There is still open cast mining in this former mining village.[4] The village was badly affected by the Stanrigg Mining Disaster[5] where, in July 1918, a collapse led to the deaths of 19 local mine workers, 3 of whom were from Wattston and 6 others from nearby Greengairs.[6]
The 98th corps of the Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers was headquartered at Wattston.[7]