Population 3,932 (2001 census) Sovereign state United Kingdom Local time Friday 1:52 PM | OS grid reference NS929777 Post town FALKIRK Dialling code 01324 | |
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Weather 6°C, Wind E at 19 km/h, 73% Humidity | ||
Brightons is a village in the east of the Falkirk council area of Scotland. It is 2.7 miles (4.3 km) south-east of Falkirk, 2.2 miles (3.5 km) south of Grangemouth and 4.6 miles (7.4 km) east of Linlithgow. It is surrounded by the villages of Polmont, Wallacestone and Rumford.
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Map of Brightons, Falkirk, UK
Due to its position, almost equidistant between Glasgow and Edinburgh the village has become a popular commuter location, with many new houses built since the start of the 1980s. Both the main Glasgow to Edinburgh and the Dunblane to Edinburgh trains stop at Polmont railway station which is within easy reach of Brightons. The M9 motorway to Edinburgh and Stirling is also easily accessible. Based on the United Kingdom 2001 census, Falkirk council reported the population of Brightons as being 2,932 residents.
History
The village was built up around the sandstone quarry which was in operation from as early as the 17th Century. The Edinburgh and Glasgow Union Canal was built to the south of the village in 1822 and connects the village with the two main cities of Scotland. Later stone was carried by the canal to help build Edinburgh's new town in the 1830s and Falkirk's public buildings in the 1850s. The local church was built between 1846-47 from stone quarried in the village and gifted by the quarry owner, Alexander Lawrie. The old quarry was then named Lawrie Park in his honour, though newer residents to the village call it Quarry Park.
Amenities
Brightons is well catered for a village of its size. Main Street and Station Road include a branch of the Bank of Scotland, a pharmacy, a café, a Chinese takeaway, two grocers, a butcher, a florist, an estate agent, a bridal shop, and a dentist. Lawrie Park is a recreational area which has two football pitches, one of which is the home of Brightons F.C.. Brightons Parish Church is located next to the community hall on Main Street.
Education
Despite its name Wallacestone Primary School is located within Brightons which sends its pupils to the local high school, The Braes, in the neighbouring village of Reddingmuirhead.