DOORS OPEN DAYS West Dunbartonshire 2024
Saturday the 14th September 2024.
Watch this space for any updates.
DOORS OPEN DAYS is interpreted in many ways. Not only are doors open on this day that are not usually open to the public open, but also gates. And then "opening doors" can also mean introducing you to things and places you may not usually have considered. Some venues that usually charge an entrance fee will have free entry on the day.
Use the links for more specific venue information. The list below is of the venues roughly from north to south ie Gartocharn, the Vale of Leven, Dumbarton, Old Kilpatrick and Clydebank. And there are also some guided walks and virtual resources.
VENUES TO VISIT
KILMARONOCK OLD KIRK and CHURCHYARD. East of Gartocharn - (this is not the church within the village). Proceed down the Old Military Road towards Endrick Water in the direction of Stirling. This is a historic church and it and its churchyard have been restored. Kilmaronock Old Kirk Trust has been set up in order to save the Grade-B listed classical building, preserve its long history of community use and enhance the building for today's and future generations of the Croftamie and Gartocharn Communities. It is a place of historic interest for the many visitors to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. There is adjoining parking. Guided tours will be provided. And we expect some amusements for children. index.asp?pageid=716276 & index.asp?pageid=717567
ROBIN HOUSE GARDENS : Mollandowie Road, Balloch. This is just beyond the east entrance to Balloch Castle. Their amazing gardens will be open to the public. The hospice itself, will not be accessible, for obvious reasons, but you will be able to appreciate its amazing modern architecture from the gardens.There are spacious with meandering paths and a play area. Wheelchair accessible for all. index.asp?pageid=715667
MAID OF THE LOCH WINCH HOUSE : Drumkinnon Bay, near Lomond Shores. There is limited parking near the slipway building, but you can also walk from Lomond Shores. The Maid of the Loch is undergoing intensive ongoing restoration work. In other words, this is an operating shipyard. You can be taken on hardhat tours of the ship, but due to the nature of the site and current operations, this is strictly only through prior bookings and a fee. [See their website for details]. The winch house though is free to enter and is fascinating too. There is also a small shop and museum with free access. All this is located just beyond the slipway very near Lomond Shores. 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 winch house too, is very interesting, its huge machinery being those used to pull craft such as the Maid up the slipway. The ship has steep stairs, but the winchhouse is wheelchair accessible, as is the small visitor centre - shop - museum
As noted above, guided hard-hat tours will require advance booking and a fee. Book online using their website. Refreshments are available at WILD HIGHLANDS COFFEE HOUSE which is located nearby on the pier where the Maid is uaually berthed. It is located outdoors, but has great views. https://www.maidoftheloch.org/maid-shop/p/maid-of-the-loch-hard-hat-tours For more infomation see. index.asp? ageid=715792 and index.asp?pageid=715793
MASONIC LODGE, cnr Gilmour Street and Smollett Street, Alexandria. An amazing building with extraordinary murals. The building was designed by architect John Archibald Campbell and dated 1888. The building was built as the Ewing Gilmour Institute for Working Girls. When completed it was presented to the Scots Girls' Friendly Society to manage. Nearby is the Alexandria Library with its small museum, once the institute built to foster the "mental recreation and moral improvement" of the youth of the Vale of Leven. It is evident that these two buildings had something in common in their objectivess. Both were sponsored by William Ewing Gilmour, a noted Vale benefactor who was a director of the United Turkey Red Company (UTR). .index.asp?pageid=716217
ALEXANRIA LIBRARY - VALE OF LEVEN HERITAGE CENTRE : Gilmour Street, Alexandria. You probably know this building well already, but have you seen the little museum upstairs dedicated to the social history, textile and other industries of the Vale? It has an interesting previous life. The institute was built to foster the "mental recreation and moral improvement" of the youth of the Vale of Leven. In this case we are refering to boys and young men. The intended use of the Institute was to provide a place for mental recreation and moral improvement, and as a counter-attraction to the gin palaces of the Vale of Leven! (Young women though were not forgotten. Also see the Masonic Lodge further along Gimour Street towards Smollett Street). The Leven Heritage Centre is a small museum located upstairs and covers local history including that of the textile industry. index.asp?pageid=715752
