Bearsden (/ˌbɛərzˈdɛn/ ⓘ) is a town in East Dunbartonshire, Scotland, on the northwestern fringe of Greater Glasgow, approximately six miles (ten kilometres) from the city centre.

The current settlement began in the 17th century as the kirkton of the parish of New Kilpatrick, and when a railway connection to Glasgow was constructed in 1863, it developed into an affluent suburb of the city.

[6] The site was donated to the government, and today the remains lie, well-preserved, 150 metres (160 yd) from the town centre.

The remaining part was named East or New Kilpatrick, covering a much greater area than Bearsden, from the River Clyde at Whiteinch and Yoker to Duntocher, Strathblane and Baldernock.

Modern Bearsden began in an agricultural area as a small hamlet called New Kirk (or perhaps Chapelton) close to New Kilpatrick Parish Church, which was first built in 1649.

[9] The size and style of the community prior to urbanisation is recorded in Rambles Round Glasgow, first published in 1854.

Of particular note are the woods and gardens surrounding the fine houses of Killermont and Garscube, which are contrasted with a small shop at Canniesburn with apparently nothing left for sale.

The kirk-toun (modern Bearsden Cross) is described as consisting of about a dozen cottages of idyllic rural beauty, isolated from the noise and dirt of Glasgow.

The account also includes one of the earliest references to "Bear's Den", and although the location is not clear, a traditional belief is recorded that it was a Roman burial site.

[10] The New Kirk settlement grew from the middle of the nineteenth century when Glaswegian businessmen built houses at a commutable distance from the city.

Managed by Glasgow Corporation, the countryside location moved the girls away from any malign influences to be found in the city and allowed the institution to be self-supporting with livestock and a vegetable garden.

In addition to girls who had fallen foul of the courts, others with problems such as malnourishment and learning difficulties were also housed at Chapelton.

[9] The school closed in the early 1970s and after a brief period as a hall of residence for the Nautical College, the building was demolished to make way for a shopping centre with a Fine Fare supermarket (later replaced by Asda).

[18] In 1906, many buildings were built at Bearsden Cross by Mathew Henderson (he also tried, unsuccessfully, to develop another commuter suburb at Drumchapel).

Near this is the site of the former Canniesburn Hospital, which has many Art Deco buildings and where pioneering plastic surgery was performed, notably on the Boy David who was featured on many television programmes and was adopted by one of the doctors there.

Bearsden continued to expand in the twentieth century as residents built large independently designed villas, estates of bungalows, and other types of houses.

[19] Bearsden was first known as Kirktoun(e) or New/Easter Kilpatrick village, all of which relate to the parish church situated in the centre of the town.

The Scots language records of the Parliament of Scotland prior to the Acts of Union 1707 use the names Easter Kirkpatrick and Eister Kilpatrick for the parish.

Since 1975, details have been incorporated into the arms of subsequent local administrative bodies (Bearsden and Milngavie, then East Dunbartonshire).

The current MP is Amy Callaghan (SNP) who defeated incumbent Jo Swinson (Liberal Democrats) at the 2019 general election.

It can also be accessed by road, of which the main routes are: Neighbourhoods in Bearsden, like those in many other towns, do not have clear boundaries; where places like Kessington were once a few houses together surrounded by agricultural land, they now merge with other (once distinct) areas, like Killermont.

[74] Baljaffray FC, established 1996 has teams competing in EDSSA up to the age of 11/12 and competitive football thereafter in the CSFA and PJ&DYF leagues.

[77] Douglas Park Golf Club, Hillfoot, has a full course and can trace its history back to 1897, although the current layout dates from 1972.

[80][81] Highland Games for Bearsden and Milngavie are held annually at the West of Scotland Rugby Ground.

Girlguiding is also active in Bearsden, with units based at Killermont Parish Church and at the Guide Hut in Pendicle Road.