visit scotland falkirk

• Central & West Scotland

Falkirk is a large town filled with interesting, historical, and exciting destinations for local and international visitors. Since it’s located between Edinburgh and Glasgow in the Forth Valley and close to the historic county of Stirling , you can pack many of the things to do in Falkirk into a day or two without needing to travel hundreds of miles.

T here are 27 trains a day between the Falkirk and the greater Stirling region. Tickets are available online on the Cross Country Trains or The Train Line website . You can even take a steam train too!

Like in many of Scotland’s fine towns and villages, there are countless things to do in the Falkirk district, including visiting outstanding attractions, landmarks, and events. There are also plenty of brand and non-brand retail stores that sell clothing, homeware, and everything you can think of.

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14 Things to do in Falkirk

There are so many fun things to do in Falkirk, which adds to the town’s popularity. There is also a visitor centre, the Scottish Segway Centre if you are looking for more information on the history of the Falkirk district and how to navigate the town or to book day trips and tour services.

Whether you want to experience Falkirk with your children or have a dating day with your loved one, based on your preferences, there is something for everyone out and about in the Falkirk area.

Oh, and don’t forget about the entire Falkirk town centre for shopping. When you get to the High Street in Falkirk between Glasgow and Edinburgh, you will find plenty of cafés, bistros, and restaurants to enjoy that sell a wide range of incredible food.

Other than shopping in the town centre High Street or visiting one of many beautiful parks, if you are in search of something fun to do, then look no further. Apart from local attractions in the Falkirk area, there are many more activities, including E-biking, sky-high trampolining, crazy golf playing Divergent games in escape rooms, and the FTH theatre to experience some drama.

To learn more about things to do in Falkirk, or for future day trip bookings in the Falkirk district and surrounding area, you can look for information on our website or visit the town centre website. If your ideal date is to visit Falkirk in October, just remember that it is a transitional month between a cool summer and a wet winter.

While some places, like castle ruins or speckled churches, don’t require a booking, places like the Callendar house do. Be sure to check whether bookings at any places that pique your interest, such as landmarks, outdoor attractions, or events, require bookings.

The Kelpies & The Helix

The Helix Park in the Falkirk area was designed as a project to improve connections between 16 communities within the Falkirk council in Scotland.

The Helix is home to the Kelpies—two mythical creatures that look like horses with their heads above the ground and light up at night. Standing 30 metres tall in Falkirk and each weighing over 300 tonnes, these are the world’s largest equine sculptures and one of the biggest tourist attractions within the Falkirk area.

The Kelpies cover more than 350 hectares of space between Falkirk district and Grangemouth. In the Helix, you will find the Plaza Cafe and its natural surroundings, including a woodland, lagoon, and wetlands. There is also an Adventure Zone play area for children, pathways that span over miles, and incredible scenery.

Falkirk Wheel and Antonine Wall

If you are looking for something different, then you can check out the Falkirk Wheel! Its the world’s first and only rotating boat lift and opened in 2002 with a plan to reintroduce canals in Central Scotland. In recent years, the Falkirk wheel has successfully connected the two canals for the first time since the 1930s and, by doing so, has also connected Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Here, you will also find the Antonine Wall in Tamfourhill, Central Scotland. It is a rotating boat that connects two scenic canals, the Forth and Clyde Canal and the Union Canal. This was done when a 21st-century landmark structure was built and was resurrected to reconnect the canals in the early 2000s – Definitely a must-see attraction when visiting the Falkirk district.

Falkirk Stadium

If you are a Scot, then you probably have a big interest in football. And, what better way to celebrate the incredible sport than at one of the most popular attractions in all of Falkirk? You can visit the Falkirk stadium, which was built in 2004 if you are looking to spend the day watching football and other events with friends and family.

The Falkirk stadium is the home ground of a few local clubs, such as the Scottish League One club Falkirk, East Stirlingshire, and the Lowland Football League. The Falkirk stadium is among some of the biggest landmarks in the town of Falkirk.

Callendar House

Have you ever heard about Callendar House? If you live in or visit Scotland, there’s no doubt that you have to take the opportunity to explore the history, especially the Falkirk area. As one of the many things to do in Falkirk, when you visit the Callendar House, you can expect a 6-century massive castle-looking house, the type you would think to find in a fairytale book.

The Callendar House’s location is on the grounds of Callendar Park in Falkirk, a mansion that has seen wars, an industrial revolution, and many rebellions. It has accommodated historical figures, with the most popular being Mary, Queen of Scots.

Visiting the Callendar House mansion, you can expect costume interpreters who bring some of Scotland’s history to life, listen to stories, and enjoy authentic Georgian food.

Callendar Estates

If you live in a city or bustling town, then you can escape from a scenic outdoor setting to a milk farm in the countryside, which is still located close to the Falkirk district town centre.

At Callendar Estate you can enjoy many outdoor activities, such as cycling, walking, riding, or even a Segway experience. There are many Falkirk tours to discover, all that is covered in grounds that carry a part of Scotland’s rich history in the United Kingdom.

You can plan a family-friendly outing to Callendar Estate in Falkirk, where you will also find a lovely café, milk barn, and indoor play area for children.

Xtreme Karting Falkirk

Looking for a fun activity? Whether you are an adult or are looking for something adventurous for the kids (between 10 – 15 years old), Xtreme Karting is perfect for you!

This is just one place in the Falkirk district where you can experience motorsport with friends or family. It is the very first karting centre in the Falkirk area, but also all of Scotland. It has a 5-star rating and is a thrilling yet safe activity for most of the family.

Apart from the 30,000 sq ft kart track in the Falkirk area, which features a bridge/ underpass section, sweeping corners, and hairpin bends, there is a designer lounge area that has large windows for you to view the track. You can also view it from the side of the track. Both of these areas are also equipped with race timing displays that allow you to keep up with the action as it happens in real time.

Muiravonside Country Park – Falkirk Council

This country park is set on the river banks of the Avon River in the Falkirk district in the UK and is one of the top attractions in Falkirk. The site has 70 hectares filled with picturesque gardens, woodlands, and parkland, all of which once formed the Muiravonside Estate. Major features on the parks’ grounds are also connected by a path network.

Exploring the woodlands in the Falkirk district, you can expect a big variety of trees, such as tall oak, hazel, ash, birch, and yew. There are also shrubs, including bluebell, primrose, cuckoo-pint, and dog’s mercury. Apart from the greenery, you can expect to see some of Scotland’s beloved birds, like the green woodpecker, nuthatch, and flycatcher.

Many people visit the park regularly to experience wide-open spaces and scenic walks. There is also a perfectly laid-out footpath that leads to the Union Canal.

