DOORS OPEN DAYS
WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE 2022
What is shown below has become a record of what was & an inspiration for next time. We arrange a Doors Open Day event in West Dunbartonshire every two years. Always on a Saturday in September. There will be more buildings - in line with the main objectives of Doors Open Days. These will hopefully include Ross Priory, Overtoun House, Stralthleven House and Cochno House as well as the West Dunbartonshire Council building in Church Street, Dumbarton and the Titan Crane in Clydebank.
Perhaps even more gates too! This year we had Knowetop Community Garden. There are quite a few other community gardens worth visiting.
During 2022 we acknowledged the death of Queen Elizabeth, 1st of Scotland and 2nd of England on the 8th September. This had a profound impact on the approach of several of our venues.
The programme for Doors Open Day this year, 2022, will take places on Saturday the 10th September with events and walks on some of the preceding weekdays.
Our local Doors Open Day programme is part the national Doors Open Days programme held across Scotland in September and coordinated by the Scottish Civic Trust.
Within West Dunbartonshire, it is coordinated by Jeremy Watson through the Lennox Heritage Society.
INSTAGRAM : https://www.instagram.com/dod_west_dunbartonshire/
FLYER : A downloadable version of the A5 flyer can be found here : documents/dod-22/dod-2022-flyer-_b.pdf
2022 has a special significance for Dumbarton. This year we celebrate it being granted the status of Royal Burgh by Alexander II - 800 years ago! (This lasted until 1975).
Watch this space for details and watch out for the printed flyer and also information in the local newspapers.
Watch out for the dark blue Doors Open Days banner as well as bunting to identify venues and the starting points of walks and other events.
Our Doors Open Day programme plus all those of other regions in Scotland are available here on the national website : https://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/
Links shown below take you to features within this Explore West Dunbartonshire website.
The information here will be updated up until the final week, with more being added as it becomes available.
ACCESS : Doors Open Days encourage you to get into buildings not usually open to the public and it also provides a range of outdoor events. The degree of ease of access will vary. Ensure that this is suitable for you.
Regional coordinator : Jeremy Watson - through the Lennox Heritage Society
WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE'S DOORS OPEN DAYS PROGRAMME : 2022
Main day : Saturday 10th September. Venues generally will be open between 10:00am and 4:00pm.
Other events including exhibitions, walks, cycle rides, demonstrations etc will be on Saturday and also during the preceding week as scheduled. Walks will begin at 2:00pm. Check starting point.
All queries can be addressed through the YOUR COMMENTS section of this website.
We have a quite wide range of places to visit and things to see and do this year. You may well notice that many of these are out of doors, but this is in line with our concept that DOORS OPEN can also mean the introduction of new experiences and knowledge. And this also fits well with our first full Doors Open Day programme since emerging from the Covid-19 restrictions. Let's all get out and about again and experience this great area.
VENUES
Venues are listed as they appear on the map from Balloch, down the Vale of Leven to Dumbarton and up the Clyde to Clydebank. All of them will be open on Saturday 10th from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm (unless otherwise indicated). All will be free to enter even those that usually ask an entrance fee.
MAID OF THE LOCH The paddle steamer.
Great paddles driven by steam
WHERE : Pier Road, Drumkinnon Bay, Loch Lomond, near Balloch.
ACCESS : Steps up and onto the boat and a sloping deck. Very easy access to the tiny museum - shop at the entrance though.
The Maid is a magnificent example of Clyde-built ship engineering with an art deco inspired interior. Already a much-loved feature on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, she attracts thousands of visitors every year and, over the last 20 years, a loyal band of volunteers has focused every available hour on her conservation. With your support we hope to safely steer the Maid to a new phase of her life, relaunching her as a fully operational paddle steamer. The Maid is currently on the slipway undergoing maintenance, but can be visited. [Entrance fees will be deferred on the day]. She may look somewhat gutted, but there is spirit and optimism yet!
Come and visit this unique paddle steamer that has served Loch Lomond for generations.
