River Forth

The River Forth flows through central Scotland, rising in the Trossachs and draining into the North Sea near Kincardine. Its upper reaches are called Abhainn Dubh, meaning ‘black river’ in Gaelic. Below the tidal limit near the M9 motorway it is known as Uisge For. The river’s course takes it past Aberfoyle, Stirling and Alloa, with wide stretches appearing after it is joined by the Teith and the Allan. Stirling once handled busy trade with Europe through its harbour, especially with the Hansa towns. During the world wars the port grew again as a route for tea imports. The river has carried goods since the 13th century, when the first bridge was built. Today two modern crossings serve Clackmannanshire: the Clackmannanshire Bridge and the remains of the Alloa Swing Bridge. Visitors see the river’s changing character along its banks. Near Cambus and Alloa two small islands, Tullibody Inch and Alloa Inch, lie in the widening estuary. The water turns brackish downstream, marking the start of the Firth of Forth. The landscape includes the flat Carse of Stirling and the marshy Flanders Moss. The river’s history is visible in old bridges and the quiet remnants of former harbours.