It is an area that historically has been more closely associated with heavy industry but Lanarkshire is now making a name for itself in a market that is worth £874million to the UK economy.
China, India, Sri Lanka, and Kenya account for 81% of the world's tea production but Scotland's Tea House, near Lesmahagow, is serving up cups of home brew to visitors with its scones and pastries.
Having travelled in China and Sri Lanka, entrepreneur Joanne Holley says she was captivated by the calmness of tea plantations and the global traditions surrounding the humble cuppa.
She planted her first Camellia Sinensis bushes undercover in 2018 and to her "delight" the delicate plants not only survived but thrived.
Tea is served 20 metres from where it is grown in Lanark (Image: Danny Bray)
By 2023, they bore fruit in the form of “The Angel’s Share,” a unique black tea that she says "embodies the essence of this land" and is now being shipped all over the world.
"My fascination with tea began long before, during my travels to the verdant plantations of China and Sri Lanka," she said.
"The serenity of those places, where tea bushes stretched endlessly, inspired me to create a Tea Garden in Scotland.
"Despite the challenges of South Lanarkshire’s windy, exposed environment, I planted my first Camellia Sinensis bushes undercover.
The Angel’s Share tea embodies the essence of this land (Image: Danny Bray)
"It was a leap of faith, fuelled by passion and curiosity, and to my delight, these delicate plants not only survived but thrived."
None of the initial bushes planted outside survived the harsh Scottish winter.
"Much of what we have achieved is a leap of faith but with perseverance and more knowledge I am now growing without cover which for us was the way forward regarding sustainability," she added.
She said the journey from a grass pasture to a flourishing Tea Garden and Tea House "has been one of dedication, very hard work, and a deep respect for the environment".
"Since planting those first tea bushes in 2018, the Scottish Tea House has grown into more than just a business—it’s a sanctuary," she said.
"Visitors come not just for the tea, but for the peace, the tranquillity, and the connection to nature.
"People can learn about tea, experience tea tastings, or simply enjoy an afternoon in the calm of the countryside.
"While some of my teas are sourced from China and India to complement my selection, I minimize the environmental impact by sourcing direct and limiting overseas orders."
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The Tea House, completed in December 2022, is also a model of energy efficiency.
"Every detail reflects a commitment to reducing our carbon footprint - from the air-source heat pump that powers the underfloor heating to the triple-glazed windows that keep the warmth in," said the owner.
"Inside, recycling facilities are readily available, and all products used are eco-friendly, with a strict no single-use plastic policy. Even the packaging for our tea is designed with the planet in mind—compostable materials that leave no trace."
The tea bushes were planted with care and nurtured organically. The landscape, once just grass, now bursts with life thanks to the planting of 700 native trees and shrubs.
(Image: Danny Bray)
In December 2021, a wildlife pond was established, reversing the loss of ponds in the Scottish countryside, which now teems with life—frogs, dragonflies, moorhens, and even the occasional heron—creating a small yet vibrant ecosystem.
South Lanarkshire Council and Visit Lanarkshire are using Scotland’s Climate Week, beginning September 23, to promote the 'green' micro-businesses that have shaped the area's transformation an industrial powerhouse to a centre of eco-tourism.
Councillor, Robert Brown, said: “South Lanarkshire’s transition is all the more remarkable, given the area’s proud history of heavy industry.
"But sustainable tourism is allowing us to turn our history and transition to huge advantage.
"We are supporting an increasing number of exciting, green alternatives, which benefit the environment, tourism and communities, as well as the local economy."
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