Kinneil House and Estate

The Kinneil House offers visitors an intimate knowledge of over 2000 years of Scottish history, from the Romans up until the Industrial Revolution. As the seat of power for the prominent Hamilton family, the Kinneil Estate is synonymous with power and high status.

Taking a guided tour through the property sheds light on some pivotal moments in Scottish history, including when James Watts created the first version of the steam engine in the basement of the home! While guided tours are limited, wandering the 300-year-old furnishings of the House is one of the most popular experiences in Falkirk.

If you weren’t able to book a guided tour, don’t worry! You can visit the Kinneil Museum instead. Come and learn about the great outdoors of the Bo’ness area and the Kinneil Railway.

The Pineapple

The Pineapple, also known as the Dunmore Pineapple , is a very popular place to explore in England.

The property is historic and includes a mansion and two large gardens . The wall used for the garden’s surrounding area had a purpose from the 18th century to create a microclimate against the cold in the Falkirk district for planting fruit and vegetables.

Enjoy a walk or picnic with the family, with the biggest covering 6 acres. In the building, there is also a hot house in the wall built in 1761and you can expect a magnificent historical building with unique architectural styles.

Dollar Park

Dollar Park is a beautiful parkland in an area surrounding the Falkirk district in the United Kingdom with a lot of horticultural attractions and leisure activities.

Entering the north part of the park in Falkirk, you can expect to find active recreational activities, a tennis court, an 18-hole putting area, and a playground for kids. There are also pathways, a range of mature trees, and a sculpture of Sheila McKechnie, an OBE, Scottish trade unionist, housing campaigner, and consumer activist.

Dollar Park is ideal if you want to plan an educational visit and experience monthly market stalls and civil partnership ceremonies. The parks are also used for wedding services.

Tappoch Broch & Torwood Castle

If you are adventurous and seek mysterious land in Falkirk, there is a forest, Tappoch Broch, approximately 2 miles northeast of the town. Within the forest, you will find Torwood Castle, a ruined L-shaped castle from the 16th century.

Although the risk level of entering the Falkirk castle is considered low, the castle has been neglected for a very long time. The estimated year the castle was built in Falkirk is 1566, which we all know was a rather interesting time in the history of Scotland and contains fascinating Roman history.

Explore the John Muir Way

There’s no better way to explore Falkirk and Scotland than a hiking trip from west to east on the John Muir Way. This 134-mile-long hiking path snakes from Helensburgh on the western coast of Scotland to Dunbar on the eastern coast. Falkirk sits directly in the middle of the route, which means some of you may be reading this as you pass through (Hi, there!).

The Way has a range of great views that show off the Lowlands and Highlands of Scotland, as well as various cycling trails throughout (keep an eye out for information boards along the route that direct you).

The trail is not for the faint of heart and takes multiple day trips to complete, but it is one of the most fun Falkirk attractions. If you don’t want to commit to the full 134 miles, you can always take a shorter segment like Falkirk to Linlithgow (8.5 miles) or Kilsyth to Falkirk (13.8 miles) instead.

Falkirk Old Parish Speckled Church

In the Falkirk area, there is an old church known as the Old Parish Speckled Church or Falkirk Trinity Church, which is a congregation of the church of Scotland. History suggests that the church is one of the oldest landmarks in Falkirk, dating back as far as the 7th century.

Keeping some of its original charm and steeple, the church site was redone and rebuilt in the 19th century. Today, the church is recognized as a listed building in Falkirk. As it contains much of the Falkirk district’s history, the old church right in the centre of the town is certainly worth the visit.

Zetland Park

There are many exquisite parks in the Falkirk district, yet there’s something about Zetland Park that’s different. If you enjoy visiting parks around town, then Zetland Park is a must for the whole family.

Apart from being scenic, much like a green oasis, the park also has an interesting story behind it and was gifted to the people of Grangemouth in 1880 by the Earl of Zetland. Today, it is recognized as the perfect place for escaping the busy town or city life and is ideal if you want to take a stroll or have a picnic outdoors in nature.

Other Things To Do in Central & West Scotland

• Things to do in Balmaha
• Things to do in Biggar
• Things to do in Drymen
• Things to do in Dunblane
• Things to do in Grangemouth
• Things to do in Lochearnhead
• Things to do in Loch Lomond
• Things to do in Stirling

Graham Grieve

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12 Top-Rated Things to Do in Falkirk

Written by Brad Lane Updated Mar 23, 2023

Falkirk, in the Central Lowlands of Scotland, is a tourist-friendly city with a laid-back appeal, beautiful scenery, and a wealth of things to do. It's home to two popular Scotland attractions : the Falkirk Wheel and The Helix: Home of the Kelpies. These two larger-than-life attractions are worth the travel alone.

But it's much more than giant Clydesdale horses and impressive engineering in Falkirk. The city has a lively and historic town center, abuzz with shops, restaurants, and plenty of people-watching opportunities. Falkirk also lends easy access to its brilliant scenery, with plenty of parklands and places to play outside.

Falkirk is often a stop on a more extensive Scotland journey . The John Muir Way and Forth & Clyde Canal towpath run through the city on their long journeys across Central Scotland. If you're traveling on either of these long-distance paths, book some time in Falkirk to recharge and take in the sights.

Enjoy your visit with our list of top attractions and things to do in Falkirk.

1. Gawk at The Kelpies at The Helix

2. appreciate the engineering of the falkirk wheel, 3. spend the day at callendar park & callendar house, 4. wander around falkirk town centre, 5. enjoy the gardens at dollar park, 6. take a day trip to the dunmore pineapple, 7. take a walk on the john muir way, 8. catch a game at falkirk stadium, 9. visit muiravonside country park, 10. ride a bicycle on the forth & clyde canal towpath, 11. dive into the history of blackness castle, 12. visit stirling, map of things to do in falkirk, falkirk - climate chart.

The Helix is a famous public park in Falkirk and home to the region's most outstanding attractions. The centerpiece of this 350-hectare park is undeniably The Kelpies — dual Clydesdale sculptures standing 100 feet tall . These magnificent works of art stand out on the horizon for miles and draw worldwide visitors.

Water surrounds the sculptures, paying homage to their aquatic mythology. Visitors can pay a fee for a guided tour that navigates inside the massive sculptures. Green space, walking trails, and The Kelpies Visitor Center are also nearby, offering plenty of places to sit and admire the scenery.

The Kelpies are free to enjoy every day of the year and typically light up at night up until an hour after dusk. The on-site visitor center has more limited hours, with services like a café, gift shop, and exhibition area.

Don't limit a visit to The Helix only to The Kelpies. This outstanding public park has tons to explore. Among the acreage are a popular adventure play park and water fountains. It's also home to many beautiful landscapes, including wetlands, woodlands, and a lagoon.

