Falkirk tourist information

The fine traditional town of Falkirk has had a long and eventful history, the oldest evidence of which can be seen today in the Roman remains that mark the line of the Antonine Wall.

Students of Scottish history will recall that two important battles were fought in Falkirk, with mixed results for the Scots. In 1298 Sir William Wallace was defeated here by the armies of the English King Edward I, after which he reigned as Guardian of Scotland. In 1746 Bonnie Price Charlie fared rather better, beating the English during the second Jacobite uprising.

Set on the junction of the Forth and Clyde and Union Canals, Falkirk also had an important place in the industrial revolution due to the local iron and coal industry. These waterways fell into disuse, but were restored in a multi-million pound regeneration scheme at the turn of the millennium. The centrepiece is the stunning Falkirk Wheel, built to lift boats between the two canals. This huge engineering structure is surprisingly graceful and beautiful, and now a major tourist attraction.

Also close by is the magnificent Callendar House, a beautiful stately home in the style of a French Chateau built alongside remnants of the Antonine Wall and which now houses a museum.

Currently under development is the Helix project, to create a large new country park and recreational waterways between Falkirk and Grangemouth. The highlight will be a moving sculpture of the mythical Celtic water horses known as Kelpies, standing some 30m high.