Dumbartonshire, county, partly maritime but chiefly inland, in W. of Scotland, comprising a main body and a detached portion; area, 154,542 acres; population 75,333, or 312 persons to each square mile. The main body is in the shape of a crescent, having the convex side adjacent to the estuary of the Clyde, and measures 1½ to 14 miles in breadth, and about 38 miles between its extreme points. The N. section (about two-thirds of the entire area), projecting between Loch Long and Loch Lomond, is wholly mountainous, and is celebrated for its picturesque and sublime scenery. Ben Vorlich and Ben Vane, in the extreme N., are 3092 and 3004 ft. high. The lower district along the Clyde is flat, and in general under excellent cultivation. The peninsular parish of Roseneath separates Loch Long and the Gare Loch, offshoots of the Firth of Clyde. The detached section (12 miles by 4 miles) lies 4½ miles E. of the nearest point of the main body. The rivers, besides the Clyde, are the Leven, Allander, Kelvin, and Endrick. The manufactures are very important; numerous bleachfields, dye, print, and other works line the banks of the Leven; and there are extensive shipbuilding yards along the Clyde. Dumbartonshire in former times formed part of the territory of Lennox. Vestiges of the Roman wall of Antoninus still exist. The county comprises 11 parishes, and a part, and the parliamentary and royal burgh of Dumbarton (part of the Kilmarnock Burghs).
– John Bartholomew, Gazetteer of the British Isles (1887)
Auld Kirk Museum
The Cross
Kirkintilloch G66 1AB
0141 775 1185
Auld Kirk Museum houses a rich collection of museum objects of local, national and international significance, interpreted in an innovative, exciting and educational way for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Clydebank Museum & Art Gallery
Town Hall, Dumbarton Road
Clydebank G81 1UE
0141 562 2400
Situated beside the shipyard where many of the famous liners of the Clyde were built. Local, social and industrial history collections including shipbuilding and engineering. Major collection of Singer sewing machines.
Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank
Castle Street
Dumbarton G82 1QS
01389 763444
The Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank was built in 1882. It is one of the last reminders of the shipyard of the innovative and famous Company William Denny and Brothers.
Dumbarton Castle – Historic Scotland
Dumbarton Castle
Dumbarton G82 1JJ
01389 732167
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places
Spectacularly situated on a volcanic rock the castle is on the site of the ancient capital of Strathclyde. The most interesting features are the 18th-century artillery fortifications, with 19th-century guns.
East Dunbartonshire Archives
William Patrick Library, 2-4 West High Street
Kirkintilloch G66 1AD
0141 777 3142
www.edlc.co.uk
East Dunbartonshire Archives collects and preserves the records of East Dunbartonshire for the benefit of the public. Our collections date back to the 15th century, and include manuscripts, photographs, maps, plans, films and sound recordings. Access to the archives is free and everyone is welcome to visit us to consult the historical records.
East Dunbartonshire Information & Archives
William Patrick Library, 2-4 West High Street
Kirkintilloch G66 1AD
0141 7773142
www.edlc.co.uk/heritage/archives.aspx
Explore the rich and fascinating history of East Dunbartonshire through its historical records. Our collections date back to the 15th century and include manuscripts, photographs, maps, plans, film and sound recordings.
Geilston Garden
Cardross
Dumbarton G82 5EZ
01389 841 867
www.nts.org.uk
A delightful garden, typical of the small country estates on the banks of the Clyde purchased by merchants and industrialists in the 18th and 19th centuries. Attractive features include a walled garden and a burn, winding through the wooded glen.
Motoring Heritage Centre
Loch Lomond Outlet Shopping Centre
Alexandria G83 0UG
01380 607862
www.motoringheritage.co.uk/html/the_centre.html
When it was built, this amazing Grade A listed building was the largest motor car factory in the world. Its marble and sandstone façade, reminiscent of an Edwardian town hall or railway station, is just part of a factory that originally covered 11 acres.
Titan Clydebank
Clydebank rebuilt, 1 Aurora Avenue
Clydebank G81 1BF
0141 951 3420
The Titan Crane in Clydebank is one of the world’s first giant cantilever cranes. Built by Sir William Arrol Brothers in 1907, this fabulous crane is all that remains of what was once the famous John Browns shipyard, where some of the world’s most famous ships were launched including the Queen Mary, the Royal Yacht Britannia and the QE2.