The town of Alva is situated at the bottom of the Ochil Hills, which run through central Scotland and is approximately 7 miles east of Stirling. It is a former woollen mill town where back in the 1800’s Strude Mill and Glentanna Mill were both in operation. Most of the local residents as well as other townsfolk were employed in them to card the wool, then spin it and finally to produce cloth. Nowadays, Strude Mill is home to a number of privately owned flats and Glentanna Mill has a retailer, Scotcrest, who supplies school uniforms to both primary and secondary schools.
The town itself consists of a good number of various retailers as well as a Post Office, a bank, 3 churches, restaurants, along with fast food outlets and several public houses. There are two very good schools, Alva Primary School and Alva Academy. Alva is served well by buses to the local towns and to the city of Stirling itself. The Forth Valley Royal Hospital bus also serves the town.
There are the beautiful Cochrane and Johnstone parks where visitors and residents alike can enjoy themselves and have a nice relaxing time. It is also dog friendly. In the Cochrane Hall a variety of shows and meetings are held as well as dances and private functions such as weddings. Local groups also utilise this.
Every July the famous Alva Games are held and are enjoyed by all those who attend. 2013 was the 157th games held. 2017 will be 161st Alva Games.
Alva has many clubs and societies for all ages including youth organisations such as the Scouts and Guides. There is a local book club too.
Alva Community Council was first established in June 1979 and has been on the go since then. There is a membership of 12 at present (w.e.f. November 2016). The Alva Community Council, aka ACC, reports different aspects to the Police and Clackmannanshire Council on behalf of the residents of Alva. This is done on an unpaid and voluntary basis. The group meets on the second Monday of the month from September through to June. Please refer to meeting dates page for more information as venue can be subject to change.
In May 2014, Alva held it’s first Fun Day. This is an annual event now being held on the last Saturday of May in the Johnstone and Cochrane Parks. Saturday 27th May 2017 from 12noon to 4pm is a date for everyone’s diary (See latest news for more details). Come along and enjoy a great day out with a variety of attractions for all ages. Alva looks forward to seeing you there.