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Pints Along the Line: Dunblane to Linlithgow
I explored a few different places by train, starting in Dunblane before heading through Stirling, Larbert, Falkirk and finally Linlithgow. Along the way I visited some cracking traditional pubs, each with plenty of history and character. Highlights included the cosy Settle Inn, the historic Wheatsheaf, the welcoming Woodside Inn and Platform 3 with its railway theme. I enjoyed a good mix of cask ales throughout the day, with beers from breweries including Orkney, Cromarty, Fyne Ales and Stewart Brewing. It was a lovely day combining train travel, historic towns, interesting pubs and some excellent beer.
Dunblane, Stirling, Larbert, Falkirk and Linlithgow each have their own story, but together they tell a big part of central Scotland’s history. Dunblane grew around its ancient cathedral, while Stirling became one of Scotland’s most important royal and military centres, with its castle overlooking the River Forth. Larbert developed from a small settlement into an industrial town, helped by the nearby Carron Iron Works and the arrival of the railway. Falkirk became famous for its cattle markets, industry and links to the Antonine Wall. Linlithgow grew around its royal palace, where Mary, Queen of Scots was born in 1542.
Dunblane
The Riverside
Wednesday saw me head out on the train from Glasgow, starting the day in Dunblane. After a walk around the stunning Cathedral I headed to The Riverside. The Riverside occupies the historic Stirling Arms, a landmark pub that welcomed travellers on the banks of the Allan Water for centuries. There has been a pub on this site since the 17th century, with much of the present building dating from the late 18th century before it was enlarged in 1905 as Dunblane grew following the arrival of the railway. It is also believed that Robert Burns stayed here in 1787, writing My Harry Was a Gallant Gay during his visit. In 2014, the old Stirling Arms was transformed into The Riverside, carefully preserving one of Dunblane’s best-known historic buildings while giving it a fresh new lease of life.
Inside, The Riverside has a bright, relaxed feel, with a modern interior that makes good use of its riverside setting. Exposed stone walls, wooden floors and soft lighting add plenty of warmth, while large windows bring in natural light throughout the day. The bar sits at the heart of the room, surrounded by a mix of dining tables, high stools, padded bench seating and a comfortable lounge area with armchairs for a quieter drink. Outside, a spacious raised terrace overlooks the river, providing a peaceful spot to sit and enjoy the view. It feels welcoming, comfortable and somewhere that’s easy to settle into for a while.
A great choice of 3 cask ales on the bar from Cairngorm Brewery and Loch Ness Brewery to choose from, alongside a range of keg options. I went for Loch Ness Speciality Pale Ale by Loch Ness Brewery, a pale ale with light citrus and fruity flavours and a clean, refreshing finish.
Stirling
Nicky-Tam’s Bar & Bothy
From Dunblane I headed on the train to nearby Stirling, with my first visit of 2 here being to Nicky-Tams Bar & Bothy. Nicky-Tam’s Bar & Bothy is one of Stirling’s oldest pubs, with its history stretching back to 1718. Originally owned by Laird Graigengelt, the family crest can still be seen above the entrance today. The building was later acquired by The Weavers Incorporation, one of Scotland’s historic Trade Houses, adding another chapter to its long story. Over more than three centuries it has remained a place where locals and visitors come together for good company. Despite the passing years, Nicky Tam’s has kept its traditional character and continues to be one of Stirling’s best-known and most welcoming pubs.
Inside is full of character, with each room offering something a little different. The traditional wooden bar is the heart of the pub, surrounded by warm lighting, vintage signs and shelves packed with memorabilia. A staircase lined with classic 45-inch singles leads upstairs, while walls covered in iconic album covers and musical instruments celebrate its love of music. Tucked-away seating downstairs creates cosy corners to settle into, and the bright upstairs dining room offers a quieter space with timber floors and plenty of tables. Every corner is packed with interesting details, giving the pub a warm, welcoming feel.
One cask ale on the bar from Burton Bridge Brewery along with a wide range of keg offerings. I went for XL Mild by Burton Bridge Brewery, a dark mild with rich malt flavours, gentle caramel notes and a smooth finish.
The Settle Inn
Second up in Stirling was to The Settle Inn. The Settle Inn is widely regarded as Stirling’s oldest pub, with the current building dating from 1733, although parts of the site are believed to be much older. Originally known as the Red Lion Inn, it welcomed travellers making their way up to Stirling Castle and has been serving locals and visitors ever since. The historic building is Grade C listed and still sits proudly on St Mary’s Wynd, full of character and tradition. Over the centuries it has remained a favourite stop for a quiet pint, helping preserve a small but important piece of Stirling’s rich pub heritage.