The Falkirk Wheel is a beautiful demonstration of human engineering. It's touted as the world's first rotating boat lift and is a true spectacle of modern Scottish innovation.

The wheel connects the Forth and Clyde Canal and the Union Canal with a 115-foot rotation into the sky . It's simply fun to witness this mechanism at work, and interested visitors can opt for a boat ride to experience it firsthand.

Boat rides on the Falkirk Wheel take place throughout the day. Tours last approximately 50 minutes and include two trips on the wheel, one going up and one going down. Narration along the way explains the history and science behind the wheel. Advanced tickets are recommended for this popular attraction.

A boat ride is not required to enjoy the Falkirk Wheel. Simply watching the rotation from the sidelines is also enjoyable. The area surrounding the Falkirk Wheel also has several family attractions, including mini-golf, archery, and paddleboat rentals, and the visitor center at the Falkirk Wheel offers hot food items and a café.

Callendar House is a magnificent 14th-century French chateau-style mansion . It's also the centerpiece feature of the 140-acre Callendar Park in Falkirk. This wonderful home and public park radiates its history and provides several visitor attractions.

It's free to enter the Callendar House for a self-guided sightseeing tour. Within, permanent displays cover the history of the home and the surrounding region, including insight into its Roman occupation as early as the 11th century. Other highlights of the interior include a restored 1825 kitchen.

Calendar Park is worth a visit without ever stepping into the house. It contains a large Roman-themed playground area and a spiderwebbing network of woodland trails .

Families and visitors often use this green space for picnics, dog walking, and other sunny-weather activities.

No trip to Falkirk is complete without a visit to its bustling town center. Shops, cafés, and full-service restaurants line this pedestrian part of town , inviting all sorts of window shopping and wandering around. And with restaurants catering to every meal throughout the day, it's a great place to visit for a bite to eat.

The Howgate Shopping Centre is the most concentrated shopping area in the region. This shopping mall has several local and national shops to peruse, offering everything from fashion to housewares and beauty boutiques. This indoor shopping area is open seven days a week.

Falkirk Town Centre is also a central spot for history buffs. The entire town center reflects the town's legacy dating back hundreds of years. The best way to experience this history is to follow the Falkirk Town Heritage Trail . This self-guided tour starts at the historic Falkirk Steeple, dating back to 1814, and includes 25 other points of interest.

Dollar Park is a beautifully landscaped space close to the town center. It has several family-friendly attractions, including a broad collection of flowers blooming throughout the year. Alongside the ample gardens, the park also features a playground area, open green space , and a beautiful two-story Victorian mansion .

The Victorian mansion is home to Arnotdale Cafe, which is open seven days a week. Here, enjoy lunch, tea, and other light fare before or after exploring the park. Outside the Arnotdale House is the entrance to the park's beautiful Walled Garden , home to several eye-catching elements.

The park offers several attractions only during the summer holiday (April - September). This collection includes tennis courts and an 18-hole putting green. A bouncy castle, extremely popular with young children, is also available during this summer season.

The Dunmore Pineapple is a unique 18th-century summer home built by the Earl of Dunmore. Its standout feature is an immense stone pineapple towering above the building , representing one of the most exotic fruits once found in Scotland. Today, visitors can visit and photograph the Dunmore Pineapple and tour the beautiful woodland grounds.

The Dunmore Pineapple is accessible with an approximate eight-mile drive north of Falkirk town center. Downloading directions before heading out helps in navigating the rural setting. Expect potholes and other slow-going traffic conditions when visiting.

It doesn't take much time to explore and photograph The Dunmore Pineapple. Bring some walking shoes to tour the lovely estate — and surrounding woodlands to extend the trip. Visitors can also plan an overnight trip by booking accommodations at The Pineapple through the National Trust for Scotland.

John Muir Way is one of Scotland's Great Trails and a popular route for long-distance cycling and walking. The route spans 215 kilometers (133 miles) across Central Scotland from coast to coast. The western terminus of John Muir Way is in Helensburgh, near Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. The eastern terminus is in Dunbar, the birthplace of John Muir.

The middle of John Muir Way passes right through Falkirk's town center and connects with other significant tourist attractions, including the Falkirk Wheel and Callendar House. Visitors to Falkirk often enjoy this section of the John Muir Way as a pleasant day hike or bicycle ride. Falkirk is also a popular place to spend a night or two for those traveling the entire route.

John Muir Way also offers excellent avenues for exploring away from town. The section heading east from Falkirk extends 13.6 kilometers (8.5 miles) to Linlithgow and passes by attractions like Muiravonside Country Park and the Avon Aquaduct . Alternatively, the route spans 20.8 kilometers (13 miles) west to Kilsyth. Colzium Estate and Rough Castle offer places to pull over along this section.

Falkirk Stadium is home to the Falkirk Football Club , founded in 1876. The club competes with the Scottish Professional Football League in Scottish League One. The regular season spans from October through April . If visiting during this time, consider buying some tickets and participating in the undeniably fun and electric atmosphere.

Falkirk Stadium is also home to several other community events. This lineup includes disco nights, Christmas parties, and afternoon teas. Stadium tours are also available throughout the football season.

Muiravonside is Falkirk's only country park and offers a fantastic place to spend the day outside. It's located approximately seven miles southeast of town and encompasses over 170 acres of woodlands and open green space.

Among its many attractions are a working demonstration farm , a play park, and a winding network of nature trails .

Newparks Farm , located within Muiravonside, has several resident animals to meet. These farm animals include highland cattle, horses, donkeys, and several species of pigs. Visitors have the chance to meet these farm animals and tour their living quarters in restored farmstead buildings.

Walking and cycling are also popular within the park. The River Avon Heritage Trail tours the entire parkland, offering several side trips for exploring the countryside. John Muir Way also travels next to the park, connecting to the town center with a moderate bike ride.

Falkirk is home to several walking and bicycling trails that quickly occupy an entire day. Not only do these pedestrian routes provide an enjoyable form of exercise, but they also offer direct connections to the city's best attractions.

One of the top routes to follow is the Forth & Clyde Canal towpath, which connects the Falkirk Wheel and The Kelpies .

The Forth & Clyde Canal towpath is bicycle and pedestrian-friendly. The section in Falkirk is only a small segment of the larger 106-kilometer (65-mile) towpath, which also includes the Union Canal towpath. This larger route spans Edinburgh and Glasgow and is a viable long-distance route for bicyclists looking to travel between Scotland's two largest cities.

Blackness Castle offers an easy and exciting day trip from Falkirk, accessible with a 14-mile drive from town .

