Situated in the Forth Valley, on the banks of the Firth of Forth, the town of Grangemouth is in the central belt of Scotland.
Grangemouth lies on the south shore of the Firth of Forth, about three miles east of Falkirk, five miles west of Bo'ness, and thirteen miles south-east of Stirling.
The town's early settlement was around the confluence of the River Carron and the newly constructed Forth and Clyde Canal, which played a crucial role in its development. The settlement was initially known as Sealock, later renamed Grangeburnmouth, and finally shortened to Grangemouth by the late 18th century.
Grangemouth was officially founded in 1768 by Sir Lawrence Dundas, primarily as a result of the construction of the Forth and Clyde Canal. The canal facilitated its growth as a bustling port, handling trade from across Europe. By the early 19th century, Grangemouth had become a significant hub for the import of grain, flax, hemp, iron, and timber, as well as the export of coal.
When an oil refinery was established in Grangemouth in the early 20th century, the town's industries evolved significantly. The petrochemical industry remains a cornerstone of the town's economy today. Grangemouth is home to one of Europe's largest oil refineries, owned by Ineos. This refinery processes crude oil transported by pipeline from the North Sea, producing a range of petrochemical products that support several Scottish industries. Additionally, its port remains one of Scotland's busiest, handling a large amount of container traffic to and from northern Europe and North America.
Grangemouth offers several attractions to visitors and residents. Zetland Park, in the town centre, provides green space for recreation and community events. The Helix, a nearby public park, features the Kelpies, the largest equine sculptures in the world.
Residents of Grangemouth are known as Portonians, a nod to its shipping port.
Grangemouth has four primary schools: Beancross Primary School, Bowhouse Primary School, Moray Primary School, and Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Primary School. The town has one secondary school, Grangemouth High School. However, children who attend Sacred Heart R.C. Primary School generally continue their education at St. Mungo's High School in nearby Falkirk.
The town is home to three churches of the Church of Scotland, two Catholic Churches, one Episcopal Church, a Kingdom Hall of the Jehovah's Witnesses, and several mission-type churches.
As this portion of our web guide focuses on the Scottish town of Grangemouth, websites representing businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, museums, libraries, art galleries, entertainment venues, organisations, attractions, and events in Grangemouth are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
Opened in 1909, Grangemouth High School serves the town of Grangemouth, in east central Scotland, a major port. The school's website includes a history of the school, including historical photos, and an overview of the school's curriculum, departments, and home learning programmes. Other sections of the site define the school's uniform policies, a school handbook, school captains, its leadership academy, and resources for pupils, staff, and parents. Exam schedules are posted.
https://www.grangemouth.falkirk.sch.uk/
Situated on Bowhouse Road in Grangemouth, Scotland, Sacred Heart Primary School is a Roman Catholic primary school with a non-denominational nursery class for children ages 3-5, and primary school for pupils in the primary grades, generally to age 12. Featured is a charter statement, policies, and documentation, a school handbook, school hours, inspection reports, leadership contacts, a welcome from the headteacher, and an overview of its digital learning programmes.
https://www.sacredheart.falkirk.sch.uk/
St. Mary's and St. Catharine's Episcopal Churches
Representing St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Grangemouth, and St. Catharines Episcopal Church in Bo'ness, Scotland, the site provides a profile and brief histories of each, including their addresses, maps showing their locations, office hours, and contact data. Currently Sunday services are held 9:45 at St. Mary's and at 11:30 at St. Catharine's, with Wednesday midweek services at 10:15 am at alternate churches. Livestreaming is available via the church's Facebook page.
https://stcatharinestmary.org.uk/
