The line was built as part of the: The line had previously been used by a limited number of through Inter-City passenger trains between Motherwell and Perth up until the end of the 1980s, having earlier served as part of the Caledonian Railway's main trunk route avoiding Glasgow.

This allowed the Argyle Line services to be re-routed elsewhere from January 2003 (eventually to Lanark via Holytown) whilst offering a new range of journey opportunities for the intermediate stations en route.

A limited number of peak-hour electric services via the Hamilton Circle were retained for commuters and these still operate today.

This called at all stations and was supplemented during the peak by Argyle Line services extended from Motherwell to Cumbernauld.

Southbound trains continue via Hamilton & Newton to Dalmuir via Yoker, whilst those in the opposite direction originate at Milngavie.