95-605: Callendar House is a mansion set within the grounds of Callendar Park in Falkirk , central Scotland. During the 19th century, it was redesigned and extended in the style of a French Renaissance château fused with elements of Scottish baronial architecture . However, the core of the building is a 14th-century tower house. During its 600-year history, Callendar House has played host to many prominent historical figures, including Mary, Queen of Scots , Oliver Cromwell , Bonnie Prince Charlie and Queen Victoria . The current building
190-645: A "teach and treat" dental centre in the Langlees area of Falkirk opened in August 2009. It has seven dental surgeries and is involved in training final year students at Glasgow Dental School. The Falkirk Wheel , the only rotary canal connector in the world, is located within Falkirk . The attraction was completed in 2002 and it connects the Forth and Clyde Canal to the Union Canal . On Falkirk High Street lies
285-478: A 2008 estimate, making it the 20th most populous settlement in Scotland . Falkirk is the main town and administrative centre of the Falkirk council area , which has an overall population of 156,800 and inholds the nearby towns of Grangemouth , Bo'ness , Denny , Camelon , Larbert and Stenhousemuir , and the cluster of Braes villages . The town is at the junction of the Forth and Clyde and Union Canals ,
380-424: A Hockey team, Falkirk GHG Hockey Club, which was formed from the merger of Graeme High School Former Pupils Hockey Club and Grangemouth Hockey Club in 1999. It now has four men's teams which play in various leagues, with their first team playing in the national league. Falkirk Fury Basketball Club, currently called Clark Eriksson Fury Basketball Club in a sponsorship deal with local firm Clark Eriksson, represents
475-676: A central position in Scotland, with direct access from the key north–south and east–west motorway networks: the M9 from the north and east and the M876 from the west. Falkirk has main rail and canal routes within easy reach from Edinburgh and Glasgow ; it is central to access to both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports . Falkirk is well situated both for access by rail from England and for access to other parts of Scotland excluding Fife , which has no direct rail link to Falkirk other than morning and evening commuter services from Kirkcaldy to Glasgow. Road access
570-509: A combined new town hall, theatre, library and civic space for Falkirk. Alongside the M9 between Falkirk and Grangemouth, The Kelpies are 30-metre-high (98 ft) horse-head sculptures depicting kelpies (shape-shifting water spirits). They are part of Helix Park , a land transformation project to improve the connections between and around communities in Falkirk. The Falkirk Area occupies
665-418: A link to Edinburgh and early railway development followed in the 1830s and 1840s. The canals brought economic wealth to Falkirk and led to the town's growth. Through time, trunk roads and motorways followed the same canal corridors through the Falkirk area, linking the town with the rest of Scotland. Many companies set up work in Falkirk due to its expansion. A large brickworks was set up at this time, owned by
760-569: A location which proved key to its growth as a centre of heavy industry during the Industrial Revolution . In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Falkirk was at the centre of the iron and steel industry, underpinned by the Carron Company in nearby Carron . The company made very many different items, from flat irons to kitchen ranges to fireplaces to benches to railings and many other items, but also carronades for
855-420: A morass, slowing the infantry, and the guns in the rear became stuck and could not be freed in time to take part in the battle. The rain also affected the infantry's black powder cartridges. It was later estimated that one out of every four muskets misfired. The dragoons halted on the far side of the rise, with a bog to their left while the infantry deployed to their right (see map). The front line consisted of
950-516: A national arts festival which ran in Callendar Park from 2000 to 2009 called Big In Falkirk . After its inception in 2000, the festival won Scottish Thistle Award for Events & Festivals in 2005. Consisting of a free weekend of events, the festival was one of the largest cultural events in Scotland, attracting over 100,000 people. Hosted in Falkirk's historical Callendar Park, the venue covers 180 acres (75 hectares) with Callendar House as
1045-494: A presence in the town and employ local residents. Many Falkirk residents are also employed within the petrochemicals sector based in neighbouring Grangemouth where there is an agglomeration of such industries underpinned by the Ineos (formerly BP ) oil refinery located there. Alexander Dennis , one of the world's largest bus manufacturers, is headquartered in Falkirk with the operations plant located nearby. Falkirk hosted
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#17327932680701140-585: A small number of cavalry and 150 regulars from the French Irish Brigade in the rear. Murray dismounted and marched with the MacDonalds on the extreme right, opposite the dragoons. Crucially, he ensured that they remained in line and ordered his front rank not to fire until he had given the word. Murray later declared the position that had been selected meant that "the Highland army had all
