The Antonine Wall is being put forward as a World Heritage site, in collaboration with Germany, Austria and Hungary to mark the European boundary of the Roman Empire. A thousand years ago the monks at Holyrood told the early citizens of Falkirk what to do, and took their surplus food off to Edinburgh. Holyrood again plays a big part in the life of Falkirk, but this time it is neither the abbey nor the palace, but the re-convened Scottish parliament. At least now the Bairns can send politicians there to speak up for them, and vote them out if they don't. It is in line with Falkirk's past that one of its representatives, unselected by his party, should be elected and re-elected as an Independent, reflecting the old motto better meddle wi the deil… The town in earlier times endured war, plague and weak town government. It also enjoyed in the 19th and 20th centuries considerable wealth arising from the Tryst and the dynamic iron-founding industry. The physical legacy is to be seen in Falkirk's many fine public buildings and houses. Over the years, life for the Bairns has never been easy or tranquil. But out of adversity has grown the vigorous town of today, proud of its past and focussed on the future.
What do you remember about this?