ROBERT THE BRUCE HERITAGE CENTRE : Renton Station, Station Street, Renton. Did you know that King Robert the Bruce retired here in Renton after his long and dramatic career that included crusading? Quite where his manion was is uncertain, but is thought to have been in the Dalquhurn area of Renton near the River Leven at a place known as Pillanflatt. This small but fascinating museum is driven by an enthusiastic group of volunteers and is well worth a visit. This year we celebrate 750 years since the birth of Robert the Bruce. The centre has steps to the front, but is wheelchair accessible from the platform. index.asp?pageid=715981
RENTON TRINITY PARISH CHURCH : Leven Street / Alexander Street, Renton. This is a strong community church overlooking the River Leven. Renton Trinity Parish Church is also known as Church Of Scotland Trinity Church, Renton. It was built as Renton Old Parish Church 1892 and designed by architects H & D Barclay. The congregations united with Renton Union Church and Renton Millburn Church in 1969. It has since been refurbished and upgraded. There are five stained glass windows by Oscar Paterson of Glasgow 1912-22. The Church is currently linked with Bonhill Parish Church. index.asp?pageid=715778
LEVENGROVE PARK TRAINING SUITE : Levengrove Park, Dumbarton. [Not the Pavilion Cafe]. This is set at what many consider the heart of this great park. It is where a number of community services eminate. Parking is available in either Clydeshore Road or Woodyard Road (alongside the Leven), from where you can walk across. From this latter road, there are some paths up which although short, some may find a bit steep. Vehicle access for disabled visitors is also available from the entrance further along off Woodyard Road. You enter the premises through the gate where there is a choice of a ramp or steps.
On this occasion the community has come together to show you its artistic endeavours.
Levengrove Park itself is a great place to visit and besides the gardens there are several historical features, the most significant of which is the remains of the medieval church of St Serf. It is reputed that certain of the remains of Robert the Bruce are intered here. index.asp?pageid=716577
Of course for many a child, or perhaps a parent wishing to let their children let off steam, there is an excellent play area nearby (near the Pavilion). The Training suite was officially opened in 2019 as part of a £3.7million investment in the park. This included the Pavilion Cafe which is currently awaiting new operators. These venues are being run as a social enterprise by West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Partnership’s (WDHSCP) Work Connect service. index.asp?pageid=717409 and index.asp?pageid=715801
STRATHLEVEN HOUSE : Levenside Road, Strathleven Industrial Estate, G82 3PD. 11am - 3pm. This is a stunning historic Palladian mansion of the 18th century. There is some ambiguity with regards the architect, but it is thought to be James Smith, a proponent of the Palladian style in Scotland. And William Adam is thought to have been involved in the panelling of one of the rooms. No surprise then that it is A-listed. A grand palladian villa right here in the Vale!The land had been purchased by William Cochrane, 1st Earl of Dundonald who bequeathed it to his grandson William and it was he who built the present house, then named Levenside, in 1700. After his death in 1717 it was acquired by Archibald Campbell of Stonefield, a kinsman of the Duke of Argyll. In 1830 it was sold again, to a Glasgow merchant with connections as an agent to the textile industry in the Vale of Leven, James Ewing. He was to serve as Lord Provost of Glasgow and as a Member of Parliament.
It may seem a bit marooned now within an industrial estate, but it retains much of its setting of lawns and large trees. There is a doocot alongside it and the stable, which although in ruins, are beyond that. If you are up to it, consider the loop walk that takes you from here trhough the trees to the riverbank and follows the curve of the river before returning back to where you started.
index.asp?pageid=715666 / index.asp?pageid=716575 / index.asp?pageid=716576
DUMBARTON LIBRARY and HERITAGE CENTRE : Dumbarton's library is located on Strathleven Place near the Glasgow Road roundabout. The older section is Victorian in form and detailing, typpically borrowing various elements from classical architecture such as heavy coursing of the grey sandstone, columns and vaulted entranceway. It has the prerequisite putti above a window and a balustraded parapet. As with public buildings of the day, the entrance is reached up stairs; the whole main floor being raised up above ground level; a basement below. There is no doubt that this is the town's main library : "PUBLIC LIBRARY" is carved into the feature lintel supported by those classical columns. And below that is a carved scroll with leaves surrounding a shield bearing Dumbarton's symbolic elephant bearing its castle on its back. The interior has features such as a large vaulted hall with pilasters and ornate rooflights. There are usually small exhibitions on and you are encouraged to visit them.