1235-472: A strong wind blowing directly into the faces of Hawley's troops. The government army moved south on Maggie Wood's Loan, past the Bantaskin House, and up the slope of the Falkirk ridge. Despite their earlier failure at Prestonpans , the dragoons led the way, an order that their commander, Francis Ligonier , allegedly viewed as "the most extraordinary ever given". Their horses churned the track into
1330-419: A total resident population of 32,422. The population was estimated at 34,570 in 2008 which makes the town the 20th most populous settlement in Scotland. The wider Falkirk area which includes Grangemouth , Larbert and Stenhousemuir has an overall population of 98,940 making this the 5th largest urban area after Glasgow , Edinburgh , Aberdeen and Dundee . The population of the town and surrounding area
1425-532: Is Cllr Cecil Meiklejohn . Falkirk is located within the Scottish parliamentary constituency of Falkirk West which elects one Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) under the first past the post system . The current MSP is Michael Matheson , who won the seat at the 2007 Scottish Parliament General Election . The previous MSP, Dennis Canavan , who sat as an Independent , was elected with
1520-526: Is a town in the Central Lowlands of Scotland, historically within the county of Stirlingshire . It lies in the Forth Valley , 23 + 1 ⁄ 2 miles (38 kilometres) northwest of Edinburgh and 20 + 1 ⁄ 2 miles (33 km) northeast of Glasgow . Falkirk had a resident population of 32,422 at the 2001 UK Census . The population of the town had risen to 34,570 according to
1615-438: Is an imposing mansion with a 600-year history which is now a public museum and open access parkland, with a cafe and shop. The Park Gallery, a contemporary art gallery is also based in the house. Falkirk is administered by NHS Forth Valley , this includes the unitary authorities of Falkirk , Stirling and Clackmannanshire . Following the opening of the new Forth Valley Royal Hospital , the Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary
1710-570: Is by far the most substantial historical building in the area, with a 300 ft (91 m) frontage. It is protected as a category A listed building , and the grounds are included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland , the national listing of significant gardens. The house lies on the line of the 2nd-century Antonine Wall , built by the Romans from the Firth of Clyde to
1805-651: Is currently represented by Euan Stainbank of the Scottish Labour Party . Traditionally, Falkirk had been seen as a stronghold for the Labour Party. Prior to Brexit in 2020 it was part of the pan-Scotland European Parliament constituency which elected six Members of the European Parliament (MEP)s using the d'Hondt method of party-list proportional representation . Falkirk is located in an area of undulating topography between
1900-553: Is forecast to grow over the next ten years, primarily due to net in migration from other parts of Scotland and the UK. Unemployment in the Falkirk area is low at 2.5%, below the Scottish average, but average household income and gross weekly pay are below the comparative Scottish and UK averages. Today, the economy of Falkirk is focused on retail and services, in contrast to the heavy industries and manufacturing sectors which contributed to
1995-447: Is not certain these were carried out. In 1827 a scheme of internal alterations was undertaken, to designs by David Hamilton . Forbes' descendants kept the house for almost 200 years, after which it fell into disrepair. When construction of the Union Canal was proposed, William Forbes objected to it passing through his estate, in view of Callendar House. This necessitated building a 696 yd (636 m) tunnel through Prospect Hill to
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#17327932680702090-640: Is one of the largest employers in this sphere, with a workforce of over 7,000, many based at the council headquarters in the town centre. One of the principal offices of the UK Child Support Agency , covering Scotland and the north east of England, is located in the Callendar Business Park on the outskirts of Falkirk. Similarly the National Health Service (NHS) and Department for Work and Pensions have
2185-679: Is the principal museum in Falkirk district, as an art , history , and historic house museum . It has two magnificent reception rooms, the Pink Room (the Drawing Room) and the Green Room (the Morning Room), as well as a fully working Georgian period kitchen, dominated by a huge open fire, offering visitors the opportunity to step back into a world that has now gone. Staff in period costumes give insights into working conditions in
2280-768: Is to Fife provided by the Kincardine Bridge , Clackmannanshire Bridge and the Forth Road Bridge , via the M9. Falkirk has two railway stations: Falkirk High and Falkirk Grahamston . Falkirk High is on the main Glasgow-Edinburgh line , with connections to either city running on a 15-minute frequency. At peak times, 8 trains per hour stop: 4 for Glasgow Queen Street via Croy and 4 for Edinburgh Waverley , via Polmont and Linlithgow . Journey times to Edinburgh vary from 24 minutes to 35 minutes, depending on stopping stations and time of day;
