Dumbarton

Dumbarton lies on the north bank of the River Clyde where the River Leven flows into the Clyde estuary.

It functioned as the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Alclud, and later as the county town of the county of Dunbartonshire

and was a Royal burgh between 1222 and 1975.

Dumbarton emerged from the 19th century as a centre for shipbuilding, glassmaking, and whisky production.

However these industries have since declined, or demised altogether, and Dumbarton today increasingly functions as a commuter town for Glasgow.

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Dumbarton Rock & Castle

Dumbarton Castle has the longest recorded history of any stronghold in Great Britain. It overlooks the Scottish town of Dumbarton, and sits on a plug of volcanic basalt known as Dumbarton Rock which is 240 feet (73 m) high. Throughout Dumbarton Castle’s long history it has been a royal residence and a fortress, and has many fascinating connections from the Vikings to the Scottish Wars of Independence. Mary Queen of Scots sailed to France from here as a child in 1548.

Dumbarton Castle was the centre of the ancient Kingdom of Strathclyde, supposedly visited by Merlin. It was later sacked by Vikings. It became a cornerstone of medieval royal power and latterly served as a military base and prison. You can explore its many fortifications with our interactive family trail.

bench press Dumbarton male Marinecraft Gymnasium Men Powerlifting Scottish Open Championships SPORT squat strength strongman strongmen