Home Report Bridge of Allan

Bridge of Allan, in the Stirling council area, just north of the city of Stirling, is a town of roughly 5,300 residents. It lies on the Allan Water, a tributary of the River Forth. The Allan Water does cut through the town slightly and so most of the town is found to the east of the river. The town has great views of the Ochil Hills to the north which also shields the town from strong north and east winds. Bridge of Allan just a couple of miles away from Stirling city centre.

Bridge of Allan initially developed as a thriving Victorian spa town and resort throughout the 19th century when travel to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs was growing in popularity. Indeed, many of its original fine Victorian villas and public buildings are preserved, evidence of its once prosperous spa resort past. There was a copper mine in the area and textile production was also an important local industry. Today, Bridge of Allan acts as an affluent commuter town for residents working in Stirling, Falkirk, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.

As such, transport links to Bridge of Allan are well developed. Connections to the M9 motorway, the A905 and A91 are easily accessible within a short drive and offers fast travel to the wider Falkirk and Stirlingshire area, as well as Edinburgh and Glasgow. The A9 allows for connections and easy travel to Perth too. Bridge of Allan doesn’t have its own railway station, but Stirling train station is a short drive or bus ride away and offers connections to both Glasgow and Edinburgh city centres. Again, with Stirling being just a short distance away, bus routes to the area are well established and there are regular services to nearby towns and areas, as well as Falkirk, and onwards to Edinburgh and Glasgow again. Residents are set to benefit further following the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) approval of an application by Grand Union Trains to operate four daily return services between London Euston and Stirling from June 2025.

In terms of amenities and things to do, Bridge of Allan specifically benefits from a number of decent food and drink outlets on the main Henderson Street. Others include a leisure centre, Bridge of Allan Sports Club, Bridge of Allan Golf Club, as well as various independent shops, and hotels. Worth a mention are the town’s annual Highland Games. Very popular with residents and tourists alike, the event offers a full schedule of Highland Games competitions and shows covering athletics, cycling, heavyweights, tossing the caber, Highland dancing, pipe bands and more. There are trade stalls featuring local businesses, refreshment bars and an adjoining fairground. Being so close to Stirling, residents benefit from Stirling’s amenities and attractions too, many of which are well within walking distance. Additionally, the town’s proximity to the Ochil Hills offers those interested excellent opportunities for hillwalking and other natural pursuits. On a similar vein, the Allan Water presents plenty of excellent fishing opportunities too.

In terms of local education, Bridge of Allan has just one primary school: Bridge of Allan Primary. Wallace High School is the local secondary. The University of Stirling can also be found right on the doorstep of the town.