Kirkintilloch

Kirkintilloch is a Scottish burgh which lies on the line of the Roman Antonine Wall in East Dunbartonshire, about 8 miles east of Glasgow.

Related Topics:
Scottish - Burgh - Roman - Antonine Wall - East Dunbartonshire - Glasgow

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The name is said to derive from the Celtic Caerpentalloch meaning 'Fort at the end of the ridge of hills', which probably refers to the Roman fort built in what is now Peel Park. The ridge of hills are the Campsie Fells, easily accessible from the town.

Related Topics:
Celt - Campsie Fells

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Historically, Kirkintilloch owed much of its prosperity to the Forth and Clyde Canal, which enabled it to act as an inland port serving both coasts of Scotland. Kirkintilloch now claims to be the canal capital of Scotland.

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Kirkintilloch is the administrative centre of East Dunbartonshire Council: the Civic Centre is named in honour of Tom Johnston, a leading Scottish socialist politician who was born in the burgh.

Related Topics:
Tom Johnston - Socialist

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The Auld Aisle Churchyard houses a monument to the Scottish poet David Gray.

Related Topics:
Poet - David Gray

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Kirkintilloch used to be a Dry Town, ie. it had no pubs or other drinking establishments. Nowadays it has them a plenty!

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One possible other source for the name of the town is from 'Kirk in Tilloch' meaning the church in the field.

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Culture

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Commonly referred to as "Kirkie" by locals, many issues affect the town, as any other in Scotland.

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Notably, in recent years, fuelled by the demolition of the Kirkintilloch Swimming Pool, residents have constantly complained of a lack of lesiure facilities in the area, especially for a town of its size. This is well documented in the local newspaper, the Kirkintilloch Herald

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An amusing insight into the life led in Kirkintilloch is found at the Kirkie Mierda homepage, which parodies life in the town.

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