the north-eastern outskirts of Glasgow. Its recently upgraded amenities include a new primary school, library and sports facilities. The town retains a historic heart around its church in Whitehill Avenue, whilst examples of Victorian and Edwardian housing can still be found. The travel connections by road and rail mean residents work in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Stirling and beyond. The town is located in close proximity to the new Seven Lochs Wetland Park, from which views to the Campsies and Loch Lomond can be enjoyed. Stepps has a population of around 6,730. [edit] History
The etymology of the name is uncertain, but may relate to stepping stones over boggy ground. Early maps give the name as Coshnocksteps. Steps is included on several old documents including maps by John Ainslie, Thomas Richardson and William Forrest. Originally part of the Garnkirk estate, the name for the settlement appears to post-date that of the main road through its centre, Steps Road, which was named in the 19th century. The railway came to Steps around 1831. The name and spelling Stepps only became accepted when the name of the railway station formally changed to Stepps in 1924. Stepps is home to one of Scotland's oldest Hockey Clubs. Formed in 1913, Stepps Hockey Club is building towards its centenary celebrations and currently competes in the Second Division of the Scottish National Hockey League. The tennis club was founded in 1905 and new facilities, including all-weather courts, were recently completed. The local cultural centre is home to the library, meeting rooms for local clubs and all-weather facilities for football and hockey. It is located on the same campus as Stepps Primary School, all of which was built in 2007. [edit] Research Tips
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