Falkirk
Unitary authority in central Scotland, created from the former district
of the same name in 1996 from part of the former Central region
Area:
297 sq km/115 sq mi
Towns:
Falkirk (administrative headquarters), Grangemouth
Physical:
centrally located between Edinburgh and Glasgow, this low-lying area
borders the southern side of the Firth of Forth ; River Avon flows
through
Features:
Forth and Clyde and Union canals; Rough Castle; Antonine Wall
Industries:
Chemicals and petrochemicals, bus building, soft drinks, toffees
Agriculture:
Some dairy and arable farming
Population:
(1995) 142,800
History: William Wallace defeated at Falkirk in 1298; English defeated
here by Prince Charles Edward Stuart in 1746.
Economy
The area has a broad economic base, but is particularly renowned for
chemical industries.
Other Features
The remains of the Antonine Wall (about AD 140) and a Roman road, can
be seen at Rough Castle, west of Falkirk town. The Scottish Railway
Preservation Society is at Bo'ness.
Environment
There are 9 Sites of Special Scientific Interest and one country park.
Administrative History
Prior to 1975, the area was part of the county of Stirlingshire.
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