The castle has a rich history. It was first built as a royal residence for the powerful Crichtons family in the 15th century. Its royal residency didn't last long, as the castle soon became home to a garrison fortress, a prison, and an armory.

Visitors experience this history immediately upon viewing the castle next to the sea, sometimes referred to as the " Ship that never Sailed " due to its boat-like appearance.

With paid admission, tourists tour the grounds and the castle, where several information plaques delve deeper into its centuries-long legacy.

Stirling is a beautiful city in central Scotland, accessible with a short drive or train ride from Falkirk. The city has several attractions, including one of Scotland's largest castles, Stirling Castle . This impressive historical monument dates as far back as the 14th century and is worth visiting Stirling on its own.

Other things to do in Stirling include visiting the National Wallace Monument , touring the Stirling Old Town Jail , and wandering the bustling town center. The city is also home to historic churches and several historical monuments, including Stirling Old Bridge , home to the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297.

Getting to Stirling from Falkirk is easy. It's approximately a 12-mile drive that takes less than 30 minutes. Alternatively, ScotRail offers a direct journey for those looking for easy travel along the tracks. This proximity makes for easy day trips without booking a place to stay the night.

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Falkirk and the surrounding area is bursting with brilliant contrasts which may surprise you. There’s so much to discover that you simply can’t fit it all into one day, so make the most of all the great things to see and do and plan a short break to the area. If you think world firsts, Roman history, delicious local produce, family fun, walking and cycling trails, snow sports, a steam train or even if a jungle take your fancy, this is the place for you! Check out the videos on the right for more inspiration.

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• Macdonald Inchyra Hotel & Spa
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• Antonine Roman Wall
• Titanic Honour and Glory Museum
• Private Tour - Edinburgh to St Andrews, Dunnottar Castle & Dundee
• Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel Tour priced per group
• Historic Falkirk Tour Experience
• 3 Days Private Tour - Isle of Skye from Edinburgh
• Vacation Photographer in Falkirk

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The Falkirk Wheel

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The world's one and only rotating boat lift. A marvel of engineering and Scottish Canals' flagship destination, The Falkirk Wheel. Connecting the Forth & Clyde Canal with the Union Canal in a half-turn that takes only five minutes!

Book a boat trip

Enjoy the full experience of the recently upgraded Falkirk Wheel by sailing through the sky on our 60-minute boat trip! Click to find out more!

See all activities

Take a look at all the things you can do at The Falkirk Wheel

Further information

Opening hours.

The Falkirk Wheel turns periodically throughout the day during the summer.

* 60 years+, students and Blue Light card holders. Tickets are required for every passenger boarding a boat trip.

About The Falkirk Wheel

The world’s only rotating boat lift, The Falkirk Wheel links the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Union Canal 35 metres above, allowing vessels to sail through the sky thanks to a unique fusion of art and engineering – and the same power it would take to boil eight kettles.

Transforming the contaminated site of a former tar works, The Falkirk Wheel opened in 2002 and replaced a flight of 11 locks that once stepped the Union Canal down to the level of the Forth & Clyde, more than 100 feet below. Whereas weary travellers once had a day’s heavy work opening and closing 44 lock gates to complete the journey between the two canals, The Falkirk Wheel allows vessels to transit between the two waterways in just a few minutes.

Now one of Scotland’s busiest tourist attractions, The Falkirk Wheel attracts around 500,000 visitors each year. The Wheel has transformed Falkirk into a key tourism destination, with visitors traveling from all over the world to marvel at the working sculpture which combines modern engineering and technology with ancient principles set out by Archimedes more than 2000 years ago.

When one of the structure’s gondolas is lowered, the opposite one rises, keeping the vast, 1800 tonne boat lift in perfect balance as it carries canal barges 35 metres into the air in a matter of minutes. Incredibly, the structure uses just 1.5kWh for each rotation.

Motorhomes at The Falkirk Wheel

Plan your overnight stay at the world's only rotating boat lift and experience the spectacle of The Wheel's light show at night.

Staying with us

Host an event

We have three commercial spaces available to hire for meetings and events. You could even hire the entire Visitor Centre!

Click here to learn more

Sustainability spotlight

Solar Power

In May 2023 our solar panels provided us with 9% of the energy we used - a whopping 3,743 kWh!

Green Tourism

We're proud to have been awarded the Gold standard in Green Tourism.

Sustainability

We're working hard to bring the choice of as many eco-friendly, sustainable and locally-sourced products to our gift shop as we can.

Useful information

Frequently asked questions about visiting The Falkirk Wheel.

Accessibility

Level access.

• There is level access the full the way around our main site and inside the Visitor Centre from our drop-off area, which also has a limited number of blue badge parking spaces.
• We have one disabled toilet facility inside the Visitor Centre, located next to the gift shop desk. Please ask one of our staff if you have difficulty finding anything.

The Falkirk Wheel site is fully accessible for visitors with mobility problems and is wheelchair friendly. We have limited Blue Badge parking spaces directly outside the Visitor Centre.

Facilities on-site can be used with ease, and a wheelchair or mobility scooter can also be taken onboard the boat trip (please mention this when booking so we can reduce capacity slightly on-board to allow for a chair).

Boat trip tickets for disabled customers are £14.50, however if accompanied by a carer then the carer goes free. We have concession rates for our young at heart visitors, so boat trip tickets for over 60s are £12.80.

Do I need to pre-book a boat trip?

While we regularly have ticket availability on the day, we strongly recommend booking any tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. We welcome a lot of touring coach parties who regularly fill up our boat trips - our boats only have limited capacity, and we've only got the one Wheel!

Dogs are allowed on-site and in our Visitor Centre, but should be kept on leads at all times. Dogs are allowed to sit at the high tables, but for hygiene reasons only assistance dogs are permitted in the café. We have water bowls for dogs at various points around the site.

Well behaved pooches are permitted onboard our boat trips, however the experience can be quite overwhelming for those of a nervous disposition, so we advise only confident (and continent) doggies board.

What times are the boat trips?

During the summer we usually operate a 10-boat schedule daily, with departures at*:

You can view available slots on our departures schedule by clicking here .

* Due to operational demands it may be necessary for us to reduce our boat schedule at short notice.

Missing booking confirmations

If you have booked one of our boat trips but are missing your email confirmation please check your spam/junk folders. If you still can't find your confirmation please email the team at [email protected] .

How long does the boat trip take?

Our boat trips take approximately 1 hour, depending on traffic on the waterways.

Food, drink and gift shop

Our cafe and gift shop are always open during opening hours.

We also have a number of food outlets that are open during the summer months* that serve everything from ice cream and pizzas to chilli chips and hot dogs, as well as our famous mac 'n' cheese, toasties and seasonal food offerings.

