Ian Scott

1 week ago | falkirkherald.co.uk | Ian Scott

In 1803 the architect David Hamilton (of Steeple fame) added the mock frontage to the medieval Airth Castle creating what is now the recognisable face of the hotel. This got me thinking about buildings that are not quite what they seem and there are quite a few in the district not including all those churches that are now pubs, funeral homes or private houses. Take the familiar Bridgeness Tower to the east of Bo’ness.

2 weeks ago | falkirkherald.co.uk | Ian Scott

Because the last four weeks have been taken up with my historical trips round the old circular tram and bus route, a little personal landmark has passed me by. If I am correct, two weeks ago marked the 700th local history column since the first one was published in November 2011. I remember well crossing my fingers when I promised the then editor of the Herald, Colin Hume, that I could provide him with an article every week as part of the new tabloid format of the paper.

3 weeks ago | falkirkherald.co.uk | Ian Scott

Our historical walk round the circular has reached the last leg and it’s uphill all the way. Just beyond Bainsford Bridge on the left is the art deco building once the office of Falkirk Iron Company. Built in 1936 it was designed by John G Callander who is Geoff Bailey’s favourite architect! It is now in flats but at least it is still there. Also on the left where the sheltered housing is today stood the little Grahamston Subscription School, replaced by the Northern in the 1870s.

1 month ago | falkirkherald.co.uk | Ian Scott

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565Visit Shots! nowThe third leg of our walk round the circular takes us from Carron through Bainsford to Grahamston. We start outside what is left of the company’s 1876 office building much of which was demolished amid controversy in 1994. Behind the remaining iron gate are two carronades and two large field guns of the kind that helped make Carron’s fortune and spread the name across the globe.

1 month ago | falkirkherald.co.uk | Ian Scott

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565Visit Shots! nowI began the second leg of my walk round the circular in the historic Larbert kirkyard - the last resting place of the dynasty that ran Carron Company for a century. The great fluted column raised for ‘Old Joe’ Stainton and the ‘temple’ of William Dawson are surrounded by the tombs of many other members of their families.