Torrance, East Dunbartonshire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Torrance
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.jpg) Torrance with the River Kelvin in the foreground and Milton of Campsie and Lennoxtown in the background. |
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 Torrance
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| Population | 2,320 (2020) |
| OS grid reference | NS6192974147 |
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| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | GLASGOW |
| Postcode district | G64 |
| Dialling code | 01360 |
| Police | Strathclyde |
| Fire | Strathclyde |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Torrance is a village in East Dunbartonshire, Scotland. It is located about 8 miles (13 km) north of Glasgow city centre. Long ago, Torrance was mostly farmland.
The village was a popular resting spot for workers. They were on their way to the Campsie Fells, which are about 4 miles (6 km) north. The Forth and Clyde Canal has a nearby wharf at Hungryside. The A807 road also runs along the southern edge of the village. Torrance has an active community charity. This group works to make the village facilities better for everyone.
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History of Torrance Village
Torrance was originally part of the county of Stirlingshire. The name Torrance might come from the Gaelic words for "place of the little hills."
There are also old Roman sites near Torrance. You can find a Roman fort at Cadder. There is also a smaller fortlet at Glasgow Bridge.
How Torrance Developed
The village of Torrance is located in an area called "The Eleven Ploughs of Balgrochan." This land was part of the Mugdock estate. In 1630, the Marquess of Montrose gave parts of this land to local people.
At first, these landowners held their land without fences. But in 1735, they each received an enclosed piece of land. This was a common practice at that time. The village of Torrance began to grow some time after this.
Early Industries and Transport
Some of the first people to live in Torrance were weavers. But soon, other industries started to grow. These included digging for limestone, coal, and ironstone.
For many years, the canal wharf at Hungryside was Torrance's main way to connect with the outside world. This changed in 1879. That year, the Torrance railway station opened. It was built by the Kelvin Valley Railway Company. Before the railway arrived, about 800 people lived in the area.
Community Life in Torrance
Torrance has many things for its residents. These include shops and services.
Local Amenities and Services
You can find a hairdresser, a beauty salon, and a barber in Torrance. There are also tennis courts and a car valeting service. Other local businesses include mechanics, a Scotmid shop, a dentist, and a chiropodist.
The village also has a bakery, a chemist, and a Chinese takeaway. There is a newsagent too. For places of worship, there is the Torrance Church of Scotland. St Dominic's RC Church is also in the village.
Places to Eat and Relax
Torrance has three pubs for adults. These are the Wheatsheaf Inn, the Torrance Inn, and the Rambler. There is also another bar at the bowling club.
Torrance Primary School
Torrance Primary School has about 250 students. The school has three sports pitches. Students who finish Primary 7 can go to Boclair Academy in nearby Bearsden. They can also choose to go to St Ninians High School in Kirkintilloch.
Torrance Community Initiative
The Torrance Community Initiative is a charity. Its goal is to create new, special community facilities in the village. This group holds about 10 acres (4 hectares) of land for the benefit of the community.
The charity wants to build new facilities for everyone to use. They are working to make the village an even better place to live.
Local Administration
Torrance is part of Ward 5 in East Dunbartonshire Council. This ward is called Bishopbriggs North and Torrance. Three local councillors represent the area:
- Billy Hendry from the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Anne McNair from the Scottish National Party
- Una Walker from the Scottish Labour Party
A councillor is a person elected to represent a local area. They help make decisions about local services.
The Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Strathkelvin and Bearsden is Fiona McLeod. She is from the Scottish National Party. She was elected on 5 May 2011. An MSP is elected to represent a region in the Scottish Parliament. They help make laws for Scotland.
Notable People from Torrance
Some well-known people have lived in Torrance:
- Lewis MacLeod, a voice actor and actor.
- Tommy Reilly, a musician.
- George Pirie (artist), an artist.
- Norman Pirie, a biochemist.
- Sally Magnusson, a broadcaster and TV presenter for BBC Scotland.
See also
In Spanish: Torrance (Escocia) para niños
