Call Hillhead Joiners on 07710 096553 if you are looking for local, professional joiners and carpenters who cover the Alva and surrounding area.

We are a professional joinery and carpentry company who are 100% customer focussed and have over 20 years of experience in the local joinery and carpentry industries. We re known for our professionalism and high-quality workmanship. We have established a strong reputation for exceptional customer satisfaction, we are very proud that our clients consistently praise our attention to detail, timely project completion, and excellent communication throughout the process.

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Here are just a few examples of our custom joinery and carpentry services we offer:

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The job doesn’t finish until our customer is 100% happy enough to sign off on the project. If you want quality work that is thorough and comes with a guarantee, you have found the perfect team. Hillhead Joiners Stirling are highly skilled and creative. Their joiners have all achieved Advanced Craft City and Guilds certification, ensuring customers receive top-quality workmanship.

JOINERS ALVA

Here is a short history on Alva:

Alva, a picturesque town nestled at the base of the Ochil Hills in Clackmannanshire, Scotland, boasts a rich history that intertwines with the broader narrative of Scotland’s development. From its early ecclesiastical roots to its prominence during the Industrial Revolution, Alva’s evolution reflects the dynamic changes that have shaped the region over centuries.

Early Origins and Etymology

The name “Alva” is believed to derive from the Gaelic term “Ailbheach,” meaning “rocky,” a nod to its rugged terrain. Historically, Alva was a modest clachan, or hamlet, relatively isolated and bypassed by major trade routes and conflicts. Its earliest landmarks were ecclesiastical, with St. Serf, a Celtic missionary from the 7th century, leaving his mark on Alva and neighboring regions during his evangelistic journeys. The parish of Alva was officially recorded in 1180 when King William the Lion confirmed its church’s association with Cambuskenneth Abbey. This connection persisted until the Reformation in 1560.

Feudal Era and the Erskine Influence

By the 15th century, a fortified structure existed on the site of what would later become Alva House. The laird, or landowner, held court near the present-day Burnside farmhouse, with the ominously named Gallows Hill serving as a reminder of feudal justice. In 1620, the estate came under the ownership of the Erskine family, marking the beginning of significant development. Sir John Erskine, a notable figure of this lineage, played a pivotal role in Alva’s transformation. Around 1712, he initiated silver mining operations in the area now known as Silver Glen. This venture, although short-lived due to the exhaustion of the silver vein, brought temporary prosperity and attention to the town.

Urban Planning and Industrial Growth

In 1690, Sir John Erskine embarked on an ambitious project to redesign Alva. He envisioned a village centered around a square green, with houses laid out systematically around it. This planned development aimed to foster a sense of community and order. The Industrial Revolution further accelerated Alva’s growth. The town’s proximity to fast-flowing burns made it an ideal location for textile manufacturing. By the early 19th century, Alva had transitioned from a rural village to a bustling manufacturing hub, with multiple woolen mills producing blankets, serges, shawls, tartans, and tweeds. The introduction of water-powered machinery revolutionized production, attracting workers and boosting the local economy.

Architectural and Cultural Landmarks

Alva’s architectural landscape reflects its historical journey. The original parish church, dedicated to St. Serf, was rebuilt in 1632 and later in 1815, with expansions in 1854 to accommodate a growing congregation. The town also boasts the Johnstone Mausoleum, designed by the renowned architects Robert and James Adam in 1790. This structure serves as a testament to the Johnstone family’s influence in the area. Additionally, the remnants of Alva House, once a grand mansion, hint at the town’s affluent past. Although the house suffered from neglect and eventual demolition, its legacy persists in local memory.

Modern Developments and Legacy

In 1891, Alva underwent administrative changes, transitioning from an exclave of Stirlingshire to become part of Clackmannanshire. This shift integrated the town more closely with its neighboring communities. The decline of the textile industry in the late 20th century posed economic challenges; however, Alva adapted by diversifying its local economy and preserving its historical sites. Today, visitors to Alva can explore the scenic Alva Glen, a reminder of the natural beauty that has always been integral to the town’s identity. The annual Alva Games, rooted in traditions dating back to 1856, continue to celebrate the town’s rich cultural heritage.

In essence, Alva’s history is a tapestry woven with threads of resilience, innovation, and community spirit. From its early days as a humble clachan to its rise as an industrial center, and now as a town that honors its past while looking to the future, Alva exemplifies the enduring character of Scotland’s storied towns.

Call Hillhead Joiners on 07710 096553 if you are looking for local, professional joiners and carpenters who cover Alva and the surrounding urban and rural communities:

Stirling, Aberfoyle, Balfron, Bridge of Allan, Buchlyvie, Callander, Cambusbarron, Cambuskenneth, Causewayhead, Denny, Dollar, Doune, Dunblane, Falkirk, Gargunnock, Gartmore, Gleneagles, Kippen, Larbert, Menstrie, Stenhousemuir, Tillicoultry and all of Central Scotland.

Joiners Alva

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EXTERNAL JOINERY WORKS

JOINERS ALVA

Hillhead Joiners Stirling