Finglen Burn is a burn (stream) in Scotland, located in the historic county of Stirlingshire, within the modern council area of East Dunbartonshire. It rises in the Campsie Fells, flowing from northeast of Earl's Seat (the highest point of the Campsie Fells) and runs to just north of Campsie Village, where it merges with the Kirk Burn to form the Glazert Water.
Course and Tributaries
The burn's named tributaries, listed from source to confluence, are: Cooper's Gote, Flaughter Burn, Earl's Burn, Altmarrage Burn, Almarnock Burn, Horse Burn, Almeel Burn, and Pow Burn.
Etymology
According to William Nimmo's History of Stirlingshire (1817), the burn is said to be named in reference to "the alleged ancient resort of Giants." The name "Finglen" may derive from Scottish Gaelic elements, with "Fionn" (white/fair) or possibly relating to the legendary Fingalian giants of Gaelic mythology.
History
- A weaving factory once operated on the burn at Haughhead, and a printworks was also located there.
- At one time, seven illegal whisky stills were operating simultaneously along the burn. Soldiers were dispatched to apprehend the smugglers, but no action was taken despite the authorities being aware of the ongoing illicit distillation.
- During the cholera outbreak of 1854, plans were made to move the ill from Lennoxtown to a building at Haughhead (the former weaving factory), which had been converted into a temporary hospital. Straw for bedding was provided by Mr. Galbraith of Kilwinnet, but a riot broke out among the Haughhead residents, who disposed of the straw, and the temporary hospital was never used.
- On August 12, 1884, severe floods occurred on the Finglen Burn following the rupture of a spring in the nearby hills. Damage was inflicted on Finglen Bank Cottage, two fields of oats and barley, the west side of Haughhead, and most significantly, the railway bridge crossing the burn.
Geography
The burn flows through the Campsie Fells, an area of upland moorland and glens north of Glasgow. The surrounding glen is known as Fin Glen. The area is popular for walking and hiking, with several trails following the course of the burn.
