Falkirk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Falkirk
|
|
|---|---|
| Town and administrative centre | |
 Falkirk High Street |
|
 Falkirk
|
|
| Area | 11 km2 (4.2 sq mi) |
| Population | 35,590 (2020) |
| • Density | 3,197/km2 (8,280/sq mi) |
| Settled | 7th century |
| Burgh Charter | 1600 |
| Elevation | 37 m (121 ft) |
| OS grid reference | NS887801 |
| Civil parish |
|
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area |
|
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | FALKIRK |
| Postcode district | FK1, FK2 |
| Dialling code | 01324 |
| Police | Central Scotland |
| Fire | Central Scotland |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
|
| Scottish Parliament |
|
Falkirk is a town in the Central Lowlands of Scotland. It's located in the Forth Valley, about 23.5 miles (38 km) northwest of Edinburgh. It's also 20.5 miles (33 km) northeast of Glasgow.
In 2001, Falkirk had a population of 32,422 people. By 2008, this number grew to 34,570. This makes it the 20th largest town in Scotland. Falkirk is the main town and administrative center for the Falkirk council area. This larger area has about 156,800 people. It includes nearby towns like Grangemouth, Bo'ness, Denny, and Larbert.
The town is where the Forth and Clyde and Union Canals meet. This spot was very important for its growth during the Industrial Revolution. In the 1700s and 1800s, Falkirk was a big center for making iron and steel. The Carron Company nearby made many things. These included kitchen items, fireplaces, and even cannons for the Royal Navy. Today, heavy industry is less common. The town's economy now focuses more on shops and tourism. Still, Falkirk is home to big companies like Alexander Dennis. This is the largest bus production company in the UK. Falkirk also has a long history with publishing. The company Johnston Press started here in 1846. It still publishes the Falkirk Herald newspaper.
Some popular places to visit in Falkirk are the Falkirk Wheel, The Helix, The Kelpies, and Callendar House and Park. You can also see parts of the old Antonine Wall. In 2011, a poll by STV named Falkirk Scotland's most beautiful town.