Introduction

This evening, I am focusing on Falkirk, (pop 160,000), a historic town in the centre of Scotland. This town has a long heritage dating from the Romans (Antonine Wall) through to Medieval (church). There is also latest engineering technology manifested in the Falkirk Wheel, a canal boat lift.

The name originates from the Gaelic EGGLESBRECH, meaning’the speckled church’. Over the years this has translated into Scots as FAWKIRK and then the modern FALKIRK. the town’s name may relate back to the early town church which was supposedly made from speckled stone.

Key visitor sites

Antonine Wall, a World Heritage Site of the Roman period. Dates from AD142.

Avon Gorge Trail, a 9 mile scenic trail between Avonbridge and Linlithgow. Here is a link to another walk.

Bo’ness and Kinneil Steam Railway. This is located at Bo’ness (EH51 9AQ) in the east of Scotland, about nineteen miles west of Edinburgh.Trips operate between late March and late October with typical round trip taking about 1 hour 5 minutes.

Bo’ness Motor Museum: Extensive collection of classic cars including world-famous TV and movie cars. Also props from James Bond, Harry Potter, the 541st State and much more.

Callendar House and Park, over 600 years of history. Refer image at top of post. The House’s permanent displays are The Story of Callendar House and a history covering the 11th to the 19th centuries, There are also displays covering The Antonine Wall, Rome’s Northern Frontier, and the Industrial Revolution 1750-1850. The latter tells how the local area was transformed during the first century of the industrial era.

The Dunmore Pineapple ( 18th century architecture).

Falkirk Steeple. See image no 3 below.

Falkirk Wheel. The world’s only rotating boat lift.

Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre. 10 acres of special habitats.

Kinneil House Museum and Estate. Spans 2000 years of history.

Falkirk Old and St. Modan’s Parish Church together with old graveyard with memorials from William Wallace era, Battle of Falkirk (1298) and second Battle of Falkirk in 1746.

Polmont Hill Dry Ski Centre.

Indoor Go-Karting at Lochlands Business Park.

Images of Falkirk and environs

Remains of 12th century Sanctuary Cross in church.

View of Old Parish Church. Here  is a video clip of the interior.

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Clearly, a wide choice choice of places to visit in this central Scotland location.

More information for the tourist.

Please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland. This provides information on the Roman period, industrial history and Robert Burns. ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.