LAURIESTON, a village, in the parish of Falkirk,
county of Stirling, li mile (E.) from Falkirk; containing
1198 inhabitants. This place, originally called New
Merduslon, from Francis, Lord Napier, of Merchiston,
on whose lands it was built in 1756, received the name
of Laurencetoun, of which its present appellation is a
contraction, from Sir Laurence Duudas, a later proprietor
of the estate, and whose descendant, the Earl of
Zetland, is the existing lord. The village is pleasantly
situated on the road to Edinburgh, and consists of a
handsome square, and several streets intersecting each
other at right angles; the houses are well built, and of
modern appearance, and from its occupying an elevated
site the surrounding scenery is extensive. The inhabitants
are chiefly employed in weaving for the manufacturers
of Glasgow, and in the manufacture of nails, which
is carried on to a considerable extent. There are numerous
well-stored shops; and many persons are engaged
in the various trades requisite for the accommodation of
the adjacent district, and for the traffic which the place
derives from its position on a public thoroughfare. A
post-office under that of Falkirk has been established
here, and there is every facility of communication with
the neighbouring towns. In the village is a place of worship
for Reformed Presbyterians; and of several schools,
one was erected by the Dundas family.