Formerly an industrial area, associated with the Pather Iron and Steel Works and then Smith's clock factory, which opened in 1951.

The decline of industry in the region and its physical isolation from the rest of Wishaw led to economic and social problems in the area, with the estate gaining a reputation locally for a high crime rate.

[4] Falling rates of occupancy among natives led to a wave of migrants from Eastern Europe, mainly Poland, moving to Gowkthrapple in the 21st century.

In 2017, it was reported that North Lanarkshire Council planned to demolish all the towers in its control over the next 20 years (as well as the low-rise apartments in Gowkthrapple) and replace them with modern housing, due to the rising costs of maintenance as the buildings aged, as well as some of the flats being unpopular and underoccupied.

[10] Castlehill Primary School was formerly located in Birkshaw Brae and has since demolished and moved to a new campus in the nearby village of Overtown.