Roughly halfway between Glasgow and Stirling, Kilsyth is a town near the centre of Scotland, and has also been at the centre of Scotland’s often fraught and fractious history. With the Kilsyth Hills to the north, and the River Kelvin to the south, Kilsyth is fringed by marshland, taking refuge in the Kelvin Valley. Historically it has always been a thoroughfare of most strategic importance – after all, it is at the heart of Scotland, and a the logical route between the Highlands and Lowlands. Amongst others, the Romans would recognise this, building the Antonine Wall through the area, and amassing two forts at Colziumbea and Castle Hill. But it wasn’t the Roman occupation of the region that left an indelible mark on its history; it was the internecine religious strife of the 17th Century that brought the gore of warfare to Kilsyth. During the Wars Of The Three Kingdoms, King Charles I saw his sovereignty dissolve in the tempestuous waters of religious and political reform. As the the Scottish Covenanters suppressed the Royalist movement, and Scotland witnessed the rise of Parliamentarianism, former Covenanter turned Royalist, Lord Montrose, led a rag-tag army, 2,000 strong, through Scotland, hacking out victories against the odds and restoring a little hope that the Royalist movement may once again have the governing hand in Scotland’s affairs. On the 15th August, 1645, Montrose scored a memorable victory at Kilsyth – sadly for him and his King, it was ultimately insignificant. Kilsyth is less troubled these days – in fact, it is largely untroubled in any way, shape, or form, and seems more than content to bask in its unspoiled setting, with parks and gardens offering a sylvan retreat from the daily grind. A mineral rich town, Kilsyth has long since abandoned the extraction of coal, ironstone, limestone and whinstone, and now follows Scotland’s economic evolution into the tertiary sector, where transport and services form the bulwark of its economy. Many residents commute to Glasgow or Falkirk, rather than work in the town.
Dentist
Dental Practice
Market Street Dental Practice
Doctor
Inn
Pub and Bar
Celtic Tavern
Quarry Inn
Scarecrow
The Broch
Restaurant
School
Balmalloch Primary School
Kilsyth Primary School
Solicitor
Taxi
Ellis Taxis
Fast Cabs
Garrell Cars
Kilsyth Cars
Places to Stay near Kilsyth
Glazert Country House Hotel (0.17 miles)
Set in mature gardens bordering the River Glazert, we are a privately owned hotel striving to provide and maintain a very high standard of food, service and facilities.
All bedrooms are en-suite and tastefully furnished, with ... More
| visit website
The Boathouse (0.86 miles)
Just a short distance away from Glasgow and Cumbernauld and only a stroll away from Kilsyth, lies a sanctuary a million miles from it all.The Boathouse offers 10 luxurious bedrooms ... More
Westerwood (The) (3.12 miles)
Having just completed a £14 million refurbishment, The Westerwood Hotel & Golf Resort is a heady combination of opulent four-star hotel and golfing paradise, a purpose-built hotel which is set ... More
Premier Inn Glasgow Cumbernauld (3.47 miles)
The Brig - Carronbridge Hotel (3.81 miles)
Glenskirlie House Restaurant (3.94 miles)
Check availability and book this hotel online with Active Hotels
Step inside the exquisite world that is Glenskirlie House and Castle. Two separate venues sharing one spectacular location in the heart of Scotland. Savour the ... More
Castlecary House Hotel (4.26 miles)
Castlecary, centrally located very close to Stirling, Falkirk, and Glasgow, is uniquely placed to cater for all business travel and will also please guests who simply wish to relax and ... More | visit website
Smiths Hotel (4.72 miles)
Smiths Hotel is a friendly, family-run hotel in the heart of Kirkintilloch. The hotel offers something for everyone, from contemporary to traditional styles. Choose from one of our 21 en-suite bedrooms which ... More
Halo Crowwood Hotel (6.08 miles)
The Halo Crowwood Hotel is a modern city hotel, situated on the outskirts of Glasgow offering a relaxed out of town atmosphere whilst being only 10 miles from Glasgow city ... More
Brit Quote: |
|
On this day: |