Coal Train

Tuesday's walk with the local Ramblers' group was around Kirkintilloch. We walked along part of the Forth & Clyde Canal - and a rather icy stretch of path at that - before crossing through Tintock Wood to reach Merkland Local Nature Reserve, from where we made our way back into Kirkintilloch.

The area's mining history is recognised in this wonderfully-carved bench in Merkland LNR. A train loaded with coal is depicted leaving a coal-mine, while the foot of the bench shows ladybirds, flowers and butterflies denoting the area's current use.