* Subject to availability.

The Falkirk Wheel has a visitor centre that provides information about the history, operation, and significance of the wheel. 

The Falkirk Wheel offers three spaces for venue hire – Blueprint Room , Wheel Room , Visitor Centre .

How do I book a free carer's ticket?

There is an option to select a carer's ticket when booking here . Please bring proof of your carer status to present on arrival.

Can I book by phone?

We're unable to accept any bookings by telephone. You can book activities and boat trips online by clicking here , or by purchasing on the day (subject to availability).

Can I cancel or amend my boat trip booking?

We are unable to accept any cancellations or amendments to pre-booked boat trips 48 hours before the scheduled time of departure. Our team will endeavour to make amendments to bookings outwith the 48-hour period, however we cannot guarantee any requested changes. Cancellations before 48-hours will be refunded in full.

To make an amendment or cancel your boat trip please email [email protected] with your booking details.

Booking with an ASVA pass

We always look to welcome our ASVA partners whenever we can. If you're in possession of an ASVA pass please email [email protected] to reserve a booking. Valid ASVA passes must be presented upon arrival, 

Do you sell gift vouchers?

Gift vouchers can only currently be purchased in-person from our Visitor Centre and can be redeemed for boat trips only.

How do I book a group on a boat trip?

Groups of more than 15 are entitled to a discounted group rate. Please email [email protected] to enquire.

What happens if I miss my boat trip?

We always recommend being in the Visitor Centre at least 10 minutes before your scheduled time of departure. If for any reason you are late for your booking our team may look to rebook you on a later sailing, however if there is no availability we are unable to refund any missed bookings.

Is motorhome parking availabile?

Yes! We love having our motorhoming friends over to stay. Overnight parking is subject to availability and is £15 per vehicle, per night. We have an elsan point as well as toilets, showers and washing and drying facilities.

Access to these additional facilities can be secured with a refundable £20 cash deposit.

Please check in at the Visitor Centre during opening times upon arrival if you're wishing to stay at The Falkirk Wheel.

0300 373 0868

The Falkirk Wheel Lime Road Falkirk FK1 4RS

[email protected]

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Callendar House

Through wars, rebellions and the industrial revolution, Callendar House has played host to many great historical figures over the centuries, including Mary, Queen of Scots, Cromwell and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Callendar House dates from the 14th century. It is set in the nationally-important historic designed landscape of Callendar Park, which also contains a section of the Antonine Wall World Heritage Site. The House's permanent displays are The Story of Callendar House, a history covering the 11th to the 19th centuries, The Antonine Wall, Rome's Northern Frontier, and Falkirk: Crucible of Revolution 1750-1850, tells how the local area was transformed during the first century of the industrial era. In the restored 1825 Kitchen, costumed interpreters create an exciting interactive experience with samples of early-19th century food providing added taste to stories of working life in a large household. The Park Gallery on the ground floor offers a changing programme of contemporary visual art exhibitions, while different aspects of cultural heritage are explored in the 2nd Floor Galleries temporary exhibition space. Callendar House also boasts a Tearoom with stunning parkland views serving a range of breakfast, lunch, and light snack options. And a visit isn't complete without stopping by the Gift Shop to have a look at our range of items from bespoke local made products, to kits and crafts for kids. Falkirk Archives are also based here with the search room occupying the House's Victorian library which is open Monday to Friday to explore their range of fascinating records and images. Callendar House is set within the breath-taking Callendar Park covering over 170 acres with history dating back to the construction of the Antonine Wall in 142AD. The woodland and gardens host a number of interesting historical features including an Aboretum, Ornamental Gardens, and a family Mausoleum. It's also home to three par golf course, set over nine holes, a large children's play park, and a variety of seasonal outdoor activities. Opening Times -  Monday, Wed - Sun 10am - 5pm.  Tuesday: CLOSED

Transport and Parking

• On Public Transport Route
• Coach Parking

Accessibility

• Hearing Loop
• Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
• Partial wheelchair access
• Lift or stairlift
• Large print, braille or audio
• Level Access
• Accessible toilets
• Partially suitable for visitors with limited mobility

Dietary Options

• Outdoor Play Area
• Baby Changing Facilities
• Public Toilet Facilities
• Lunch Available
• Breakfast Available
• Picnic Area
• Cafe or Restaurant

Payment Methods

• American Express
• Credit Card
• Town Centre

Related items of interest

• Kinneil Museum
• Callendar Park
• Mariner Leisure Centre
• The Helix: Home of The Kelpies
• The Hippodrome
• Falkirk Community Trust

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A Complete 48-Hour Itinerary for Falkirk Scotland

If you’re looking for a good excursion from Edinburgh in Scotland, Falkirk is a great choice. This city is located only half an hour away from the capital and has plenty of fantastic attractions, including the world’s largest equestrian statues and the only rotating boat lift in the world, not to mention a few filming locations from Outlander as well as the most unique folly in Scotland. Here’s a guide on how to spend 48 hours in Falkirk.

Table of Contents

Getting to Falkirk from Edinburgh

Falkirk is located roughly 20 miles west of Edinburgh, about halfway to Glasgow. You can drive there in about half an hour on the M9 highway. Just make sure you get off the highway at Exit 5. I’ve missed the exit several times, thinking there’s an exit at the next big roundabout, but there isn’t and then it’s an 11-mile detour to backtrack.

If you don’t have your own or a hired car, you can take the bus or train to Falkirk. There is usually a train that runs from Edinburgh to Falkirk in under half an hour. Just before I went in August 2020, the railway was damaged by flooding and the service was temporarily unavailable. Otherwise, it’s the fastest and cheapest way to get to Falkirk.

The other option is the X38 bus, which will take you straight from Princes Street in Edinburgh’s New Town to the center of Falkirk in a little over an hour and a half. If you’re going straight from Edinburgh Airport to Falkirk (as I did), then get the 909 bus and jump off in Grangemouth, which is about 20 minutes away by foot from the center of Falkirk.

Where to Stay in Falkirk

Falkirk doesn’t have the largest variety of accommodations to stay at. When there are events in town, such as a concert at the Falkirk Stadium, everything is fully booked. There also aren’t any hostels or budget accommodations in town at this time. The cheapest hotels start at around £30 ($39) a night.

SGE Leapark Hotel

My hotel was actually in Grangemouth, the town just on the other side of the highway from Falkirk. The SGE Hotel Group is a family-run chain of five hotels around Scotland. Just like the hotels in Edinburgh , SGE Leapark Hotel is built into an old stone building, but with nice, modern amenities. I was spoiled with a large executive room. There was a large space with a desk where I could catch up on my work, and a raised portion of the room where the bed was. The bathroom was quite large, especially by UK standards. I found the bed very soft and comfortable, and the WiFi was not bad.