2375-784: The Falkirk Herald , which is published by Johnston Press . The company was established by the Johnston family from Falkirk, who have been involved in publishing since 1767. The family acquired the Herald , their first newspaper, in 1846. The publishing company was renamed F Johnston & Co Ltd in 1882, a title it would retain until it was floated on the London Stock Exchange as Johnston Press in 1988. The corporate headquarters of Johnston Press are now in Edinburgh, but
2470-509: The AD 140s. Much of the best evidence of Roman occupation in Scotland has been found in Falkirk, including a large hoard of Roman coins and a cloth of tartan , thought to be the oldest ever recorded. A Roman fort was confirmed to be found by Geoff Bailey in the Pleasance area of Falkirk in 1991. A Roman themed park at Callendar House was awarded lottery funding to help raise awareness of
2565-588: The Battle of Falkirk in 1746, but after his defeat at Culloden , Lady Anne's husband, the Earl of Kilmarnock , was beheaded for treason . After Lady Anne's death in 1747, her son James Hay, 15th Earl of Erroll (1726–1778), remained at Callendar House until his death. In 1783 the estate went to auction after the York Buildings Company was forced to sell its assets. Lord Errol bid for the estate, but
2660-704: The Central Scotland Scottish Parliament electoral region which returns seven MSPs under the additional member system used to elect Members of the Scottish Parliament. In the Parliament of the United Kingdom , the town is entirely contained within the UK parliamentary constituency of Falkirk which elects one member to the House of Commons under the plurality system. The constituency also takes in surrounding villages and
2755-613: The Cumbernauld Line with journey times from 39 minutes to 43 minutes, plus an evening express service (the 17.33 from Glasgow to Markinch) taking 26 minutes. There is also a daily direct service to/from London ( King's Cross ) provided by London North Eastern Railway and the Caledonian Sleeper to London Euston in the southbound direction only also calls here. Formerly, direct rail services were also provided from Falkirk Grahamston station to Grangemouth, Alloa and
2850-814: The English Basketball League . The club plays home games at the Mariner Centre in Camelon or sometimes at the Grangemouth sports complex. Boxing Falkirk Boxing Club was once running above the town's oldest pub The Wheatsheaf bar and bore such names as welterweight Jim Boyle and heavyweight Dearn Savage. Falkirk has a number of archery clubs in and around the greater Falkirk area: Battle of Falkirk (1746) The Battle of Falkirk Muir , or Battle of Falkirk , took place near Falkirk , Scotland , on 17 January 1746 during
2945-658: The Falkirk Steeple . The current building was built in 1814 and is protected as a category A listed building . A stylised image of the steeple appears on the crest of Falkirk Football Club. The Steeple is widely regarded as the centre point of the town. Nearby, on Cow Wynd is the Tattie Kirk, a Category B listed octagonal former church built in 1804, adjacent to its former graveyard. The FTH Theatre (the "Falkirk Town Hall Theatre") in West Bridge Street
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3040-463: The Firth of Forth . In the 12th century Thanes Hall or Thane House, located to the east of the present house, was one of the seats of the Callander family who were Thanes of Callander. In the fourteenth century the 5th Thane Sir Patrick Callander, supported the claim of Edward Balliol to the throne of Scotland . Sir Patrick Callander was later attainted and his estates were forfeited. In 1345
3135-470: The Gulf Stream that gives rise to rainfall. Winds from an easterly direction are usually drier but colder. Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year. Vigorous Atlantic depressions - sometimes called European windstorms can affect the town between October and March. The highest recorded temperature was 31.5C in August 2010. The United Kingdom Census 2001 identified the town as having
3230-523: The Howie family. During the 19th century, Falkirk became the first town in Great Britain to have a fully automated system of street lighting, designed and implemented by a local firm, Thomas Laurie & Co Ltd. Two important battles have taken place at Falkirk: In terms of local government the town sits at the heart of Falkirk Council area, one of the 32 unitary authorities of Scotland formed by
3325-592: The Jacobite rising of 1745 . A narrow Jacobite victory, it had little impact on the campaign. After their withdrawal from England in December 1745, the Jacobite army besieged Stirling Castle in early January. Lacking siege equipment, they made little progress and government forces under Henry Hawley advanced north from Edinburgh to relieve it. He reached Falkirk on 15 January but was taken by surprise when
3420-606: The Local Government etc (Scotland) Act 1994 . The headquarters of the council are located in the Municipal Buildings, adjacent to the former FTH Theatre, on West Bridge Street in the centre of town. The council was the first local government in Scotland to be governed by the Labour Party , in 1921. It has been led by a Scottish National Party minority since 2017. The current Leader of the council
