Bonnybridge

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Bonnybridge (Lowland Scots Bonniebrig) is a small town in the Falkirk council area, 6.5 kilometres west of Falkirk, Scotland. According to the latest census data, the population stood at 6,870 in 2001.[1] with the Bonnybridge settlement area having a population of 20,070 (2004 estimate). [2] Bonnybridge is situated between the Forth and Clyde Canal and the Bonny Water. Nearby, to the south east, is a well preserved section of the Antonine Wall, and the remains of Rough Castle Fort, the most complete of the surviving Roman forts on the wall.

Bonnybridge developed greatly during the industrial revolution in the nineteenth Century. Significant industries that were established include paper milling, sawmilling, chemical manufacturing, refractory brick manufacture and whisky distilling. Particularly important for Bonnybridge was the establishment of several iron foundries. The output from these foundries was transported via the Forth & Clyde Canal to local markets, and to Glasgow for export. Bonnybridge was also particularly well served by rail, with the Edinburgh to Glasgow line and the Carlisle to Perth line both nearby. With the canal and rail links Bonnybridge became a centre for industrial production.

In recent years Bonnybridge has become known as the scene of numerous UFO sightings. It forms part of the "Falkirk Triangle", an area stretching from Stirling to Fife and the outskirts of Edinburgh. UFO enthusiasts claim that Bonnybridge is the world's number one UFO location, with an average of around 300 sightings a year.