ARMED FORCES VETERANS ASSOCIATION at Dumbarton Central Station, platform 2. Dumbarton Central Station is a fascinating place in its own right, but on this occasion we are encouraging you to visit the centre for for the Armed Forces Veterans Association on platform 2. There will be volunteers on hand to tell you of their presonal experiences and the work of the association. There is a small display. 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. That too is worth a visit if you haven't got to know it as a rail passenger. Don't get distracted by those small lacklustre side entrances that substitute as main entrances. Don't turn a blind eye to its features long since imbued with decay. Look past and through that and you will see that it still speaks of a grander bygone era of railway travel. It welcomes visitors to Dumbarton and bids them farewell after a pleasant sojourn. It also punctuates their journey to other attractions in the area such as the Langcraig Hills or Loch Lomond. And it acts as the Gateway to central Dumbarton and to Dumbarton Castle.
index.asp?pageid=715708 and https://www.armedforcesveterans.org.uk/
SCOTTISH MARITIME MUSEUM - DENNY EXPERITMENTAL TANK, Castle Terrace, Dumbarton : William Denny defined the function of the tank as “To determine with commercially acceptable accuracy the power required to achieve the contract speed, and to reduce that power for any installation to a minimum.” The tank went to on some impressively technical testing to a wide range of vessels. For the technically minded it is recommended that you enquire from the museum about their very detailed information sheet. Some of it can be a bit mind boggling for a general overview such as this here. For the less technical amongst us, perhaps most of us, the basic principles are sufficient. These include the best profiles to suit the ships at sea, the bow waves and the impact of ocean waves on the ships.
This is part of the Scottish Maritime Museum. It will be free to enter on the day. There will be activities for children.
OVERTOUN HOUSE : Access is via Milton Brae in Milton. Turn up alongside Logspan Sheds until you reach the gates and the main drive. James White, proprietor of the Shawfield Chemical Works on the Glasgow-Rutherglen Road, bought the lands of Meikle Overtoun from Gabriel Lang of Greenock in 1859. He commissioned the architect James Smith to design a Scots Baronial mansion, after the fashion of Queen Victoria's Balmoral. These mansions and castles were part of a Gothic revival in architecture, drawing on medieval and Renaissance styles, in reaction to the revivalist Neo-classical architecture of the early half of the 19th century. The house is currently used by a Christian charity. Public access is restricted to the entrance poritico and hall through to the rooms where tea and eats are available, but what an entrance! And what decor! The house sits in extensive grounds with woodland walks.
WEE CHATTY CAFE and garden: Erskine Ferry Road, Old Kilpatrick. Turn off Dumbarton Road at the lights and cross the canal bridge. On the face of it is simply a decorated container, but look closer. This community project by Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels (OKFP) offers a welcome respite to the weary walker or cyclist right next to the Saltings and towpath. And there is a community garden too. It sees itself as the crossroads of a range of recreational activities. The Saltings, is a sizeable pleasant green space below the Erskine Bridge and between the Forth and Clyde Canal and the Clyde. Consider a stroll along the paths before or after refreshments at the cafe. Where better to seek out a welcome coffee, cold drink or snack. And in doing so you will be supporting the local Food Bank.
All refreshments are free. But this cafe depends on donations. If you can, please add some cash to the "hungry bucket" at the servery.
The Wee Chatty Cafe : index.asp?pageid=737533
The Saltings : index.asp?pageid=715957
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/The-wee-Chatty-Cafe/100089896449034/
CLYDEBANK TOWN HALL, MUSEUM AND GALLERY : There is a permanent exhibition of Singer sewing machines and ship related displays, but it also has some wonderful art too. And to top that there is usually a special exhibition on a variety of subjects in the museum section.
