The focus of this portion of our guide is on Bearsden, a town in East Dunbartonshire, Scotland, on the northwestern fringe of Greater Glasgow.
Bearsden is about six miles from Glasgow's city centre, and characterised by its leafy suburbs and affluent residential areas, making it a desirable location for many.
The earliest known settlement in Bearsden dates back to the Roman occupation. Between 142 and 144 AD, the Romans constructed the Antonine Wall, a stone and turf fortification that stretched between the Firth of Clyde and the Firth of Forth. A Roman fort covering approximately 2.5 acres was established at Bearsden, along with a military bath house. A road, the Military Way, ran parallel to the south of the wall. These structures were part of the Roman efforts to control and defend their northern frontier.
The fort and bath house were strategically positioned at the intersection of the Military Way and the north-south road between Glasgow and Loch Lomond. The Romans withdrew from the area around 164 AD, leaving behind the remnants of their occupation, including the well-preserved bath house, which was unearthed in the 1970s, although little remains of the fort itself.
The history of the town itself began in the 17th century as the kirkton (church town) of the parish of New Kilpatrick. One part of the parish was called West (Old Kilpatrick) and covered Dumbarton and areas of West Dunbartonshire, such as Clydebank. The remaining part was East (New Kilpatrick), which covered a much greater area than Bearsden, from the River Clyde at Whiteinch and Yoker to Duntocher, Strathblane, and Baldernock.
Modern Bearsden began in an agricultural area as a hamlet known as New Kirk, sometimes known as Chapelton, close to New Kilpatrick Parish Church, built in 1649.
The town's development accelerated in the 19th century with the construction of a railway connection to Glasgow in 1863. This railway link transformed Bearsden into an affluent suburb, attracting wealthy businessmen from Glasgow who were looking for a more rural and serene living environment accessible from Glasgow.
Bearsden continued to grow throughout the 20th century, becoming part of the Greater Glasgow conurbation while retaining its distinct identity. In 2020, its estimated population was 28,470.
Bearsden's economy has been closely tied to its role as a residential suburb for Glasgow's affluent population, its development driven by the demand for housing from wealthy individuals seeing to escape the industrial city while remaining within commuting distance.
Today, Bearsden remains largely residential, with a strong emphasis on maintaining its suburban character, although the town has a range of local businesses, including shops, restaurants, and services catering to the needs of its residents.
Bearsden has a rich history and a strong contemporary identity. From its early Roman settlements to its development as an affluent suburb of Glasgow, the town has evolved while retaining its unique character.
Bearsden is made up of several neighborhoods. Previously known as New Kirk, the town centre is currently known as Bearsden Cross. It contains most of the town's retail sectors, including a supermarket, four functioning churches, a library, and the Roman bath house.
Old Bearsden is the area in central/west Bearsden. It is one of the most desirable residential areas in Scotland, with sizable sandstone villas and historical homes.
Westerton, in the south-western part of the town, includes 1920s buildings, shops, a library, and a church. It has its own train station and primary school.
Castlehill, Courthill, and Baljaffray are in the north-western part of town and are composed mostly of post-1970 developments. These are desirable areas for those seeking space and privacy.
Mosshead is a neighborhood known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to good schools. It has a suburban feel and plenty of green spaces.
South of Bearsden Cross, the Hillfoot neighborhood has a mix of traditional and modern homes. It has a railroad station.
Kessington and Killermont cover the remainder of the eastern part of Bearsden.
Chapelton is shown on some of the oldest maps of the area. Originally just a few houses on Drymen Road south of Bearsden Cross, the neighborhood now covers the area between Milngavie Road, Drymen Road and Roman Road. South and west of Chapelton is Canniesburn, formerly the site of a tollhouse and smithy, now a large roundabout.
Each of these neighborhoods has its own unique charm and amenities, making Bearsden a diverse and attractive place to live.
Topics related to the town of Bearsden, as well as local businesses, schools, churches, libraries, museums, organizations, attractions, and events, are appropriate for this category.
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Recommended Resources
Hosted by the Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce and Whitecrook Business Centre, this is a guide to the town of Bearsden, Scotland. It includes information about traveling to and around the town, a local business directory, available jobs in Bearsden, local news, and a newsletter, as well as community information and listings, reports on past and upcoming events, and gift cards. Businesses may register to accept the cards or complete a form to have their business listed on the site.
https://bearsden.org.uk/
Bearsden & Milngavie Highlands Games
The Games began in 1973 as a fundraising event for local communities and are now the biggest day out in East Dunbartonshire. The free, volunteer-organised, family-oriented event is very popular in Milngavie, Bearsden, and the surrounding areas. Throughout the day, the event includes traditional highland game events, such as wrestling, pipe bands, heavies, arm wrestling, and Scottish dancing. There are also food and drink venues, craft and trade stalls, exhibitors, and displays.
https://www.bearsdenmilngaviehighlandgames.com/
Formed as New Kilpatrick Higher Grade School in 1911, Bearsden Academy is a non-denominational state secondary school in Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire, Scotland. It has moved several times and changed names a couple of times over the years. The school serves pupils aged eleven to eighteen. A school handbook and policy information, staff introductions, its curriculum, exam timetables, and a school calendar are featured. Podcasts and a school newspaper are included.
http://www.bearsdenacademy.e-dunbarton.sch.uk/
Situated in Bearsden, a town on the North Western fringe of Greater Glasgow, Scotland, the clinic specialises in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of problems with joints, muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and nerves, treating low back pain, acute and chronic backache, joint pains, pregnancy-related back and pelvis pain, neck pain, tension headaches, and the prevention of migraines. Contacts are posted, along with an overview of its services and practices.
https://bearsdenchiropractic.co.uk/
Founded in 1891, Bearsden Golf Club is one of the oldest clubs on the north side of Glasgow. The course is nine holes long but with seven alternate greens. The website lists the benefits of membership, and an online form can be used to enquire about membership. Details about the course and clubhouse development, including green fees and a scorecard, can be found on the website. Upcoming programmes and events are listed on the site, and its open hours, address, and contacts are included.
https://bearsdengolfclub.co.uk/
Situated on New Kirk Road in Bearsden, Scotland, ten minutes from Glasgow city centre, Elements uses local produce as much as possible but sources unique ingredients from across the world. It features an eclectic menu that includes Asian, Nordic, and classical French cuisine. Elements is committed to using biodegradable packaging and materials in its kitchen, and its food waste and glass are fully recycled. Its location, lunch and dinner hours, and contacts are posted.
https://elementsgla.com/
Specialising in Indian cuisine, Raja Rani offers in-house and takeway options, with outdoor seating, weather permitting. Its address, telephone number, email address, and opening hours are posted on the website, along with a gallery of photographs, its table menu, lunch menu, pre-theatre menu, drinks menu, takeaway menu, and an allergen sheet. Orders may be placed online, and tables may be booked through the website. Announcements are published on the site.
https://rajaranirestaurant.com/
