Gargunnock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gargunnock |
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 The Main Street in Gargunnock |
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 Gargunnock
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| Population | 720 (2020) |
| OS grid reference | NS705945 |
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| Council area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Stirling |
| Postcode district | FK8 |
| Dialling code | 01786 |
| Police | Central Scotland |
| Fire | Central Scotland |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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| Website | gargunnock.com |
Gargunnock is a small village in Scotland. It is located in the Stirling area. The village is about 7 miles (11 kilometers) west of Stirling. It has a population of around 912 people.
Gargunnock sits at the bottom of the Gargunnock Hills. These hills are part of the Campsie Fells. Many small streams flow down from the hills. The village was a great place for farming. This was because of a natural river crossing nearby. This crossing was on the River Forth, before you reached Stirling Bridge.
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History of Gargunnock
English soldiers once stayed in a Peel tower near the village. They were there to protect an important ferry crossing. It is believed that William Wallace brought his army through Gargunnock. At that time, it was called Gargowans. He may have set up camp on Kier Hill. This was before the famous Battle of Stirling Bridge. Later, Bonnie Prince Charlie is also said to have passed through the village during his travels.
What Makes Gargunnock Special
Gargunnock House and Estate
Gargunnock House is a main part of the village. It dates back to the 1500s. It started as a strong tower house. Over the next 200 years, more parts were added. The last part was finished in 1794.
In 1835, Charles Stirling bought the house. He was a successful merchant. His great-granddaughter, Miss Viola Stirling, was the last family member to own it. When she passed away in 1989, she left the house to trustees. She hoped it would stay a good example of Scottish country life. It is also said that the famous composer Frédéric Chopin once played music at the house. This was because Charles Stirling's sister, Jane, was one of his students.
Gargunnock Show
Gargunnock is also known for the Gargunnock Show. This event started in 1794. It happens every year. It is one of the oldest running shows in Scotland.
Local Crafts
In the 1800s, Gargunnock was famous for its fine oak-spale baskets. These were baskets made from thin strips of oak wood. However, many trees were cut down. This meant there was no more wood for the baskets. So, the basket-making trade moved to Loch Lomond.
War Memorial
The Gargunnock War Memorial was built in 1919. It was designed by Sir Robert Lorimer. It remembers the local people who died in the First World War. More names were added after the Second World War.
Past Transport
A railway station was built about 1 kilometer from the village. It opened in 1856. It was part of the Forth and Clyde Junction Railway. The station closed to passengers in 1934.
Local Schools
Most students from Gargunnock Primary School go on to secondary school at Stirling High School. Some students also attend Balfron High School.
Village Store
On July 6, 2021, the Gargunnock Village Store had a fire. This left the building empty. In December 2023, the village community trust received a grant. They got £150,000 to buy the shop. They hope to open it again by September 2024.
Cycling Championships
In August 2023, a big cycling event came through the village. This was the 2023 UCI Road World Championships time trials. The Gargunnock Inn became an "Official Event Fan Zone" for the championships.
See also
In Spanish: Gargunnock para niños
