Alloa

Alloa is the principal town and administrative centre of Clackmannanshire in central Scotland, sitting on the north bank of the River Forth where the River Devon meets the Firth of Forth. It lies beneath the steep slopes of the Ochil Hills and is only a short drive or rail ride from Stirling, making it both a local service hub and a commuter town for larger centres like Glasgow.

The town grew in the 18th and 19th centuries around its harbour and industries – notably brewing, glassmaking and coal – and you can still spot reminders of that past in buildings such as Alloa Tower. Today Alloa mixes light industry and retail with ongoing regeneration, and retains a strong community identity centred on local institutions like the football club Alloa Athletic at the Recreation Park.