Kirkintilloch

On the map

Kirkintilloch is 9 miles from Glasgow via the A806 and joining the M80 at Junction 3. The M80 then joins the M8 at Riddrie, Junction 13, on the outskirts of Glasgow. If you travel east to Junction 4 of the M80, you can join the M73 and then the M74 which will take you around the south of Glasgow, or right down to the English border. The M8 makes it easy to reach Glasgow Airport, which is about half an hour’s drive away. Trains from Lenzie, which adjoins Kirkintilloch, take just over 10 minutes, and run half-hourly into Glasgow Central. It takes an hour and half to get to Edinburgh Waverley by train. X85 and X87 First Bus services also get you into the city.

On the spot

You’ll have plenty of local shops as well as a range of supermarkets. The Regent Centre is the town’s shopping mall, with a variety of national brands and independent shops to choose from. Cowgate and Townhead are the main shopping areas. There’s a leisure centre at Woodhead Park, with two swimming pools, a fitness suite, outdoor football pitches, tennis courts, a sports hall and plenty of extra activities for energetic children.  In keeping with Scottish tradition, there’s not one golf course, but two.

Local schools

The town has six primary schools and two secondary schools, Kirkintilloch High School and St Ninian’s High School. Lenzie Academy is another local option for secondary education. It’s in the catchment area for the southern parts of Kirkintilloch.

Local landmarks

The Campsie Fells are a great introduction to the highlands beyond. There are gentle hills, waterfalls and panoramic views from the top. The Loch Shore Walk around the Carron Valley Reservoir or one of the more energetic biking trails, make this a great place for a family day out.