Retired police officer’s visit to new Larbert heritage trail

A retired police inspector was given a day to remember as he explored Larbert and Stenhousemuir’s newest heritage trail.
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Jim Clark (81) was taken by trishaw around the Foundry Fortunes Heritage Trail, which stretches from Carron through Stenhousemuir to Larbert.

The coin-shaped monuments explore the area’s rich industrial heritage and its connections to Carron Iron Works.

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Mr Clark had noticed local Councillor Gary Bouse telling people about the new trail on Facebook – and commented that he was sorry he wouldn’t be able to access them.

Jim Clark (81) enjoying a tour of new Larbert coins, courtesy of Mandy Brown (Falkirk Council) and Cycling Without Age and Councillor Gary Bouse. Pitured Cecil Meiklejohn, Gary Bouse, Neil Clark, Mandy Brown, Jim Clark, Harry Wilson, CWA pilot, John McNally and Laura Murtagh.Jim Clark (81) enjoying a tour of new Larbert coins, courtesy of Mandy Brown (Falkirk Council) and Cycling Without Age and Councillor Gary Bouse. Pitured Cecil Meiklejohn, Gary Bouse, Neil Clark, Mandy Brown, Jim Clark, Harry Wilson, CWA pilot, John McNally and Laura Murtagh.
Jim Clark (81) enjoying a tour of new Larbert coins, courtesy of Mandy Brown (Falkirk Council) and Cycling Without Age and Councillor Gary Bouse. Pitured Cecil Meiklejohn, Gary Bouse, Neil Clark, Mandy Brown, Jim Clark, Harry Wilson, CWA pilot, John McNally and Laura Murtagh.

The coins are meant to encourage walking and cycling locally but Mr Clark – who was formerly a police inspector in Stenhousemuir – has Parkinsons and is unable to walk any distance.

However, Councillor Bouse was determined that he shouldn’t miss out and arranged with the charity Cycling Without Age for Mr Clark to get a personal tour.

He was piloted by Falkirk Council’s Mandy Brown and Harry Wilson who were happy to tell him more about the remarkable £48,000 project.

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Mr Clark’s son Neil, said: “It was a great day for him – it will probably be the highlight of his year. As Mandy pointed out, a lot of the industrial heritage in Falkirk isn’t recognised and yet this is where it all happened – it all began here.

“My dad found it very interesting and, of course, he remembers it when it was in its heyday.”

The six large stainless steel coins, mounted on granite boulders, depict the different elements and processes associated with the foundry.

The trail takes in the Carron Dams, the Lido (Crownest Park), South Broomage and Larbert Old Parish Church.

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Launching the trail, Councillor Robert Spears, spokesperson for Tourism, Leisure and Culture said: “Community artists, NADFLY, were appointed to devise a concept that would both celebrate our local heritage and also encourage exploration of the local heritage trails.

“The pandemic delayed the project’s completion date by over four months but thanks to the commitment of all those involved it is now complete for all to explore our local heritage.”

Mr Clark was presented with a framed picture of the coins by Falkirk West MP John McNally and Falkirk Council leader, Cecil Meiklejohn.

The project was funded by Paths for All, Falkirk Council, Historic Environment Support Fund from Historic Environment Scotland and Heritage Lottery