Inside, the Settle Inn is packed with character, with thick stone walls, low timber beams and exposed arches giving it the feel of a centuries-old Scottish pub. A large stone fireplace with a wood-burning stove creates a cosy focal point, while traditional wooden tables, benches and chairs are tucked into intimate seating areas throughout. Shelves of books, old photographs and historic touches add plenty of interest without feeling cluttered. The long wooden bar keeps its traditional look, and to the rear you’ll find a striking vaulted stone room with a curved ceiling and bench seating, creating another atmospheric corner that’s perfect for settling in and enjoying the surroundings.
A choice on the bar of 3 cask ales from Strangers Brewing along with a nice selection of keg beers to choose from. I went for Bramble Pie by Strangers Brewing Co., a fruit beer with juicy blackberry flavours and a smooth, fruity finish.
Larbert
The Station Hotel
Another short jump on the train brought me next to Larbert. Here I visited The Station Hotel. The Station Hotel has been a familiar part of Larbert since at least the late 1880s, although an inn is believed to have stood on the site from around the time the railway arrived in 1848. Its location opposite Larbert railway station made it a natural stopping place for travellers, railway workers and local people as the town expanded during the Victorian era. The building was extended and altered in 1927, reflecting Larbert’s continued growth. Through changing owners and generations of customers, the Station Hotel has remained one of the town’s best-known pubs, continuing its long tradition as a welcoming meeting place at the heart of the community.
Inside, the Station Hotel combines the feel of a traditional local pub with bright, comfortable spaces that make it easy to settle in. The long polished wooden bar is the heart of the main room, lined with red leather stools and backed by shelves of bottles, while high ceilings, decorative chandeliers and large windows give the space a light, airy feel. Red leather booths, framed pictures and local memorabilia add plenty of character, and there’s also a separate lounge with comfortable seating for a quieter visit. Outside, a modern beer garden offers plenty of tables, covered seating pods and open-air spaces, making it a great spot to enjoy a drink whatever the weather.
A fantastic choice of 4 cask ales to choose from at the end of the bar, alongside a great selection of keg options. I went for Cliff Edge by Orkney Brewery, a pale ale with light citrus and fruity flavours and a crisp, refreshing finish.
Falkirk
The Wheatsheaf
I jumped back on the train at Larbert, heading over to Falkirk. A short walk from the station brought me first to The Wheatsheaf. The Wheatsheaf Inn is one of Falkirk’s oldest surviving pubs, with its story stretching back to 1797. Tucked away on Baxter’s Wynd just off the High Street, it has welcomed generations of locals and visitors through its doors. The original building stood here for over a century before being rebuilt in the early 1900s after the pub was bought by Moors’ & Robson’s Brewery in 1901. Despite those changes, it has always remained a traditional pub at heart. Today, the Wheatsheaf continues to be a much-loved part of Falkirk’s pub scene, proudly carrying on more than 225 years of history.
Inside, the Wheatsheaf Inn has the cosy, welcoming feel of a proper traditional local. Warm wood panelling, slate floors and comfortable leather seating give the pub plenty of character, while the polished wooden bar remains the natural focal point. Vintage brewery mirrors, old whisky advertising, open fireplaces and shelves of books provide lots of interesting details without feeling cluttered. A mix of leather bench seating, armchairs, wooden chairs and sturdy tables offers plenty of places to settle in, whether you’re catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet pint. Outside, the enclosed stone-walled beer garden provides a peaceful spot to sit and relax when the weather is kind.
A selection of 2 cask ales on the bar from Cromarty Brewing Co alongside a range of keg beers. I went for Hit The Lip by Cromarty Brewing Co, an American pale ale with citrus and tropical fruit flavours and a crisp, refreshing finish.
Behind The Wall
My second visit in Falkirk was to Behind The Wall. Behind the Wall occupies a building with an unusual past. It was originally used as a bra factory before becoming home to Eglesbrech Brewery, a small independent brewery that operated from the site during the 1990s and early 2000s. After the brewery closed, the building was transformed into Behind the Wall, opening in 2005. Since then it has grown into one of Falkirk’s best-known venues, expanding over the years to include different spaces for eating, drinking and live entertainment. While the building has changed purpose several times, it has remained a busy and welcoming part of Falkirk town centre throughout its life.