3515-555: The Lowland Football League and from the 2018–19 season will play their home games at the Falkirk Stadium following a groundshare agreement with Falkirk F.C. Firs Park was the home of the club for the majority of the club's existence but was vacated at the end of the 2007/08 season. Falkirk currently has two women's football teams, Central Girls Football Academy and Falkirk Ladies . Central play in
3610-578: The Scots language and bear little resemblance to the Gaelic musical tradition , which reveals their Lowland origins despite their commenting on Highland affairs. They first appeared in James Hogg 's Jacobite Relics , and scholars such as Franklyn Bliss Snyder have noted that they were "surely retrospective, and possibly [Hogg's] own work". The celebrated Gaelic poet Duncan Ban MacIntyre , who fought in
3705-662: The Scottish Championship and plays their home games at the Falkirk Stadium near Grangemouth. The town's other men's club, East Stirlingshire F.C. , was founded in 1881 originally as Bainsford Britannia and has competed in the Scottish Football League since 1900 . The club has predominantly played in the lower leagues of Scottish football, spending only two whole seasons in the top division after being promoted from Division Two in 1931–32 and 1962–63 . The club currently competes in
3800-730: The Slamannan Plateau and the upper reaches of the Firth of Forth . The area to the north of Falkirk is part of the floodplain of the River Carron . Two tributaries of the River Carron - the East Burn and the West Burn flow through the town and form part of its natural drainage system. Falkirk sits at between 50 metres (164 ft) and 125 metres (410 ft) above sea level . The underlying geology of
3895-697: The 1440s. Alexander, 5th Lord Livingston (c. 1500–1553) was guardian of Mary, Queen of Scots , during her childhood. The marriage agreement between Mary and the French Dauphin was signed at Callendar House. Lord Livingston's daughter Mary was maid of honour to Queen Mary. Mary and Darnley came to Callendar during the Chaseabout Raid , soaked by a rainstorm on 31 August 1565. Alexander Livingston, 1st Earl of Linlithgow (d. 1621) and his wife Lady Eleanor , daughter of Andrew Hay, 8th Earl of Erroll , were entrusted by King James VI & I with
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3990-461: The Callendar lands were granted by King David II to Sir William Livingston, who was married to Christian Callander, daughter of Sir Patrick. Sir William Livingston had fought with David II at the Battle of Durham in 1346. The Livingston family became prominent in Scottish affairs over the following centuries. Sir Alexander Livingston was Regent of Scotland during the minority of James II in
4085-479: The Falkirk area: An Clas Gàidhlig (provides Gaelic lessons to adults), An Comunn Gàidhealach Meur na h-Eaglaise Brice (is the local branch of An Comunn Gàidhealach), Fèis Fhoirt (provides traditional music and Gaelic song tuition for children and adults), Falkirk Gaelic Forum (promotes Gaelic in Falkirk) and Falkirk Junior Gaelic Choir (is a long established and successful youth choir). The historical Callendar House
4180-560: The Forbes family mausoleum, a large domed circular Grecian-Doric building which contains the remains of many of the Forbeses. The mausoleum has fallen into disrepair and is heavily vandalised with graffiti and damage to the brickwork. Various events are held in the grounds throughout the year, including the annual firework display, which is regularly attended by over 70,000 people, as well as the national street arts festival, Big in Falkirk ,
4275-457: The Hillfoots, and Fife. The original buildings at Grahamston Station were replaced by the present modern buildings in 1985. They serve 950,000 passenger journeys each year. Falkirk bus station lies in the town centre however since 20 August 2018 has been closed. Its bus routes which provided links to the cities of Stirling, Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as local routes have now been moved to
4370-538: The Howgate Shopping Centre opened in April 1990. Another shopping centre, Callendar Square was opened in 1993 but finally closed in 2020. A number of supermarkets including Tesco , Asda , Morrisons and Scottish Co-op have developed on peripheral sites surrounding the town centre since the late 1990s. The public sector and public services also have a foothold in the Falkirk area. Falkirk Council
4465-743: The Jacobite army to withdraw to Inverness . The rebellion later ended at the Battle of Culloden in April. The battlefield has been inventoried and protected by Historic Scotland under the Historic Environment (Amendment) Act 2011. Although the invasion of England had few tangible benefits, reaching Derby and returning to Scotland were considerable military achievements. That brought in new recruits, and in late November, John Drummond arrived from France with weapons, money and 150 Irish and Scots regulars. In early January, Jacobite morale and numbers were at their peak, with 8,000 to 9,000 effectives. Success at Inverurie on 23 December gave
4560-481: The Jacobites attacked late in the afternoon of 17 January. Fought in failing light and heavy snow, Hawley's left wing was routed but his right held firm, and both sides believed themselves to have been defeated. As a result, the Jacobites failed to follow up their victory, allowing the government troops to regroup in Edinburgh. Hawley was replaced by Duke of Cumberland , who resumed the advance on 30 January, forcing
