An oasis of green

I took a walk this morning in Dollar Park in Falkirk. Known mainly as an industrial town, this oasis of green stands just on the edge of the town centre. It is striking and surrounded by large houses with substantial gardens.

Arnotdale House stands within the park, overlooking the main road. A little bit of elementary digging indicates that Arnotdale House was built in 1832 and owned by Robert Barr, the soft drinks magnate (of Irn-Bru fame). It was latterly owned by Robert Dollar, a Falkirk-born entrepreneur, who made his fortune in Timber and Shipping in America. He bequeathed the house and its splendid grounds to the people of Falkirk, which later became known as "Dollar Park".

The trees and flowers here are wonderful and it is a spot used frequently by newlyweds as a backdrop for their wedding photographs. Today, however, it was mainly young families enjoying this spell of good summer weather.

Walking here brought back some childhood memories for me. Many years ago (around 1990, in what seems like another life) I came here with some friends and their parents for a picnic (on more than one occasion, I venture). As with many childhood memories, the park seemed bigger then and I remember it had an enclosure with animals as well as a small shop that sold soft drinks and ice cream. There was also a good playing area for us kids down the hill at the back of the park, close to where the main Dunblane-Edinburgh railways meets Falkirk Grahamston station.

There are tennis courts today and a proper playing area for kids.

It is a nice spot undoubtedly and it gives a green side to what is usually seen as a grey, industrial town.