Polmont
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Polmont | |
|---|---|
| Poll-Mhonaidh (Gaelic) | |
| Polmont, Powmont (Scots) | |
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| OS grid reference: | NS936788 |
| Population: | 5,323 (October 2006 estimate) |
| Council area: | Falkirk |
| Constituent country: | Scotland |
| Sovereign state: | United Kingdom |
| Police force: | Central Scotland Police |
| Lieutenancy area: | Stirling and Falkirk |
| Former county: | Stirlingshire |
| Post town: | FALKIRK |
| Postal: | FK2 |
| Telephone: | +44 (UK area code 01324) |
| Scottish Parliament: | Falkirk, Falkirk East |
| UK Parliament: | Falkirk, Falkirk East & Linlithgow |
| European Parliament: | Scotland |
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Polmont is a village in the Falkirk council area of Central Scotland. It lies towards the east of the town of Falkirk, north of the Union Canal, which runs adjacent to the village.
Given its location in Central Scotland, many locations can be seen from Polmont. These include the Ochil Hills, the River Forth, Wallace Monument and Cairnpapple Hill.
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[edit] History
The name Polmont derives from the Scottish Gaelic word Poll-Mhonaidh, which translates as Pool of the Mountain.
Old Polmont, situated on a raised beach overlooking the Firth of Forth and the Ochils, was an important fort on the Roman Antonine Wall. This fort, embankment and water source has been marked out and can be visited in a secluded forest, close to the M9 motorway. Also of historical interest is the Culdees circle situated on the corner of Gilston Crescent, and still clearly visible.
The newer, modern Polmont has developed mainly from the 1970s with the Gilston Estate, and further up towards the railway and station, just before the adjoining Brightons settlement.
Polmont has prospered and is currently a commuter settlement with enviable motorway and train links to Glasgow and Edinburgh, which has pushed the housing count, values and social class up.
Polmont was originally included within the parish of Falkirk, but was severed under the authority of the Court of Teinds (teind is the Scots word for tithe), and erected into an independent parish, in 1724. Very few particulars of its early history have been recorded, though undoubtedly it must have participated more or less with Falkirk in the wars between the Romans and the Caledonians under Fergus II, and in many important transactions subsequently.
Until within the last few years vestiges of the wall of Antoninus, or Graham's Dyke, as it has generally been called since the time of Robert Graham, who was killed by the Romans while fighting under Fergus, could be distinctly traced in its way through the parish from the Firth of Forth to the Firth of Clyde; but in the progress of cultivation within the present century, they have been totally obliterated. On a hill beyond the village of Redding is a stone called Wallace's stone, marking out the spot from which Sir William Wallace, after his quarrel with Sir John Stuart, one of the Scottish chiefs, is said to have viewed the battle of Falkirk, from which he had been compelled to retire, and to have witnessed the defeat of the Scottish army.
[edit] Politics
Polmont is under the jurisdiction of Falkirk Council, although the suggestion of East Polmont changing hands for the purposes of the Westminster Parliamentary Constituency to Linlithgow and East Falkirk arose, but was soon discounted [1]. In 2007, the Polmont area will merge as part of an expanded Lower Braes seat, as proposed for Falkirk Council by the Scottish Executive. Traditionally, the Conservative Party have strong support in Polmont, making it one of the main, but few Tory areas in the Falkirk Parliamentary Constituency.
The current representative of Polmont is Scottish Conservative Councillor Malcolm Nicol , who has held the role since 2000 following the death of his predecessor Frank Hodge [2]. He previously represented a seat in Grangemouth, originally being elected in 1983. He has the distinction of having held both seats with the largest majority on Falkirk Council. He serves as a Justice of the Peace, chairman of the Falkirk Licensing Board for liquor and gaming license permits, and as Convenor of Civic Licensing on Falkirk Council. He is also a member of Central Scotland Police Board. He remains a very popular figure in Polmont, and is a key member ideologically of the Conservative Party.
The title of Lord Polmont is held by the current Duke of Hamilton, Angus Douglas-Hamilton. This title was originally given to the 2nd Duke of Hamilton in 1639.
[edit] Economy
The economy of Polmont is based mainly upon relatively small scale private enterprise, such as pubs, cafes, hotels, take-aways and convenience stores. The majority of these are based in or around Polmont Shopping Centre, the focal point of local custom. Agriculture is also a central industry, with arable land consuming a sizeable proportion of the area.
Proposals to build an extensive new development, including offices, car showrooms, garden centres and more housing on the site of Gilston Farm on the far east have planning permission, although this consent expires in February 2007. There has been ample local opposition to the plan, and subsequent attempts by the construction developer, Hansteen Holdings PLC [3] to update the consent have been continually and unanimously refused by Falkirk Council - with united opposition being led by Councillor Malcolm Nicol, the Community Council and local residents.
Due to the proximity to Grangemouth, a decent number of the population work at the Grangemouth refineries and port. Many commute on a daily basis to work in Falkirk, Glasgow and Edinburgh, amongst other surrounding areas. Many people associate Polmont with the Young Offenders Institution (HMYOI) [4], although this is a common misconception as it is actually based in both nearby village Reddingmuirhead. Polmont is home to the Scottish Education Services, located at McLaren House in Haypark Business Centre. The hotel sector plays an important role, as many tourists visiting Scotland use Polmont as their resort due to its centralization and transport links. The most well known hotel is the 4-star Macdonald Inchyra Grange [5], redeveloped from a former mansion.
[edit] Transport
Polmont has a railway station, and is located on the Edinburgh to Glasgow railway line. The M9 motorway runs through the village between Polmont and Old Polmont, with two exit points on the east and west sides. There are numerous bus stops throughout the village, the main ones situated on Polmont Main Street, which provide direct bus services to Edinburgh, Falkirk and Stirling.
Polmont's nearest airport, Edinburgh Airport, is located approximately 17 miles to the east.
[edit] Sport
Northern Polmont is home to a golf course, which has played host to several PGA events. Within the boundaries of the course is Millhall Reservoir, which is a popular fishery. To the east of the clubhouse is Polmont Ski Centre, which includes a 100 metre dry ski slope. Located on Polmonthill, the centre overlooks Grangemouth and on towards Bo'ness.
A few amateur football clubs operate within Polmont, but none professionally. A Junior club, Polmont Athletic F.C., once represented the area, however the club ceased to exist after only a few years. The lack of available land and sufficient facilities make it improbable for a similar club to take its place in future. In the absence of a local club, the majority of Polmont residents who wish to watch football pay to watch Falkirk F.C..
The most illustrious sporting export of Polmont was Alex Raisbeck, who spent several years captaining Liverpool F.C.. He also represented Scotland on eight occasions, and was considered to have been one of the finest players of his generation, dating back to 1898. The highest-profile Polmonter currently playing at senior level is Derek Niven of Chesterfield F.C., most notable for his winning goal against Manchester City F.C. in the Carling Cup in September 2006.