Inside, you’ll find a large, welcoming space that blends modern style with plenty of character. The long wooden bar is the heart of the pub, while exposed stonework, timber panelling and warm lighting create a relaxed atmosphere throughout. Seating ranges from comfortable booths and larger tables to a striking high-backed carved wooden settle, giving each area its own character. A bright, circular seating area beneath a glazed roof provides another attractive place to relax, with plenty of natural light and a feature fireplace adding to the atmosphere. Outside, the spacious enclosed beer garden offers plenty of seating, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a drink when the weather is good.
2 cask ales were available from Fyne Ales along with a large varied choice of keg options. I went for Friday’s Mild by Fyne Ales, a dark mild with rich malt flavours, gentle caramel notes and a smooth finish.
Woodside Inn
Also in Falkirk was The Woodside Inn. The Woodside Inn has been part of Falkirk since 1827, making it one of the town’s longest-established pubs. The building you see today dates from 1898 and still keeps much of its Victorian character, with many original features carefully preserved over the years. In the late 1980s, the layout was opened up by removing the old off-sales partitions, creating the walk-around bar that remains today. Just a short walk from Falkirk High station, it has long been a favourite meeting place for locals. More than 190 years after first opening, the Woodside Inn continues to blend history, tradition and a warm welcome.
Inside, the Woodside Inn is full of traditional character, with plenty of dark wood and some lovely old features throughout. The large wooden bar sits at the heart of the main room, with bench seating, tables and chairs around the sides. Decorative plasterwork, timber panelling and old etched brewery glass add plenty of character, while an old fireplace and framed pictures give the place a cosy, lived-in feel. There’s also a separate room with plenty more seating, including a large curved bench beneath the windows. Altogether, it feels comfortable, welcoming and very much like a proper traditional pub.
On the bar a selection of 2 cask ales, alongside a variety of keg options to choose from. I went for Galaxy by Stewart Brewing, a pale ale showcasing Galaxy hops with tropical fruit and citrus flavours and a clean, refreshing finish.
Linlithgow
Platform 3
My final two visits were over in Linlithgow. I started at Platform 3. Platform 3 sits on the approach to Linlithgow railway station and has an interesting story of its own. The building was originally the public bar of the hotel next door, serving travellers and locals arriving by train. In 1998 it was bought, renovated and opened as an independent pub in its own right, while keeping its strong railway connection. Since then it has become a real community local, hosting charity events and earning several Scottish Licensed Trade News awards, including Community Pub of the Year in 2013 and Independent Pub of the Year in 2018. It remains one of Linlithgow’s best-loved pubs.
Inside, Platform 3 has a cosy, traditional feel with plenty of character throughout. Warm yellow walls, exposed stonework and dark wooden floors create a welcoming atmosphere, while a mix of tables, chairs and window seats gives you plenty of places to settle in. Railway memorabilia, old photographs and vintage signs celebrate its station setting without overwhelming the space. One of the standout features is the model train that runs along a high shelf from one end of the pub to the other, adding a fun touch and reinforcing the railway theme. Comfortable, relaxed and full of personality, it’s the kind of pub where it’s easy to lose track of time.
A choice on the bar of 2 cask ales along with a great selection of keg options. I went for Jarl by Fyne Ales, a blonde ale with bright citrus and grapefruit flavours and a crisp, refreshing finish.
The Four Marys
My last visit of the day in Linlithgow was to The Four Marys. The Four Marys occupies one of the oldest buildings on Linlithgow High Street, with parts of the property dating back to around 1500. Over the centuries it has served many purposes, including as a family home and later a chemist’s run by the Waldie family. David Waldie, who worked here, played an important role in the early development of chloroform as an anaesthetic in 1847. The building later became a pub, taking its name from the four ladies-in-waiting to Mary, Queen of Scots, who was born just across the road at Linlithgow Palace. Today it remains one of Linlithgow’s best-loved historic pubs and its character has even earned it a place in The Telegraph’s list of the UK’s best pubs.
Inside, The Four Marys has all the character of a traditional Scottish pub, with exposed stone walls, low ceilings and dark timber beams creating a warm, cosy atmosphere. The compact bar sits at the heart of the building, while different seating areas, including a comfortable lounge with a roaring fireplace, give you plenty of choice. Historic displays, framed pictures and illuminated cabinets reflecting the pub’s long history add plenty to catch your eye without feeling overdone. To the rear, there’s also a surprisingly spacious enclosed beer garden, offering a quiet spot to enjoy a drink when the weather is kind.
A selection of 5 cask ales on the bar, a still cider and a variety of keg options. I went for Happy Chappy by Cromarty Brewing Co., a pale ale with bright citrus and tropical fruit flavours and a crisp, refreshing finish.