4655-657: The Jacobites temporary control of north-eastern Scotland, which they now attempted to extend to the Central Lowlands. Their objective was Stirling Castle , one of the strongest fortifications in Scotland and a position of major strategic importance that controlled access between the Highlands and the Lowlands . Split into two columns, the main army left Glasgow on 4 January for Stirling , where they would rendezvous with Drummond's troops. Lord George Murray and
4750-401: The Jacobites, but unlike Sir John Cope , he never faced a court-martial. The writer Horace Walpole (1717–1792) argued that Hawley had been "fifty times more culpable, since Cope miscarried by incapacity, Hawley by insolence and carelessness". The exiles failed to appreciate that while the military obligations of clan society allowed the chiefs to provide large numbers of men at short notice,
4845-508: The MacDonalds and the entire front line charged down the hill and began sacking the government camp, and the sloping terrain and the lack of visibility left Murray unable to ascertain who was where. Three battalions, under Huske and Cholmondeley , held their positions, which were shielded by the ravine to their front, and repulsed attacks by the Jacobite left. The attackers fled in their turn, and, according to O'Sullivan, many did not stop until they had reached Stirling, *where they gave out we lost
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#17327932680704940-429: The MacDonalds, who waited until they came within pistol range and fired a single volley. As at Prestonpans, they fled in disorder. Restricted by the bog to their left, Cobham's regiment went north, and the other two rode over the infantry forming to their rear. In a few minutes, the entire left wing was swept away. All that remained for the Jacobites to achieve an overwhelming victory was to envelop Hawley's right. However,
5035-500: The Royal Navy and, later, manufactured pillar boxes and phone boxes. Within the last fifty years, heavy industry has waned, and the economy relies increasingly on retail and tourism. Despite this, Falkirk remains the home of many international companies like Alexander Dennis , the largest bus production company in the United Kingdom. Falkirk has a long association with the publishing industry. The company now known as Johnston Press
5130-408: The Victorian oak-panelled library. The grounds of the house contain a pitch and putt course, crazy golf, a children's adventure playground, a boating lake and the Antonine Wall . There is also a contemporary art gallery, the Park Gallery, which has been relocated into Callendar House itself. Callendar Estate extends to 500 acres (2.0 km) and is open for walks through the woodland and also home to
5225-432: The advantages nature or art could give them". However, it was undermined by poor co-ordination, and Drummond, who was appointed to command the Jacobite left, was absent when the battle began. He arrived soon afterward, but that meant it lacked a senior commander at the start of action. Murray urged Charles to name an alternative, but he failed to do so. Just after 16:00, Ligonier and his three regiments of dragoons attacked
5320-438: The battle has been described as a "hollow" victory since poor command and co-ordination deprived them of their last opportunity to decisively defeat their opponents. One factor was confusion over the result since from their position on the left, Charles and O'Sullivan initially thought they had been defeated. Murray publicly blamed Drummond for arriving late and not supporting his success on the right, but Drummond blamed Murray for
5415-505: The castle was a far greater challenge, with strong defences and a garrison of 600 to 700 troops, under William Blakeney , an experienced and determined Irish veteran. Siege operations began on 8 January, but for a number of reasons, progress was slow. On 13 January, Henry Hawley , government commander in Scotland, ordered his deputy Major General John Huske , and 4,000 men to advance on Stirling while he followed with another 3,000. They reached Falkirk on 15 January and made camp just outside
5510-400: The club was resurrected when the works team from ICI Grangemouth decided to become "open" and looked for a new home. They initially played at Stirling Road playing fields before building their clubhouse at the present site at Sunnyside in 1981. The club has risen through the ranks of rugby winning six consecutive promotions, five of them as league champions, a Scottish record. Falkirk also has
5605-681: The company retains two offices in Falkirk and Grangemouth. The 2001 census showed the majority of the population claim to belong to one of the Christian denominations with 48% of these being Church of Scotland , 12% being Roman Catholic , and 5% belonging to other Christian denominations. 29% of people belong to no religion, about 1% above the national figure . The Church of Scotland's Presbytery of Falkirk includes congregations in Bo'ness, Bonnybridge, Cumbernauld, Grangemouth and Larbert, as well as Falkirk. Falkirk currently has three men's football teams, Falkirk Football Club , Stenhousemuir F.C. and East Stirlingshire Football Club . Falkirk F.C.