I didn’t actually get a chance to eat in the hotel’s restaurant just due to time restrictions. Usually, that’s where breakfast would also be served, but due to the world events of 2020, breakfast is in a separate dining room. You have to tell them when you plan to eat breakfast, but otherwise, there weren’t really any restrictions. Breakfast options included a big Scottish breakfast, a smaller breakfast, a vegetarian option, eggs benedict, or a breakfast sandwich. On the side were optional toast, porridge, coffee, tea, and orange juice.

Dunmore Pineapple House

The Dunmore Pineapple is one of the most unusual structures in Scotland. It’s a folly (a decorative structure on one’s property that doesn’t usually serve a purpose) in the shape of a 46-foot tall pineapple. The pineapple sits atop a garden wall that contains two gardeners cottages. The best part is that you can rent out the cottages . They sleep four and cost as little as £500 ($650) for 4 days. The website advertises them for as little as £264 for 4 nights, but the cheaper times must already be fully booked for the next year.

While not significantly cheaper, another option is to stay at an Airbnb. There are about 90 properties around Falkirk and Grangemouth, starting at about £24 ($30) per night. If you’ve never used Airbnb before, use this link to claim up to £40 off your first stay.

Great Restaurants and Cafes in Falkirk

The town of Falkirk only has about 35,000 residents, but there are still plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from, particularly in the city center. There are also a few gems out in the suburbs if you know where to look. While I’m sure I could write an entire book about the different places to eat in Falkirk, here are the couple that I had a chance to visit during my 48 hours there.

The first cafe I visited in Falkirk was Pots Cafe , the brainchild of Nicky Don. Located just a minute away from the Falkirk Steeple in the center of town, it’s a good place to head to if you want something convenient…or if you’re looking for fantastically good food. On the recommendation of Nicky, I had the haggis, chili and cheese toastie, served with salad, coleslaw and chips. As far as toasties go, it was one of the best I’ve ever had! Surprisingly spicy by Scottish standards, it was a really nice use of their fresh haggis from a local butcher.

If you’re not looking for a big meal, the drinks and cakes are also fantastic. All the cakes are homemade by Nicky and change daily. I had the raspberry cheesecake, with a chai latte on the side. The latte was delicious, especially as it was made from chai powder and not a teabag as some cafes do. The cheesecake was simply perfect. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, they have a large menu just for you.

Arnotdale House Cafe

The Arnotdale House Cafe opened in September 2019 in Dollar Park. The cafe and house are managed by the Cyrenians charity organization . Per their website, “Cyrenians serves those on the edge, working with people at risk of becoming homeless and supporting them to transform their lives by beginning with their story, helping them believe that they can change their lives, and walking with them as they lead their own transformation.”

The cafe serves homemade food using locally-sourced ingredients. Some of their vegetables come from the Dollar Park garden, and they plan to eventually source all their produce from their own garden. The menu isn’t big, but the dishes are fantastic.

Their signature dish is the Stornaway stack – something I’d somehow never had in all my years living in Scotland. It uses Stornoway black pudding – a blood sausage from the Western Isles of Scotland. The stack is bread, Stornoway black pudding, a large portobello mushroom and a poached egg, topped with crispy bacon bits. It was delicious! The Stornoway black pudding is much better than the generic black pudding that many cafes in Scotland will serve.

I also had a stack of salmon pancakes on the side, just because they looked so good. I would never have considered topping fluffy American pancakes with cream cheese, smoked salmon and capers, but it turned out to be a really good combination. Add in a ginger beer on the side and the lunch was perfect.

The Lobster Pot

If you make it out to Blackness Castle, you’ve got to stop at the Lobster Pot. This quirky pub has some really fantastic decorations, all put together by the owner. I didn’t actually have any space in my stomach for another meal after my massive lunch at the Arnotdale House Cafe, but I did get a small snack of potato wedges while I waited for my bus back to Edinburgh.

One thing to know about the pubs and taverns in Scotland is that, contrary to what you would find in the USA, they usually serve the best food in town. Their ingredients are often sourced from local butchers and farmers, and the chefs are really creative. Considering how busy the place was in such a small village (and the castle was closed that day), I’m assuming the quality of their food was quite good. If you’re not hungry, at least stop by and see the awesome decorations inside and out.

Things to Do in Falkirk

There are a surprising number of attractions to see in the urban region of Falkirk, which is why I consider the town seriously underrated. Some of the attractions are better known than others, but I found that there’s actually far more to see than you can comfortably squeeze into 48 hours.

The Kelpies and Helix Park

In 2013, the Kelpies were constructed as a tribute to the steel industry of Falkirk, as well as the importance of the canal system in Scotland. Located at the beginning of the Forth and Clyde Canal where it branches off the River Carron about a mile and a half away from the Firth of Forth, these two massive steel horse statues tower 100 feet in the air. The Kelpies are also representative of mythical kelpies – water spirits in Scotland which often take the form of a horse.

The Kelpies are part of the Helix eco-park. The Helix opened in 2013 as the center of 17 miles of trails that connect 16 neighborhoods in Falkirk. The Helix has a large play area for kids, a lake and the Plaza Cafe.

The Kelpies were completed in 2014 with a visitor center to accommodate 300,000 visitors a year; it saw over a million in the first year after its opening! If you’re hungry, you can grab a snack from the visitor cafe or one of the food carts outside, or a pizza from The Horsebox on the other side of the statues.

If you’ve seen the Kelpies as you drive by on the nearby highway, you should know that you really can’t appreciate them unless you stand beneath. They’re a lot bigger than they look from the highway. I’d also recommend going at night when they’re lit up with colors, which is easier to do in the winter as sunset in the summer is around 11 at night! The Kelpies themselves are free to visit, but you have to pay for parking…r you can park by the Helix which is only about five minutes away.

Falkirk Stadium

One attraction you probably won’t visit in Falkirk unless it’s a special occasion is Falkirk Stadium. Built for football matches in 2006, it holds nearly 8,000 people. Although relatively small, it’s a decent music venue. The biggest music venue in Edinburgh – Usher Hall – only holds 2,200 people. As such, most people head to Glasgow to see their favorite concerts.

Recently, bands have started performing at Falkirk Stadium, which is only half the distance to Glasgow from Edinburgh. This year, The Killers were supposed to perform, but they were postponed until 2021 due to world events. On the other hand, if you’re into football (as I am), you could watch a match at the stadium.

