Heritage

For centuries, Falkirk has played a pivotal role in Scottish history and heritage. Located in the very heart of the country between the two main cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, Falkirk has witnessed its fair share of historic events and welcomed its fair share of historic 'celebrities'.

The ancient Romans built the Antonine Wall right through the area, William Wallace fought the English here at the First Battle of Falkirk (and lost) at possibly one of the largest battles ever in the country - remember Mel Gibson in Braveheart? Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite army fought and beat the Government army at the second Battle of Falkirk in 1746 just prior to the disastrous Battle of Culloden. Cattle from all over Scotland were walked along the drove roads to the cattle trysts in Larbert. Historic giants such as John Logie Baird developed and demonstrated his new invention - the television in Falkirk, James Watt developed his steam engine in a small building adjacent to Kinneil House in Bo'ness even Wild Bill Hickock himself came to Falkirk with his travelling show earlier last century!

Nearly 200 years ago, when the country's main inland canal network linking the two cities - the Forth and Clyde and Union canals were opened, Falkirk took great commercial advantage of the fact that both canals met in the town. At one time, the Carron Iron Works in Falkirk was the largest factory in the world, and produced products that are to this day still seen throughout the world.

Heritage Trail Plaque

Heritage Walk