The line itself was primarily built by iron and coal masters such as William Dixon of the Govan Ironworks to serve the coalmines in the Hamilton, High Blantyre, Meikle Earnock and Quarter areas as well as the ironworks at Quarter.

Strathaven North station was opened on the extension of the line from Flemington to Strathaven Central as part of the Mid Lanark Lines scheme to improve rail services in the area.

The first station at Strathaven was the terminus of the Hamilton and Strathaven Railway at Flemington, taken over by the Caledonian Railway; and replaced as a passenger station by Strathaven North railway station in 1904.

It was completely closed in 1953 by British Railways when goods services ceased .

Strathaven North was in a narrow railway cutting that has now been infilled and built on.