Clackmannanshire

Clackmannanshire is a historic county and council area in central Scotland. It is the smallest historic county in Scotland by area. Located on the north bank of the Firth of Forth, it is bordered by Perth and Kinross to the north and east, Fife to the east and south, and Stirling to the west. The council area encompasses the historic county and the former burgh of Kincardine.

The administrative centre of Clackmannanshire is Alloa. The area is often referred to as "Clacks." Historically, the region was known for its coal mining and textile industries, particularly wool. Alloa was once a significant port. The landscape is characterized by the Ochil Hills to the north and the River Forth to the south.

Key towns and villages include Alloa, Alva, Tillicoultry, and Dollar. Dollar is notable for Dollar Academy, a well-regarded independent school. The area also contains several historic sites, such as Alloa Tower, a medieval keep. Clackmannanshire has undergone significant regeneration in recent decades, with a shift towards service industries and a focus on its natural heritage. The Stirling and Clackmannanshire Council shared services arrangement has been in place since 2004.