The Dr W.H. Welsh Educational and Historical Trust is Bridge of Allan’s local history society.

It was set up in 1970 in face of the local government reorganisation, which took effect in 1975. Bridge of Allan was going to cease to be a burgh and to become part the of the Stirling District Council area.

Ex Provost William Steel and Provost Robert McAlley were anxious to preserve Bridge of Allan’s identity by forming a collection of historical items, documents and photographs relating to the parishes of Logie and Lecropt. Dr Welsh, for many years the very respected local G.P., assisted by giving a very generous donation, and that’s why the Trust was named after him.

At first the Trust thrived, with large attendances at meetings, competitions for children, and lectures. As time went on it dwindled and ultimately was only kept alive by the good work of the late Malcolm Allan. In the early 2000s new Trustees were appointed and new supporters recruited. Since then there have been regular meetings, exhibitions in the library, answers to queries about local history, work done to catalogue the collections, digitise the photographs and create this website, and an annual lecture. Most importantly the Trust commissioned and sponsored the production of the book “Bridge of Allan: A History” by local historian Craig Mair, published in 2018.

A small exhibition can be seen in the local library and the Trust holds monthly meetings there, usually on the first Tuesday of the month. There is a presence in the library most Tuesday mornings to answer queries.