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The Rock of Dumbarton is a defensive position that has been occupied at least since the Iron Age, as attested by the hill fort at its top. East of the area, to the southeast of Loch Lomond, lie three neolithic cairn sites indicating even longer occupation. Even in World War II, it was of great importance to British defence, not because of its fortifications but due to its industry. Dumbarton residents did not just sit back and wait to be bombed. They sat out lights on the hills inland of the town and on the lochs to mimic the shipyards, successfully diverting quite a few bombs to explode in empty moorland or the depths of Loch Lomond.
History
Dumbarton Rock, then called Alcluith or Clyde Rock, was the centre of a kingdom at least as long ago as 450 AD. The Castle was destroyed by Vikings in 870 CE and two centuries later the Kingdom of Strathclyde was absorbed into Scotland after his victory at Carhem. The current city of Dumbarton was founded on the River Leven half a mile inland. In 1222 it became a Royal Burgh. The fortress on the rock became a Royal Castle, the castle in fact where the infant Mary, Queen of Scots was kept in safety until her departure for France. Even today rock climbers still take on the rock, but the objective is fun rather than conquest. Even those who just want to explore the castle should think carefully about their physical condition, since there is no way to the top of the rock except to climb a very large number of steps.
The town of Dumbarton was destroyed, or nearly so, several times over the years. In 1350 it was the Black Death, and in 1424 a destructive fire. Every time Dumbarton bounced back until at the beginning of the seventeenth century it was a major port with trade routes spanning the globe. Two hundred years later the Clyde became the world's leading shipbuilding centre, a position it maintained until after World War II. In Dumbarton, William Denny and Brothers produced more vessels than any other Clyde shipbuilder.
In recent years Dumbarton has found another industry: BBC Scotland's drama productions are located in a refurbished whiskey distillery in the town.
Attractions
One of the features of the old William Denny shipyard has become the centrepiece of the Scottish Maritime Museum. The Denny Ship Model Tank was the very latest in maritime design in 1882. An upstairs exhibit space offers insight into the Denny family and their role in the Clyde area's shipbuilding dominance.
One other marine attraction lies, paradoxically, a few miles inland. Loch Lomond Sealife Centre is home to a variety of fish, mammals and invertebrates, including a varied collection of sharks and a trio of otters whose antics may entertain susceptible visitors for most of a day. The Centre is located in Loch Lomond Shores where visitors will also find a tourist information office and one of the finest shopping malls in the west of Scotland.
Golfers will find a real challenge in Dumbarton Golf Club's 18 hole course. The terrain is hilly although not excessively so, but the hazards are so arranged that only the most careful and accurate of golfers will avoid them all. Dumbarton may rightly be regarded as a thinking man's golf course. The council-run leisure centre near the Dumbarton train station offers an elaborate swimming facility with a waterslide and wave machines, along with facilities for a variety of other sports.
Access and Places To Stay
Lodging in Dumbarton is highly competitive, with themed hotels and guesthouses ranging from the heights of luxury to the depths of tacky, Budget B&B and self-catering accommodation is also available. Dining options are similarly varied, and the number and variety of pubs will provide an appropriate night out for almost anyone.
Dumbarton lies on the A82 road from Glasgow, which turns northward here toward Loch Lomond. The A814 continues out the coast to Helensburgh. The town's rail station is served by multiple trains each hour to Glasgow, Balloch and Helensburgh, and regular flights are available from Glasgow's Abbotsinch and Prestwick airports. To get the most of a holiday in Dumbarton, though, a visitor should really consider hiring a car to explore the countryside.
Accommodation in Dumbarton
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