Welcome

Welcome to the website of Falkirk Local History Society.   The Society was formed in 1981 to provide a forum for people with an interest in the history of the Falkirk area, that is what used to be called East Stirlingshire.  These days we are fortunate enough to also cover the historic town of Bo’ness and surrounding villages formerly in West Lothian but since 1975 part of Falkirk District. The Society now has over 200 members  and is involved in many activities including research and publication.

At the top right corner and at the bottom of this page, there is a Search Box which you can use to discover any articles within this site which apply specifically to your area of interest. Just click on the box, type your subject and  press “Enter”.

Click on “Welcome” on dark blue menu bar along the top of this site and you will find information About the Society, including a Programme of our activities, how to join the Society and how to contact us. Within FAQs, some  common questions are answered and there is a place where you can add your own question about the history of Falkirk. At Publications, there are details about the Society’s journal, “Calatria” and books published by the Society, together with links to books published digitally.

The Archaeology section carries  links to Reports from Archaeological Excavations conducted throughout the Falkirk District at various times. Around the Area section is an index to dozens of articles on: Buildings; Burial Places; Castles; Churches; Houses & Estates; Industry; Early Museums; Places; Recreation; Schools and Transport from our past, illustrated by photographs and drawings.   You can read about notable Events in the history of Falkirk,  Objects found in the Falkirk area and Organisations. There are some of the famous People who have passed through and also Photos, including past Photographers and some suggestions for Historical Walks in the Falkirk area.    Finally, the Wars section leads to an index of local war memorials and a bit about what life was like in Falkirk during wartime.

      The Society’s main intention in creating this site was to provide the general public at home and overseas with well researched and dependable information and you are very welcome to use any of this as part of your own research.  All we ask is that if the material is used in print or on another website the source is acknowledged.  This is mainly to ensure that other readers will be able to contact the writer to follow up on any point or seek further information which we will be delighted to provide.

Falkirk Steeple is OPEN to the public.

Guided tours conducted by members of Falkirk Local History Society, usually Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10.00a.m. to 4p.m. However, we will close for the winter from 15 October 2023, opening again on Saturday 27 April 2024, then every Tuesday and Saturday thereafter until the autumn. In the meantime, we can arrange a guided tour if you are a group of 5 or more people. Group Bookings can be arranged through this website.