Farming Falkirk

by Janice Hopper

Falkirk is naturally celebrated for the Kelpies sculptures and the Falkirk Wheel, but the farming links are never far away. Take the Kelpies themselves as an example. These mesmerising sculptures will celebrate a big birthday in 2023: completed in 2013, these iconic creations will soon be ten years old. Not only do the sculptures pay homage to Scottish myths and legends, they also honour the Clydesdale horses that worked the waterways, helping to move Scotland’s produce and goods, from agricultural to industrial, through the canals. Sculptor, Andy Scott, modelled his pieces on two Clydesdales named Baron and Duke. It’s said that these handsome creatures were also the focus of Scott’s steel heavy horse installation, which can be found just off the M8 outside Glasgow.

Make your next Falkirk stop Callendar House and Park. Within the 14th century house itself it’s possible to take afternoon tea, or have a more informal lunch, coffee and cake in the café. Head downstairs to the Georgian Kitchen to learn about recipes of old, or let kids dress up as Roman soldiers in the exhibition area as they learn about the Antonine Wall. But it’s worth noting that much of the area’s agricultural history is covered here too. The exhibitions highlight quirky stories such as Small’s Plough, designed in the 1760s by James Small. The Berwickshire man took his idea to Falkirk’s Carron Ironworks to make his designs a reality. The plough’s efficiency was a roaring success, requiring far less force than traditional ploughs to turn a furrow, and Small generously refused to patent his creation.

Falkirk’s famous cattle ‘Trysts’ are covered too. Falkirk’s large scale cattle trading in the early 18th century even gave Crieff’s dominance in this field a run for its money. Other industries illuminated in the exhibition include two large tanneries from 18th century, which naturally benefited from the trysts. This industry also required bark, tapping into the forests of Callendar Park. And it also explains why Falkirk became a recognised shoe producer, as leather was close at hand. It’s fascinating to see how farmers bringing livestock to the trysts indirectly benefited not one, but two further crafts and industries in the town.

Flax, essential for the linen industry, was another crop highlighted in Callendar House, and Falkirk’s weaving heritage is touched upon too. Even how the land is utilised is examined, discussing the move in Falkirk to swap out small, exposed ‘rigs’ to “large fields ‘enclosed’ by hedges”, a policy embraced by Callendar House’s owner, William Forbes, in the late 18th century.

When it comes to historic Falkirk, conflict over land was never far away either. Traces of the Antonine Wall are within reach, revealing how the region was dramatically divided. The original wall, built around 142AD, was actually made of turf rather than bricks or stone, and it ran right through the centre of Callendar Park. Even the park’s children’s playground has a ‘Roman’ theme, giving youngsters the opportunity to defend a fort like a Roman legionary, or attack it like a Celt! Another key figure who fought for Scotland’s land is buried in Falkirk Town Centre. Sir John De Graeme was William Wallace’s finest knight, killed in action during the Battle of Falkirk on 22 July 1298. Seek out his memorial and burial site at Falkirk Trinity Church on Manse Place.

For those wishing to see all these attractions and the Falkirk landscape in more detail, exploring by car is an obvious option, but it’s a wonderfully bike-friendly area with excellent cycle tracks along the canal banks. Key tourist sites are linked by flat cycle paths, such as the Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies. Callendar Park and the neighbouring Callendar Estate also offer family friendly cycling through the park and the woodland. Bear in mind that Callendar Estate boasts over 4,800 acres of farmland, providing the basis of agricultural production for twenty farming families. The estate is also known for its biomass output and forestry. If cycling around Falkirk sounds a little taxing then it’s possible to rent electric bikes from Forth Bike, so visitors can immerse themselves in the countryside allowing the bikes to do most of the work.

Seeking out Sir John De Graeme

Lastly, consider celebrating one of the most unlikely crops to grace Scottish dining rooms - pineapples. A sign of prestige and wealth, the pineapple was the ultimate produce to present to esteemed guests. Take time to visit the National Trust for Scotland’s Falkirk Pineapple: this attractive folly was built in 1761 by the 4th Earl of Dunmore. While many rich and influential individuals indulged in pineappleinspired gateposts, railings and carvings, it’s fair to agree that the Earl of Dunmore’s fruity dedication wins out! Food & drink With all the exploring and pedal power it’s easy to build up an appetite. For a meat feast, Behind the Wall is a vast, lively restaurant in the town centre. For those who want a bit of history, drop by Falkirk’s oldest pub, The Wheatsheaf Inn. Check out the Falkirk Farmers and Producers market on the first Saturday of the month. And keep an eye out for local food producers from the region, such as Caledonian Cheesecake, Mrs Tilly’s Confectionery, Johnstons Handmade Tablet, Malcolm Allan Butchers, Falkirk Distillery and Tryst Brewery to name a few. Accommodation If there’s scope for a treat, book a night at the Macdonald Inchyra Hotel with its pool and spa. Elemis treatments on offer include Deeper Than Deep Hot Stone Massage, plus High Performance Skin Energiser and Freestyle Deep Tissue Massages on the men’s spa menu. Dine in the Scottish Steakhouse Restaurant: start with pig cheek croquette with celeriac and apple remoulade; enjoy a main of truffled chicken Milanese; and finish with raspberry & apple crumble. macdonaldhotels.co.uk/inchyra

Fact box For more information explore visitfalkirk.com The Kelpies - thehelix.co.uk/visit/ kelpies-tour The Falkirk Wheel - scottishcanals.co.uk/falkirk-wheel Callendar House - falkirkleisureandculture.org/ venues/callendar-house Callendar Estate - callendarestate.co.uk Forth Bike - forthbike.co.uk The Pineapple - nts.org.uk/visit/ places/the-pineapple