Bridge of Allan, a town less that three miles from the centre of Stirling, was created a police burgh in 1870 under the General Police and Improvement (Scotland) Act 1862 (25 & 26 Vict., c. 101). Under the Act the administration of the burgh was to be carried out by police commissioners who were responsible for the cleansing, lighting, policing and public health of the burgh. Bridge of Allan was at that time a growing Victorian town, famed for its location and as a spa resort. Its population grew from 1803 in 1861 to 3055 in 1871. During the 20th century it continued to attract tourists and also became the location for the University of Stirling. Under the Town Councils (Scotland) Act 1900 (63 & 64 Vict., c. 49) the police commissioners were replaced by the Town Council in January 1901. Bridge of Allan Town Council was abolished in 1975 under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (c. 65). Its powers were assumed by Central Regional Council and Stirling District Council. These in turn were replaced by Stirling Council in 1996 under the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 (c. 39).
Bridge of Allan Free Church School opened in 1844 in a cottage in Market Street. A new public school was built in Union Street in 1876.
Bridge of Allan Free Church School opened in 1844 in a cottage in Market Street. A new public school was built in Union Street in 1876. Bridge of Allan Primary School opened in 1965 and still operates to this date.
Bridge of Allan Curling Club was founded in 1790. In the mid nineteenth century the curling pond in Westerton Park was distinguished by an ingenious lighting system where lines of lanterns were supplied by underground gas pipes. Two artificial curling rinks were later made in Bridge of Allan: at the glebe of the former Logie Manse and at Camerons' haugh. The club was one of the founding members of Scottish Central Province in 1864.
Ella MacLean of Helenslea, Bridge of Allan, was a recognised authority on the history of Bridge of Allan. She was born Ella Sisterson in County Durham in 1894 and married Archibald MacLean in 1920. The couple settled at Helenslea where she devoted herself to local activities, her particular interests were working with young people, music and local history. In 1970, her 'Bridge of Allan: The Rise of a Village' was published. As well as writing articles of her own, she collected a large library of reference books and other material, some of which she gave to Stirling Council Archives. Ella MacLean died in 1988.
The origin of the Bridge of Allan Highland Games lie in the meetings of the Country Archery and Rifle Club (founded c. 1825) and their sports competitions. These developed into the Strathallan Highland Games which were organised by J. A. Henderson of Westerton from at least 1848 until 1858 when he died, although 1851 is usually given as the official start date of the Games. Major General Sir James Alexander, became Laird of Westerton in 1863 and reorganised the games which have been held annually ever since with the exception of the duration of the two World Wars. The committee who organised the games was known as Strathallan Meeting Limited. In 1888, it was responsible for organising the Highland Gathering at the Glasgow International Exhibition and in 1889 at the Paris International Exhibition.
Until 1956, the Bridge of Allan games gave out money prizes, then from 1957 till 1998 it affiliated to the amateur sports organisations
Stirling fishing club was founded in 1844 with the first meeting taking place on 23rd March 1844. In this first meeting of the new club, a set of rules was agree upon; the admission of members was discussed; and the election of office positions for the council year took place, Colonel Young and Colonel Baird were appointed president and vice president, respectively. The club hosted several fly fishing and trolling competitions each year during the spring and summer months, which took place at a number of rivers and lochs in the surrounding area such as the River Allan, Loch Katrine, Loch Ard, and Loch Leven. Today, Stirling castle angling club is still in operation and members are permitted to fly fish at Cocksburn Reservoir, also known as Pendriech, located near Bridge of Allan.
The Free Church at Bridge of Allan was formed in 1843 after the Disruption. The congregation worshipped in a joiner's shop until a church was built in 1845. The growth of the village as a popular health resort brought an increase in the congregation. After the union with the United Presbyterians in 1900 the Church became part of the United Free Church
The Free Church at Bridge of Allan was formed in 1843 after the Disruption. The congregation worshipped in a joiner's shop until a church was built in 1845. The growth of the village as a popular health resort brought an increase in the congregation. After the union with the United Presbyterians in 1900 the Church became part of the United Free Church, then part of the Church of Scotland after 1929.
A United Presbyterian congregation was formed in Bridge of Allan in 1848, a church was built a year later and a minister appointed in 1851. Bridge of Allan Trinity was in the Presbytery of Stirling (later for sometime the Presbytery of Stirling and Dunblane). In 1900, along with most other United Presbyterian congregations, the Church became part of the United Free Church.