The village appeared on a map by Timothy Pont, under the name of Langrodge. It was published in 1596 but the letters are difficult to read.[1] The toponymy is listed along with other -rigg placenames.[2] Longriggend is also shown on another map by Roy c1754.[3]Slamannan Railway joined Longriggend with Airdrie and the Union Canal in 1840, but its gauge prevented its connection with the Edinburgh & Glasgow Railway. Coal pits in the area used the railway extensively,[4] and by 1895 there was a station at Longriggend.[5] By 1901 its population had reached over 1500, and it had a post and telegraph office, and an inn nearby.[6]
The village hosted a senior football club, Longriggend F.C., between 1897 and 1902. Its greatest honour was winning the Coatbridge Express Cup[8] in 1897–98, beating Albion Rovers in the final.[9]
Longriggend Fever Hospital and Remand Institution
Historically, there was a tuberculosis sanitorium in the part of the village now known as Upperton.[10] The hospital was converted into Longriggend Remand Institution which has now been closed[11] and demolished.[12]
Blaeu's map from 1654[13] based on Pont's original c.1596[14] "The East Central Lowlands (Stirling, Falkirk & Kilsyth) - Pont 32" map depicting Langrig west of Slamannenn
Longriggend from Blaeu's map[15] based on Pont's original[16] It is near the top right of the map and Langrodge is about three squares left of the Black Loch.