About Airth Parish - By Robert Smith
The parish of Airth lies at the northern end of Falkirk
District and is bounded to the north and east by the estuary of the River
Forth.
It covers approximately 5500 acres of predominately good agricultural land with some woodland at Dunmore Park and around the famous Airth Castle. There is a working peat moss of around 500 acres to the west of Letham village. Part of this moss lies within the Parish boundary.
There are four main villages in the Parish with many outlying farms and small groups of cottages and houses.
South Alloa lies at the north end of the Parish and was once the main ferry crossing point to Alloa. It was also once an important port, importing timber and pit props for the local coal mines. Almost all of the original buildings have long since gone and it is now mainly a residential village.
The conservation village of Dunmore lies just off the A905 and it is a model village with a village green and well in the centre. It was built in the early 19th century to house the workers from the nearby Dunmore Estate. It is a very picturesque village with some interesting and unique buildings.
The conservation village of Letham lies to the south of the Parish and was built in the early 20th Century by the famous Carron Iron Company to house coal miners and other workers. There is no visible sign left of the original Letham pit and the village is now only a residential area.
Airth is the main village in the Parish and part of it is also designated as a conservation area with several 17th and 18th century buildings within it.
The origins of Airth go back to the 12th century and Airth Castle has been the site of many battles and skirmishes over the centuries.
One notable event was when William Wallace stormed the castle and killed most of the English garrison when rescuing his uncle and mentor, the priest of Dunipace.
In the past, Airth has been the home of many noble families including the Bruces and Scottish Kings were frequently in residence.
King James IV created the Royal Dockyard at Airth to build and fit out his Scottish Navy, and the mighty battleship the Great Michael was fitted out there.
Airth was also once a major seaport and at one time was the main Baltic port for Stirling and Glasgow as it was quicker and cheaper to cart goods over land rather than navigate the meanders of the Forth or to sail round the north of Scotland.
However, the great bay at Airth slowly silted up and much of the land was claimed for agriculture until eventually the village ended up around 1km from the river. Shipping and shipbuilding eventually ceased and the village now comprises mainly residential properties.
If you are interested in the history of Airth Parish and would like to find out more, there is a book on the history of the area available to purchase for £4. Please email [email protected] for more info.
It covers approximately 5500 acres of predominately good agricultural land with some woodland at Dunmore Park and around the famous Airth Castle. There is a working peat moss of around 500 acres to the west of Letham village. Part of this moss lies within the Parish boundary.
There are four main villages in the Parish with many outlying farms and small groups of cottages and houses.
South Alloa lies at the north end of the Parish and was once the main ferry crossing point to Alloa. It was also once an important port, importing timber and pit props for the local coal mines. Almost all of the original buildings have long since gone and it is now mainly a residential village.
The conservation village of Dunmore lies just off the A905 and it is a model village with a village green and well in the centre. It was built in the early 19th century to house the workers from the nearby Dunmore Estate. It is a very picturesque village with some interesting and unique buildings.
The conservation village of Letham lies to the south of the Parish and was built in the early 20th Century by the famous Carron Iron Company to house coal miners and other workers. There is no visible sign left of the original Letham pit and the village is now only a residential area.
Airth is the main village in the Parish and part of it is also designated as a conservation area with several 17th and 18th century buildings within it.
The origins of Airth go back to the 12th century and Airth Castle has been the site of many battles and skirmishes over the centuries.
One notable event was when William Wallace stormed the castle and killed most of the English garrison when rescuing his uncle and mentor, the priest of Dunipace.
In the past, Airth has been the home of many noble families including the Bruces and Scottish Kings were frequently in residence.
King James IV created the Royal Dockyard at Airth to build and fit out his Scottish Navy, and the mighty battleship the Great Michael was fitted out there.
Airth was also once a major seaport and at one time was the main Baltic port for Stirling and Glasgow as it was quicker and cheaper to cart goods over land rather than navigate the meanders of the Forth or to sail round the north of Scotland.
However, the great bay at Airth slowly silted up and much of the land was claimed for agriculture until eventually the village ended up around 1km from the river. Shipping and shipbuilding eventually ceased and the village now comprises mainly residential properties.
If you are interested in the history of Airth Parish and would like to find out more, there is a book on the history of the area available to purchase for £4. Please email [email protected] for more info.
Website Design by Calum Parker, with thanks from Airth Parish Community Council