5700-429: The day". The darkness, continuing storm and general confusion on both sides ended the battle. Hawley initially withdrew to Falkirk, but most of his army was spread out on the road to Linlithgow, eventually returned to Edinburgh and re-formed. Captain Archibald Cunningham, the commander of the government artillery, abandoned his guns and used the transport horses to escape. When Huske's men retreated, they dragged some of
5795-419: The dragoons and then six battalions of veteran infantry; a second line with five more infantry battalions, then Howard's regiment and 1,000 men of the Argyll Militia behind. The inexperienced Glasgow militia were not considered frontline troops and deployed several hundred yards behind the dragoons on the left. Opposing them was a first line composed of the Highland regiments, Lowland units behind, then
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#17327932680705890-417: The estate is still owned by the family company Callendar Estate, which remains the largest landowner in Falkirk. A late-1960s local authority housing development occupies the north-west portion of the estate, including eleven 15-storey tower blocks spread over four clusters, the closest at Seaton Place only 200 yards from Callendar House itself. In July 2011, Falkirk Community Trust assumed responsibility for
5985-511: The failure of the three MacDonald regiments to press home their attack. Murray also accused O'Sullivan of cowardice although Sheridan 's official account credited him with rallying "part of the left wing". Amid those recriminations, Charles returned to Bannockburn, where he fell ill, which left Murray and the Highlanders at Falkirk. On 29 January, Cumberland arrived in Edinburgh and assumed command. A number of soldiers were later executed for desertion. Hawley's poor leadership materially assisted
6080-412: The first column marched on Falkirk and turned north towards Stirling, leaving a cavalry detachment under Lord Elcho at Linlithgow to patrol the Edinburgh road. The second passed through Kilsyth , en route to Bannockburn , where Charles Edward Stuart established his headquarters at Bannockburn House , owned by the Jacobite Sir Hugh Paterson . Although the town of Stirling quickly surrendered,
6175-414: The first recorded name Egglesbreth from the Brittonic for "speckled church", presumably referring to a church building built of many-coloured stones. The Scottish Gaelic name was calqued into Scots as Fawkirk (literally "variegated church" ), then later amended to the modern English name of Falkirk . The Latin name Varia Capella also has the same meaning. Falkirk Old Parish Church stands on
6270-433: The focal point, the entertainment featured a wide variety of outdoor theatre , pyrotechnic displays , arts , comedy and big name music acts, alongside activities for all ages. Falkirk hosted the Royal National Mòd in 2008. The Gold medals were won by Falkirk resident Lyle Kennedy and Kerrie Finlay from Inverness . Interest in Gaelic has grown in Falkirk since the Mòd and there are now five Gaelic organisations active in
6365-415: The growth of the town over the last 300 years. Falkirk is a large retail centre catering to the town itself and a wide surrounding area, stretching from Cumbernauld in the west to Bo'ness in the east. The retailer Marks and Spencer opened a store in Falkirk Town Centre in 1936 but this closed in 2018 (the building is now a creative arts space). The High Street was pedestrianised in the late 1980s, and
6460-408: The guns with them, but most were left behind, and Cunningham later committed suicide. Ligonier, who left his sickbed in Edinburgh to take command, died shortly afterward, and the severity of the weather is demonstrated by the fact that Cholmondeley suffered from severe exposure. As in most battles of the period, many casualties occurred in the pursuit, a pattern repeated at Culloden in April but with
6555-399: The high ground to the south, above the camp. They were helped by Hawley's assumption that they would not dare attack him and his location a mile away at Callendar House . According to an aide, they "beat to Arms" at 12:00 and then stood down, and it was not until 14:30 Hawley realised the seriousness of the situation. The weather suddenly changed, and it began raining and snowing heavily, with
6650-412: The house over the centuries and prepare the same food that was enjoyed at the grand social occasions that once took place there. Permanent exhibitions include "William Forbes' Falkirk" and "The Antonine Wall". The other galleries show around seven different exhibitions a year from all around the world. There is also a history research centre, where all of Falkirk's historical archives are kept, housed in
6745-406: The journey time is between 18 and 28 minutes to Glasgow. Falkirk Grahamston lies on the Edinburgh to Dunblane Line . To Edinburgh Waverley , there are 4 trains per hour, with journey times varying from 25 minutes to 34 minutes; faster trains stop at Edinburgh Park and Haymarket, slower trains additionally stop at Polmont and Linlithgow . To Glasgow Queen Street , there are 2 trains per hour via