Also on board at the moment is a great exhibition entitled CHARIOTS OF STEAM. This is a comprehensive collection of hand-built models of Clyde-built ships by Lachie Stewart. - More about that under EXHIBITIONS below.
Note : In accordance with Doors Open Days, general acccess will be free to the Maid on the 10th September. Guided tours, with the benefit of further access, will remain as a paid ticket event. Free access will be as usual to the shop with its small museum and the Winch House.
Also see here for more details : index.asp?pageid=715792
WC / Tea
Note that a cafe runs in tandem with the Maid. This is located on the quayside where the Maid is normally berthed. It is the Wild Highland Cafe. A good place to find excellent coffee nearby- out of doors.
WINCH HOUSE / ENGINE HOUSE and BALLOCH PIER SLIPWAY
Some amazing mechanisms
WHERE : Pier Road, Drumkinnon Bay, next to the Maid of the Loch.
ACCESS : Easy.
The slipway was constructed on the Loch so that the steamers could be put together and maintained. The steamers would be prebuilt at other boatyards and brought here in sections. The slipway and the engine house that winched the boats out of the water still exist and it was this that drew the Maid out of the water for the current phase of restoration. The winches and machinery are impressive.
Also see here for more details : index.asp?pageid=715793
MASONIC LODGE
Read poetry on the walls.
WHERE : Gilmour Street, Alexandria.
ACCESS : Steps at entrance. Easier access via the rear door on request and from there level internally.
This is very intriguing from the outside. You will be surprised by the inside. Category A listed 1888-91. Formerly the " J A Campbell William Ewing Gilmour Institute for Working Girls". Renaissance halls with Baronial keep and hammer-beam roof. This roof is one of only three examples (the other two being at Stirling and Edinburgh Castles). There are some amazing wall paintings by Harrington-Mann who was one of the Glasgow Boys.
Also see here for more details : index.asp?pageid=716217
WC / Tea / Accessible (Request)
KNOWETOP COMMUNITY GARDEN
Wander and wonder
WHERE : Accessed from the very very very end of Castlehill Road, Castle Hill, Dumbarton.
These once well known community gardens have had their ups and downs, but after some years closed and were then hindered by the pandemic, they are regaining new confidence. This is very much a greenspace with different things happening in different areas. Their keen volunteers would love to show you around, to discuss their aspirations for it and also tell you about Alternatives, the charity service offering recovery from drug dependency.
Work from the Art / Upcycling group will be on display and there will be a variety of activities to encourage people to explore the site.
Please be aware that the gardens have only recently been reestablished and the main area is for growing veggies. Others have been inspired to work on the garden outside the gates.
On the day our colleagues from the Sweet Success Cafe will be providing teas, coffees and baking.
Also see here for more details : index.asp?pageid=719389
Tea / Accessible a (some uneven ground).
ARMED FORCES VETERANS ASSOCIATION at DUMBARTON CENTRAL STATION
Learn more about what our armed forces do and about their association
WHERE : Dumbarton Central Station, platform 2.
ACCESS : Ramps to the platform.
Their main goal has always been to be able to provide help and support to veterans of all of HM Armed Forces and their families. They also work hard on being able to provide access to the stories of many veterans and the history of the armed forces and the local areas via our heritage centre. There is a small display, but most importantly those who man the centre will tell you all about what the association is all about. They are generally veterans themselves and will be happy to talk to you about their experiences.
Also see here for more details : index.asp?pageid=715708
WC
https://www.armedforcesveterans.org.uk/
ST AUGUSTINES CHURCH
Look for angels.
WHERE : High Street, Dumbarton
ACCESS : Easy
Built in 1873 to the designs of architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson in the Gothic Revival Style. The interior is said to be among Anderson's finest. Stained glass at baptismal font is by Stephen Adam with others to designs by Carl Alnquist. The organ was designed and built for the church by Smith and Brock.
Also see here for more details : index.asp?pageid=715946
WC / Tea with cafes nearby
ST PATRICKS CHURCH
Watch out for the Saint in armour.
Mass is held at 10:00am each day for half an hour.