An interesting feature of the stadium is the electric vehicle charging hub. With 26 stations, it’s the largest charging hub in Scotland. There is a huge push to reduce carbon emissions in Scotland and make it a greener country with renewable energy. Electric vehicles play a big part in that. Large charging centers like the one at Falkirk Stadium are being installed along the major highways of Scotland. The Scottish government has planned to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars by 2032, and will even give you an interest-free loan up to £35,000 ($45,000) for the purchase of an electric vehicle.

The Falkirk Wheel

The Falkirk Wheel has been on my list of places to visit for years, but somehow I only made it there this year. As the only rotating boat lift in the world, it’s a really unique and fascinating attraction. Built in 2002, the lift can take a flat-bottomed canal boat from the Forth and Clyde Canal up 86 feet to join the Union Canal which leads to Edinburgh. From the wheel, the Union Canal goes through a tunnel and then up two locks before maintaining the same level (no more locks) all the way to its terminus in Edinburgh.

The Falkirk Wheel is quite a marvel of engineering. The mechanism uses the power of eight electric tea kettles to rotate two boat-carrying gondolas each weighing 250 tons! You can take an hour boat tour up the lift to the first of the locks on the Union Canal and back down for £13.50 ($17.50). I highly recommend the tour, as the guide continuously gives you information about the Falkirk Wheel, the construction of the canals, what you can see around Falkirk from the top of the wheel, etc.

If you have a bit more time, walk out to Rough Castle and the remains of the Antonine Wall, one of Scotland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Antonine Wall was the wall built 12 years after Hadrian’s Wall to keep the Scottish out of Britannia (what the Romans called England). It takes about half an hour to walk from the Falkirk Wheel to Rough Castle. Due to a tight schedule, I didn’t actually make it out there myself. I’ve been told there’s not much to see of the two-thousand-year-old fort, but I still like visiting all the UNESCO sites that I can. I’ll get out there the next time I’m in Falkirk.

The Dunmore Pineapple

I’ve seen some really unusual buildings in my travels. The Dunmore Pineapple is definitely one of the strangest. In 1493, Christopher Columbus brought the first pineapples over to Europe from Guadaloupe. At that time, they were extremely rare and valuable commodities. In 1761, John Murray built a greenhouse on his estate by the Firth of Forth to grow pineapples. Shortly afterward, he sailed across the Atlantic to become the last Colonial Governor of Vermont. Sometime after his return to Scotland, he added the concrete pineapple structure atop the greenhouse.

The Dunmore Pineapple is considered to be a folly. In Scotland, a folly is a decorative structure on one’s property that doesn’t really serve any purpose. There are towers and strange structures all over the UK that classify as follies, but I think the Pineapple is the most unique. It’s free to explore the gardens around the pineapple. If you want to see inside the structure, you can rent out the garden cottage beneath the pineapple for the weekend, which sleeps four.

Check out my article on the Dunmore Pineapple for directions on how to get there (it’s not that easy to find), what there is to do around the pineapple, and how to rent it for the weekend.

Callendar House

One of the most popular attractions in Falkirk is the Callander House . The house dates back to the 1300s, although it started out as a simple stone tower house. Over the past seven centuries, the house has expanded into a gorgeous Georgian estate. Many notable figures have stayed at the house, including Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and Queen Victoria.

The Callendar House has three permanent exhibits full of panels and displays – The Story of the Callendar House, The Antonine Wall: Rome’s Northern Frontier, and Falkirk: Crucible of Revolution. The Georgian Kitchen is also a permanent attraction where you can see the original equipment, ovens and fireplace. A guide dressed in character will show you around, provide information on the history of the kitchen, and give you some samples of the original food they used to serve (although that last is temporarily suspended due to current world events). There are other additional temporary exhibits in the galleries of the house which change from time to time.

Just like the Kelpies, the Callendar House is free to visit. At this time, you have to book in your slot in advance. You could rush through the house in about 45 minutes, but I’d recommend spending a couple hours to really take in all the information. You can also spend a few hours exploring the grounds and woodland trails, which include the Forbes Mausoleum, another section of the remnants of the Antonine Wall, and Callendar Lake.

If you can’t make it to Falkirk in the near future, feel free to check out my virtual tour of the Callendar House .

Dollar Park

Dollar Park is where you’ll find the aforementioned Arnotdale House Cafe, but the cafe isn’t all there is to the park. Behind Arnotdale House is a large community garden where volunteers and the homeless can help out, although there are also experienced gardeners to help maintain and supervise things, including one of only two floral clocks in Scotland (the other being in the Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh).

Before the other popular attractions in Falkirk opened, such as the Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel, the Dollar Park was a hub for the local community and visitors. Since the Cyrenians have been helping out, the park has been revitalized, with renovations to the playground, tennis courts and the house itself. Even the local bridge club returned to the park after nearly 50 years away.

If you have the time, Dollar Park is a nice place to relax a bit, grab a bite to eat and enjoy the flowers.

Blackness Castle

Blackness Castle is a fantastic attraction to visit, especially if you’re an Outlander fan. I was there before on my Outlander Tour , but I didn’t have a lot of time to explore that day.

The castle was built in the 15th century in a crucial defensive position on the Firth of Forth, protecting the nearly Linlithgow Palace which was one of the Scottish monarch’s residences at that time. The castle has the shape of a ship about to sail into the Firth of Forth, with three towers nicknamed Stern, Mast and Stem. Considerable defensive improvements have been made over the centuries, including reinforcing the walls to up to 15 feet thick in some places! The entrance to the castle is one of the most advanced kill chambers (known as a caponier) for its day in Scotland. As such, the castle was recently used as an ammunition depot before it was turned over to Historic Scotland.

The castle grounds are free to explore. If you want to enter the castle and also walk out on the pier (which has the best views of the castle and is protected by one of the last draw bridges to be constructed in the UK), admission is only £6 ($7.75). To get to Blackness Castle from Falkirk or Edinburgh, take the train to Linlithgow Palace and then the F49 bus to Blackness. There’s also the C19 bus which will take you straight from Blackness to Princes Street in Edinburgh’s New Town.

The Perfect 48 Hour Itinerary for Falkirk

When I first considered spending 48 hours in Falkirk, I didn’t think there were enough attractions to fill up two days. Now that I’ve done it, I can say that two days isn’t really enough time, especially if you want to explore the outdoors around the Falkirk Wheel, Dunmore Pineapple and Callendar House. Without any additional exploration and sticking to a tight schedule, everything above can be completed in two days.

I went to the Kelpies and Helix, Falkirk Stadium, Falkirk Wheel, and Dunmore Pineapple on my first day, and then Callendar House, Dollar Park and Blackness Castle on my second day, but that’s mostly because Callendar House was still closed on my first day. It might be a better idea to visit the Callendar House on the same day as the rest of the attractions around the center of Falkirk (Kelpies, Wheel and Dollar Park) and then get to the Dunmore Pineapple and Blackness Castle on the second day. That would also give you some time to explore Linlithgow Palace on the way to Blackness.