6840-563: The largest majority in the Scottish parliament representing Falkirk's electorate's displeasure with New Labour , but stepped down in 2007 for family reasons. Canavan, who announced in an open letter to his constituents in January 2007, that he was stepping down from representative politics at the Scottish Parliament election, 2007 had been an MSP or MP for the area for over 30 years. The constituency of Falkirk West also sits in
6935-585: The largest round of the Scottish Cyclocross Series and the Scottish National Cross Country Championships. Behind the house lies Callander Wood, which contains a number of pre-determined paths popular with ramblers and dog walkers. Falkirk Falkirk ( / ˈ f ɔː l k ɜːr k / FAWL -kurk ; Scots : Fawkirk [ˈfɔːkɪrk] ; Scottish Gaelic : An Eaglais Bhreac )
7030-479: The last remnants of trust between the two parties. On 1 February 1746, the siege of Stirling was abandoned, and the Jacobites withdrew to Inverness . Several songs were written commemorating the battle, including "The Highlandmen Came Down the Hill" and "The Battle of Falkirk Muir", a satirical attack on General Hawley that was intended to be sung to the tune of the song "Up and Waur Them A', Willie". Both songs are in
7125-498: The management and operation of Callendar House. Callendar House was voted Favourite Visitor Attraction by Forth2 . Around 28,000 visitors came to Callendar House in 2006, up over 50% on the previous year. This may be in connection with the recent local attraction, The Falkirk Wheel , whose visitor numbers doubled during the same period. Callendar House is being developed as a major heritage centre. The house interiors have since been restored to their former Georgian style glory. It
7220-407: The nearby street of Newmarket Street. Falkirk is home to one of the four campuses of Forth Valley College which was formed on 1 August 2005 from the merger of Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannan colleges. The Falkirk Campus is by far the largest of the four campuses. Falkirk District is served by eight high schools which have all been recently rebuilt. Falkirk is served by a weekly newspaper,
7315-409: The obligation assumed warfare was short-term and rarely took place in the winter. After a successful battle like Prestonpans, many went home to secure their loot, and the clan chiefs could not prevent a similar flood of "desertions" after Falkirk. When Cumberland resumed his advance on 30 January, Charles asked Murray to prepare a battle plan but was told the army was in no state to fight. That destroyed
7410-464: The roles reversed. It is generally accepted that the Jacobites lost 50 dead and 80 wounded, mostly on their left, and the government forces lost around 70 dead, plus another 200 to 300 wounded or missing. The dead included 20 officers, including Sir Robert Munro and his younger brother, Duncan, who were killed in the pursuit and later buried in St Modan's, Falkirk . Despite the Jacobites' success,
7505-413: The same latitude, with daytime temperatures rarely falling below 0 °C (32 °F). Summer temperatures are comparatively cool, with daily upper maxima rarely exceeding 23 °C (73 °F ). The proximity of the town to the sea mitigates any large variations in temperature or extremes of climate. The prevailing wind direction is from the south-west, which is associated with warm, unstable air from
7600-612: The second tier (SWPL2) and Falkirk play in the third tier (SWFL) of women's football. Falkirk is home to Scotland's first Co-ed Roller Derby League. Clubs from the area are the Skelpies men's team, the Central Belters women's team and the Belter Skelpers Co-ed team. Falkirk Rugby Club can trace their roots to 1906 when F.R.F.C. was first formed. It was disbanded at the start of World War I . In 1972
7695-499: The site of the medieval church, which may have been founded as early as the 7th century. The Antonine Wall , which stretches across the centre of Scotland, passed through the town and remnants of it can be seen at Callendar Park. Similar to Hadrian's Wall but built of turf rather than stone so less of it has survived, it marked the northern frontier of the Roman Empire between the Firth of Forth and Firth of Clyde during
7790-525: The town in the sport. The team was established in 1992 and originally consisted of players from Falkirk High School and sports development players. Today the team competes in all 6 Scottish National Age Groups. The men's side currently competes in the Scottish Men's National League , the top league in Scottish basketball and is considered the second tier of British basketball below the BBL and in line with
7885-417: The town of Falkirk is characterised by glacial deposits. Elevations above 100 metres (328 ft) are covered by a mixture of glacial till and boulder clay with low-lying areas covered by sandy soils and loams . As Falkirk is not far from the coast, post-glacial features akin to raised beaches are particularly predominant to the north of the town centre, and this gives rise to differing elevations within
7980-488: The town. Unsorted glacial till gives rise to such features of glacial deposition as eskers , and drumlins which are predominant over much of the area. Such elements provide natural transport routes and it is this complex underlying geology that the town is built upon. Like much of the rest of Scotland, Falkirk has a temperate maritime climate , which is relatively mild despite its northerly latitude . Winters are especially mild given that Moscow and Labrador lie on
