Howwood is a small village in a rural setting 14 miles from Glasgow city centre.
The village has grown considerably in recent years as a result of new housing developments. The railway station has also been re-opened. Historically the main industries in Howwood were bleaching and cotton cloth finishing. Farming and coal mining were also important. In the hills above the village are the remains of Elliston Castle, a tower house once home to the Semple family. Elliston Castle is also reputed to be a site where William Wallace had one of his clashes. Wallace was born in the nearby village of Elderslie.