As some tips, aim to visit Callendar House in the morning before it gets busy, and the Kelpies in the evening to get the best lighting for photos (and free parking). The last boat tour at the Falkirk Wheel is at 3 p.m., so make sure to take that into account with your schedule. While I’d highly recommend visiting both Pots Cafe and Arnotdale House Cafe, it might be hard to work them into your schedule if you’re going to be out at the castle and palace on the second day.

As to a budget, considering there are no hostels in Falkirk, expect to spend at least £60 ($75) a day between accommodations, food, transport and the few paid attractions. If you’re really on a budget, you can consider getting a hostel in Edinburgh or Stirling and commuting each day to Falkirk, but that wouldn’t technically be a full 48 hours in Falkirk.

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Further reading.

Headed to Scotland and looking for more activities outside of Edinburgh? Here are some other suggestions.

• 10 Activities for The Perfect Day Trip from Edinburgh
• Adoring the Snow Leopards at the Highland Wildlife Park
• Explore the Isle of Lewis and Harris to See Scotland’s Best
• Edinburgh Excursions: Spending an Afternoon at Go Ape Peebles
• Is a Day Tour from Edinburgh to Loch Ness Worth It?
• What It’s Like to Take the Hogwarts Express in Scotland
• A Day of Adventures with Nevis Range in Fort William, Scotland
• The Ultimate Backpacker’s Guide to St Andrews, Scotland
• A Comprehensive Guide to Spending 48 Hours on the Isle of Skye
• Seeing Dundee’s Facelift at the V&A Dundee and Sleeperz Hotel
• An Honest Review of the Whisky, Warriors and Waterfalls Tour with Haggis Adventures
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Here’s some extra reading to save hundreds on your next vacation or stage of your journey.

• 5 Steps to Book Cheap Flights
• Hostels: To Book or Not to Book
• Is Workaway Worth it for the Traveler?
• Click here to claim your $25 credit with AirB&B

Hi, I'm Skye. Writer, photographer, adventurer, foodie, teacher, masseur, friend, dreamer, etc. I think "normal" sucks. Let's aim for extraordinary. SkyeTravels seeks to find the good around the world, focusing on adventures, food and wellness. Be inspired. Be yourself.

A Virtual Tour of the Callendar House in Falkirk, Scotland

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Falkirk councillor warns Scottish Parliament boundary changes will confuse voters

A councillor says boundary changes to Scottish Parliament constituencies would mean 'butchering' the part of Falkirk district he represents.

Proposed changes to Holyrood constituencies would see the Denny & Banknock ward split and a large part of it being represented by the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth MSP.

The latest proposals in a review by Boundaries Scotland suggest Falkirk district would be split across three areas: Falkirk North, Falkirk South; and Cumbernauld & Kilsyth.

Read more: Worry for parents as Falkirk Council reveal plans to cut school hours

Councillor Alf Kelly says it would be confusing for the electorate if Denny and Banknock were to be included in the North Lanarkshire constituency, while Longcroft and Haggs were part of Falkirk South.

Cllr Kelly said: "The Denny and Banknock ward has been embedded within Falkirk and the Forth Valley for many years.

"The hospital and the NHS facilities that Ward 3 uses are all within the Forth Valley.

"Our library services and our education services are managed by Falkirk Council.

"The Police Scotland Commander for the area is also based in Falkirk, while the police community teams for the ward are based in Larbert."

Cllr Kelly is particularly concerned about the effect on the village of Banknock which has very close ties with neighbouring Haggs and Longcroft.

In a statement, he said: "The communities share bus routes, polling places, and the same community centre."

He also points out that the changes do not appear to have taken into account polling places that have just been agreed for forthcoming elections, unchanged from the last election.

He said: "The primary community facility that has operated as a polling place for the village is Banknock Community Hall, which is located conveniently to the east of the village which gives those in Haggs, Longcroft and Allandale easier access to the facility."

He also questioned the separation from Bonnybridge, saying this would be "difficult, confusing and acutely impactful on the people of Banknock".

"The GP clinic is a satellite of the Bonnybridge clinic and with multiple issues currently reported in accessing local health services reported by constituents this creates an acutely concerning overlap of accountability from elected members," he said.

Cllr Kelly also believes it would be more difficult for constituents to get to their MSP, as the current Cumbernauld and Kilsyth MSP, Jamie Hepburn, has an office in Cumbernauld, with no direct bus service.

The MSP for Falkirk West Michael Matheson has his office in Falkirk, which does have a direct bus.

Cllr Kelly said: "As a local member of the council and a long-standing resident of Banknock I ask for this community not to be butchered in the way proposed."

Falkirk Council's executive is also expected to object to the proposals when it meets tomorrow (Tuesday).

Boundaries Scotland says it welcomes all comments on the proposals, whether supportive or not, to help inform deliberations but all feedback must be received by Wednesday, May 15.

Full details of the proposed constituencies can be found on the Boundaries Scotland consult.boundaries.scot.

For more Falkirk stories, sign up to our newsletter here .

Teacher of Chemistry & Science

Falkirk Council is seeking to recruit class teachers who are highly skilled practitioners, committed to delivering the very best learning and teaching experiences for our children and young people. 

The key policy document for Falkirk schools is Learning to Achieve .  This was co-created by Head-teachers, teachers, early years practitioners, support staff, parents/carers, pupils and other partners. 

It sets out clearly our expectations for our class teachers, namely that they are practitioners who demonstrate commitment to meeting the needs of all learners by:

• reflecting critically on their practice
• being proactive in seeking professional learning opportunities that further enhance their skills and knowledge
• adopting flexible, creative approaches to meet the needs of all learners
• using current educational thinking to inform their practice
• making good use of professional collaboration in school and beyond
• communicating effectively with others

Successful applicants will:

• hold an appropriate secondary qualification 
• be fully registered with the General Teaching Council, Scotland (GTCS)
• be able to demonstrate that they possess the commitment, knowledge and skills outlined in the Standard for Full Registration

Successful applicants who progress to the next stage of the recruitment process will be invited to attend:

• Classroom observation
• Short Leet interview

If you are the successful candidate, you will be required to gain/maintain PVG scheme membership and approval by Care Commission Scotland.

Applicants are encouraged to be explicit in detailing their skills, experience and attributes that they can bring to this post.

The salary for this Teacher’s post is paid in line with SNCT Conditions of Service, please see Appendix 2.19 - SNCT Handbook

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