WHERE : Strathleven Place, Dumbarton
ACCESS : Easy
There is just so much to see here. From saints to a carillon. Great stained glass windows too. Take your time to discover more and more.
Also see here for more details : index.asp?pageid=715949
WC / Tea / Accessible
RIVERSIDE PARISH CHURCH
Have you seen the mausolea?
WHERE : At the junction of High Street, Church Street and Castle Street, Dumbarton
ACCESS : Easy
This church in many ways defines Dumbarton as it overlooks the High Street. While fairly formal from the outside, inside you will find some amazing stained glass windows. Little of the original graveyard remains, but you will find some of interest including some mausolea around the back.
Also see here for more details : Church - index.asp?pageid=715668 & graveyard index.asp?pageid=716500
WC / Tea / Accessible
WEST KIRK, BRIDGEND
Some great stained glass.
WHERE : West Bridgend Road, Dumbarton.
ACCESS : Easy
Actually two churches, the older of which is now the hall. The main church has some great stained glass windows.
Also see here for more details : index.asp?pageid=717659
WC / Tea / Accessible
DENNY TANK SHIP MODEL EXPERIMENT TANK MUSEUM
Part of the Scottish Maritime Museum
Shape a bow.
WHERE : Castle Terrace, Dumbarton. Near Lidl.
ACCESS : Steps to front door and also internally.
Entrance fees will be deferred on the day.
This fascinating place with the world's first commercial ship model experiment tank will have free entry on Doors Open Day.
Learn about the innovative engineering features of this unique test tank facility.
Also see here for more details : index.asp?pageid=716335
WC / Tea / Accessibility limited
FIRE STATION : DUMBARTON FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE
Hot stuff, but a cool head.
WHERE : Castlegreen Street, Dumbarton, G82 1EA
ACCESS: Easy
Learn about the service, careers, fire safety at home and other aspects. This is an active station so you need to look out for vehicle and other movement. See fire engines up close & meet the firefighters.
Demonstrations such as CPR and throw line demonstrations will be available and you can try your hand too. There will be a Chip Pan demonstration unit at 12pm in Dumbarton. This illustrates the dangers of cooking with too much oil, what happens when the oil gets too hot and what happens if water was to be applied to the pan when alight, it’s always a crowd pleaser.
WC / Accessible
FIRE STATION : CLYDEBANK FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE
Keeping us safe.
WHERE : Kilbowie Road, Hardgate, Clydebank, G81 6QT
ACCESS : Easy
Learn about the service, careers, fire safety at home and other aspects. This is an active station so you need to look out for vehicle and other movement. See fire engines up close & meet the firefighters
Demonstrations such as CPR and throw line demonstrations will be available and you can try your hand too.
There will be a Chip Pan demonstration unit at 2pm at Clydebank. This illustrates the dangers of cooking with too much oil, what happens when the oil gets too hot and what happens if water was to be applied to the pan when alight, it’s always a crowd pleaser.
WC / Accessible
EXHIBITIONS
These are all under the Libraries and Cultural Services department of West Dunbartonshire Council. You can usually find exhibitions on at these venues throughout the year. What is listed here is what is on during the Doors Open Day period.
MAID OF THE LOCH
CHARIOTS OF STEAM
WHERE : Onboard the Maid in the events space.
ACCESS : Steps up and onto the boat and sloped deck.
The Maid of the Loch presents a brand new exhibition of spectacular Clyde-built model ships in a unique setting. This covers an exclusive, and previously unseen, collection of model ships, celebrating the work of model builder Lachie Stewart. Each of these boats actually sails.
Lachie Stewart is no ordinary man. Born in Vale of Leven, West Dunbartonshire in 1943, his achievements include a glorious athletic career which saw him win gold medal in the 10,000 metres at the Commonwealth Games in 1970. A true champion and polymath, Lachie has combined his lifelong passions for maritime history and model building to create a spectacular collection of ships which he has meticulously built over the last 60 years.