8075-470: The town. Murray withdrew to Plean Muir, south-east of Bannockburn, where he was joined by Charles and John O' Sullivan , with all the troops that could be spared from the siege. Poor leadership on both sides had a significant impact on the battle; having commanded dragoons at Sheriffmuir in 1715, Hawley overestimated the vulnerability of Highlanders to cavalry while seriously underestimating their fighting qualities and numbers. Ongoing recriminations over
8170-481: The upbringing and education of his daughter Princess Elizabeth . Members of the Livingston family were raised to the peerage as Earl of Linlithgow (1600), Earl of Callendar (1641), and Earl of Newburgh (1660). They played an important part in the history of the area, but their hold on the lands came to an abrupt end in the 18th century when James Livingston, 5th Earl of Linlithgow and 4th Earl of Callander ,
8265-478: The wall. In the 18th century the area was the cradle of Scotland's Industrial Revolution , becoming the earliest major centre of the iron-casting industry. James Watt cast some of the beams for his early steam engine designs at the Carron Iron Works in 1765. The area was at the forefront of canal construction when the Forth and Clyde Canal opened in 1790. The Union Canal (1822) provided
8360-477: The west. The tunnel is still in use today as part of the Union Canal, but is now equipped with lights and a safety barrier for walkers. The dovecote which cost £84 was built in the 1850s; the kennels below were heated. In 1963 Callendar House was purchased along with some of the parkland by Falkirk Burgh Council. Since 2011 Callendar House has been administered through Falkirk Community Trust. The majority of
8455-498: The withdrawal from Derby meant the Jacobite senior command was divided between the Scots and Charles and his exile advisors, several of whom openly claimed Murray was a traitor. When Hawley failed to attack on 16 January, Murray, Charles and O'Sullivan agreed to take the offensive on the morning of the 17th. Some of Drummond's regulars marched towards Stirling to distract the government scouts, and Murray's Highlanders took up position on
8550-523: Was commissioned to replace the old town hall in Newmarket Street which was demolished in 1968. In 2022, it was announced that the Town Hall and FTH Theatre would close as the building required significant renovation. In 2023, it was announced that the council would purchase the empty former Callendar Square shopping centre. The centre is due to be demolished in 2024 with a view to constructing
8645-620: Was established in the town in 1846. The company, now based in Edinburgh, produces the Falkirk Herald . Attractions in and around Falkirk include the Falkirk Wheel , The Helix , The Kelpies , Callendar House and Park and remnants of the Antonine Wall . In a 2011 poll conducted by STV , it was voted as Scotland's most beautiful town. An Eaglais Bhreac is a derivative formed from the Scottish Gaelic cognate of
8740-633: Was forced into exile abroad because he had sided with the " Old Pretender ", son of King James II of England (James VII of Scotland) in the Jacobite rising of 1715 . The Callendar estates were forfeited and purchased by the York Buildings Company , who leased the house back to the earl's daughter, Lady Anne Livingston, from 1724. On 14 September 1725 Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed at the house where he persuaded Lady Anne and her husband William Boyd, 4th Earl of Kilmarnock to join him. Lady Anne gave hospitality again to Charles Stuart before
8835-622: Was founded in 1876 and was elected to compete in the Scottish Football League in 1902 . The club's highest ranking came in the 1907–08 season and once again in 1909–10 when the club finished runners-up of Division One, the country's top football division, losing out to Celtic F.C. on both occasions. The club has reached the final of the Scottish Cup on five occasions, emerging victorious twice in 1913 and 1957 respectively. The club currently competes in
8930-542: Was outbid by an Aberdeen coppersmith William Forbes (1756–1823), a businessman who specialised in contracts to supply the Royal Navy . William Forbes bought the house and estate for £100,000, though it was rumoured at the time that the timber alone on the estate was worth double that. Forbes made significant alterations to the house, and his son and grandson further altered the building by adding French-château-style roofs. James Craig prepared drawings in 1785, though it
9025-603: Was renamed Falkirk Community Hospital with many of the main services, including the accident and emergency unit being transferred. Falkirk Community Hospital will still provide many services like podiatry and palliative care . The Community Hospital continues to have a Minor Injury Unit, to treat emergency cases of a non life-threatening nature. In-patient and community services at Bonnybridge Hospital will re-locate to Falkirk Community Hospital in 2012, once new modern, en-suite accommodation has been developed. A new purpose-built dental centre, Langlees Dental Centre, provides
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