Clackmannanshire occupies territory between the Ochil Hills to the north, which rise to heights of more than 600 m (2,000 feet), and the River Forth to the south. It largely comprises a lowland plain forming the valleys of the River Forth and of the River Devon which joins the Forth near Cambus.
Affectionately remembered as the 'Wee County', Clackmannanshire was Britain's smallest county prior to its inclusion in Central Region between 1975 and 1996. A local government area once again, Clackmannanshire is the second smallest, after Dundee City, of Scotland's new unitary authorities. Alloa, which is the centre of administration, outgrew the former county town of Clackmannan in 1822.
It has a motto Look Aboot Ye which has long appeared on the crest of the local authority and arises from an incident where Robert the Bruce lost a glove while hunting in the county and commanded his servants to 'look aboot ye' in an attempt to find it.
The rich alluvial soils of the area support valuable agricultural land and underlying coal measures have contributed to a mining economy that stretches back over several centuries.
Settlements along the River Forth have developed as strategic ford or ferry crossing points while Hillfoot villages from Menstrie to Dollar have grown to their present size as textile towns formerly dependent on sheep grazing on upland pastures and water power derived from burns dropping down from the Ochil Hills. Other industries of importance have included brewing, distilling, paper-making and glass-making.
(1981) North-East Scotland.
(1985) Exploring Scotland's Heritage: The Clyde Estuary and Central Region.
(2001) Clackmannan: An Illustrated Architectural Guide.