DUMBARTON LIBRARY
Dumbarton Library Heritage Centre
CELEBRATION DAYS
WHERE : Strathleven Place, Dumbarton G82 1BD
ACCESS : Steps at entrance. Wheelchair access on request.
WC
Spanning over a century of celebration this exhibition shows how the communities of Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven came together to celebrate and commemorate special days and dates.
7th Centenary Celebrations of Dumbarton as a Royal Burgh WDC Collections
Opening Hours: Monday 5th – Saturday 10th September
Mon, Thurs and Fri: 9.30am – 5.00pm, Tue: 1.00pm – 8.00pm, Wed: 9.30am – 8.00pm, Saturday: 10.00am – 1.00pm.
BACK DOOR GALLERY, DALMUIR LIBRARY, DALMUIR
THE ANTONINE WALL : BEYOND BOUNDARIES
WHERE : Dalmuir Library, 2 Lennox Place, Dalmuir, G81 1LX
ACCESS : Easy
Open 9:30am - 5:00pm Monday to Friday; 9:30 - 1:00pm on Saturdays.
WC
The Antonine Wall: Beyond Boundaries' is a touring exhibition from the Rediscovering the Antonine Wall Project. It's a family friendly exhibition with lots of interactive activities, visitors can get hands-on with history and learn more about the communities on the Antonine Wall then and now.
Monday 5th – Friday 9th September 9.30am – 5pm,
Saturday 10th September 10am – 1pm
Admission Free.
Also see Walks : TUESDAY
CLYDEBANK TOWN HALL MUSEUM AND GALLERY
ART AND HISTORICAL OBJECTS CONNECTED TO CLYDEBANK INCLUDING SEWING MACHINES AND SHIPPING
WHERE : On Dumbarton Road, but accessed from Hall Street, Clydebank.
ACCESS : Easy. Button operated wheelcchair accessible doors.
Note : Open Monday to Friday only. The cafe is not currently open.
Also see here for more details : index.asp?pageid=715657
The town hall is a significant building in itself and it holds both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Access is via the side entrance in Hall Street. Permanent exhibitions concentrating on Clydebank's proud industrial heritage have been created alongside new high specification temporary galleries, for exciting touring exhibitions as well as housing the Council's permanent exhibition of fine art. Part of the permanent exhibition includes the large model ships at the entrance and the Singer Sewing Machine collection which was awarded the 'Recognised Collection of National Significance' by Museums Galleries Scotland in 2013.
WCs Accessible for all
WALKS 
All walks are free to attend and will be held at 2:00pm. Check the schedule for times and days if during the preceding week. See how many you can participate in.
We have a range of walks for a range of capabilities. Select what is suitable for you.
TUESDAY 6th at 2pm
ROMANS IN HARDGATE AND FAIFLEY
Hosted by the Clydebank Local History Society and led by Sam Gibson.
Exploring some of the vestiges of the Roman era locally.
WHERE : This walk focuses on Goldenhill where there are signs of a Roman fort and baths and then tracing the Antonine Wall through the suburbs and nearby
Meet at east gate to Goldenhill Park. This is reached from off the Kilbowie Road / Glasgow Roadd roundabout where there is some parking.
Approximate time : 1 1/2 hours.
For Wednesday event, see DEMONSTRATIONS
THURSDAY 8th at 2pm
COCHNO WALK :
Some surprises from the past.
Hosted by the Clydebank Local History Society and led by Sam Gibson.
WHERE : Starting point at Auchnacraig Car Park Cochno Road (G81 5QR) next to entry to Edinbarnet
Approximate time : 1 1/2 hours.
FRIDAY the 9th at 2pm.
CARMAN HILLFORT GUIDED WALK, CARMAN HILL
A walk led by archaeologist Fiona Baker.
A large but almost invisible hillfort.
WHERE : This walk will introduce you to the hillfort on Carman Hill, otherwise known as Mount Malow, above Renton. From the Renton side, the tarred road is Cardross Road. From the Cardross side the tarred road is Carman Road. To join meet at the gate on the dust road. Note that parking is unavailable at this point, but limited parking is available at various points nearby. Do not park at the gate as this is a private road entrance.
This iron age hillfort is vast. But almost invisible! Fiona will enable you to discern the various features including the earth surrounding wall that used to have a timber palisade on it, the enormous rock eastern enclosures, the gateways and hut rings. The view is great from up here and with help you should be able to make out other ancient features across Carman Muir and beyond.
The walk varies from a fairly easy, but steep approach path to rough terrain to see some of the feature. You need to consider if this is suitable for you, but you do not need to walk across the whole site to enjoy this outing.
Approximate time : 1 1/2 hours.
Also see here for more details : index.asp?pageid=715665
SATURDAY 10th at 2pm.
VANISHED RAILWAYS OF WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE​ - BOWLING / OLD KILPATRICK
Tracking tracks.
Led by Stwart Noble.
WHERE : Bowling Basin and the area around it.
Meet at the small bascule bridge over the canal near the shops. (Bascule bridge? See https://canmore.org.uk/site/43315/forth-and-clyde-canal-bowling-basin-drawbridge).
Stewart is the author of the book entitled VANISHED RAILWAYS OF WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE. Bowling Basin is dominated by the railway viaduct that runs over the junction between the Forth and Clyde Canal and the boat basin itself. The railway route has long been abandoned (the current railway being nearby), but it has recently been restored and modified as part of the cycle route between Glasgow and Dumbarton. While you can find many vestiges of a more intent railway era around West Dunbartonshire, Bowling is a great place to start. That bridge forming part of the railway viaduct used to swing to one side to allow craft with tall masts to pass. On this walk you will learn how that was done.
Also see : index.asp?pageid=715961
DEMONSTRATIONS
WATER SAFETY AND RESCUE DEMONSTRATION
Staying safe in water.
WHERE : Renton footbridge over the River Leven.
WHEN : Wednesday, the 7th September at 2pm.
ACCESS : Steps onto and accross the footbridge, but easy access for all to towpath viewing point.
The Fire and Rescue Service will hold a demonstration of water safety and rescue in the fast flowing River Leven.
There have been a number of mishaps including drownings in our local waters. Loch Lomond and the Leven. The local Fire and Rescue Service undertake exercises from time to time to keep its crews up to date with rescue techniques. The public are always welcome to watch. This time the exercise will be aimed more at the public, to show them how rescues are done and, most importantly, to inform the public about water safety. So often emergency incidents get more serious, perhaps even involving the intending rescuer, through insufficient knowledge and experience. When is it appropriate to attempt a rescue oneself? Almost always it is so much better to call for help. This demonstration will keep you informed too.
Accessible
See WATER SAFETY under ARTICLES index.asp?pageid=715697
FIRE SAFETY DEMONSTRATIONS
See "Fire Stations" above for more detail.
There will be a Chip Pan Fire demonstration unit at 12pm in Dumbarton and at 2pm at Clydebank. This illustrates the dangers of cooking with too much oil, what happens when the oil gets too hot and what happens if water was to be applied to the pan when alight. Demonstrations such as CPR and throw line demonstrations will also be available and you can try your hand too.
VIRTUAL DOORS OPEN
Explore from your armchair.
THE FOLLOWING COMES FROM THE ARCHIVES OF THE DUMBARTON CINE, VIDEO AND DIGITAL CLUB
ALLIED DISTILLERY / No 50 Jim Devine Hiram Walker Demolition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsgVNLjjBIg
HIGH STREET, DUMBARTON, IN 1961 : How more relaxing can you get? Little traffic. Cool music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebCNdsD-o5A : Dumbarton Cine, Video & Digital Club collection.
OLD DUMBARTON
Montage of old postcards to a musical background from The Beers Family (Dumbarton's Drums), Mari Campbell with Emily Smith (Auld Lang Syne) and Robert Wilson (Annie Laurie).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TJMGZWIUKY : Dumbarton Cine, Video & Digital Club collection.
MAID OF THE LOCH TAKEN OUT OF THE WATER ("slipping the maid movie short version"). https://youtu.be/m1fsZEcaU9U