CLYDEBANK TOWN HALL : index.asp?pageid=715657
ART OF WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE : index.asp?pageid=715657 & index.asp?pageid=716911
The smaller GALLERY 5 hosts a diverse programme of exhibitions all year round providing a platform for local artists to showcase their work, to bring the best of contemporary art to West Dunbartonshire and brings exhibitions of national and international significance to the local community. Look out for the current exhibition which during September will be that of the Wee Scottish Art Group. This community gallery is showcasing a wide variety of work by the group which will be for sale. (Last day for exhibition Tuesday 17th September 9.30am – 4.30pm).
KILBOWIE ST ANDREWS CHURCH : The church is located in upper Kilbowie Road, but is also accessible from Melfort Avenue. (Go around the block via Drumry Road and Clarence Street). The present church was built in 1904 on land gifted by William Black of Auchentoshen. It is designed in a simple Perpendicular style; a low cruciform church of red sandstone. The battlemented belfry was added in 1933. Of specific interest is the commemoration of the Clydebank Blitz. The memorial side chapel has tapestries and a stained glass window by Eilidh Keith 1997 and there is a triptych of panels created by local artist Tom McKendrick whose family, like many others, were profoundly affected. The bell 1933 is one of few remaining in this former industrial community of Scotland.
DUMBARTON FIRE STATION : Castlegreen Street in Dumbarton East. Our Fire and Rescue service is looking forward to showing you its equipment and discussing how it operates. You can get up close and hands-on to its fire engines and perhaps see one of their demonstrations. Prevention in the first place is a priority. With so many fires beginning in the home, there are several basic precautions that you should be aware of. This is an active fire station and ready for any emergency. Please ensure compliance with fire and rescue personnel.. If the alarm goes off, immediately look to the firemen and women for guidance. But in spite of that simple warning, this is a great place to bring the kids.
KILBOWIE FIRE STATION : Upper Kilbowie Road, on the Duntocher side of the roundabout. Our Fire and Rescue service is looking forward to showing you its equipment and discussing how it operates. You can get up close and hand-on to its fire engines and perhaps see one of their demonstrations. Prevention in the first place is a priority. With so many fires beginning in the home, there are several basic precautions that you should be aware of. This is an active fire station and ready for any emergency. Please ensure compliance with fire and rescue personnel. If the alarm goes off, immediately look to the firemen and women for guidance. But in spite of that simple warning, this is a great place to bring the kids.
GUIDED WALKS
GOLDEN HILL ROMAN FORT, Duntocher - Looking for Golden Hill Fort and the Antonine Wall : Join a group to explore the area's Roman past. This walk will be led by Severine Peyrichou, who is the Antonine Wall Project Development Officer at West Dunbartonshire Council. There is actually quite a bit to see here - if you know how to look. The Antonine Wall begins or terminates (depending on your viewpoint), at Old Kilpatrick. That was a major fort, but is today concealed by modern buildings. The Wall then stretches eastwards with interim forts and fortlets dotted along it. The next one was here at what we now call Golden Hill in Duntocher. Although smaller than that at Old Kilpatrick, it was nevertheless quite sizeable, yet today we find it hard to identify. The Wall too, was more an earthen embankment to define a border intended to keep the rebellious hordes (us?) at bay. With an informative guide you can make out much more of the fort and the wall. Severine is working on a project to involve the community in promoting the Wall and making it more accessible.
There is a children's play area with a Roman theme.
Note that while much of the area is disabled accessible, this needs caution. There is rough ground and steep slopes. Assistance is advised.
Meet at the playground within the park at 2:30pm
Although this walk is free, it requires EVENTBRITE booking. Simply click here : https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.co.uk%2Fe%2Fdoors-open-day-2024-guided-tour-of-the-antonine-wall-at-goldenhill-park-tickets-944057179437%3Faff%3Doddtdtcreator&data=05%7C02%7C%7C8fb2d885cbde4485724008dc9ffd6b17%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638561157981064475%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=wDdKSnC2%2B05to87SyM%2By6GPbtoccGogLPMaROvJOFAU%3D&reserved=0
Also see : index.asp?pageid=716092 and index.asp?pageid=715704
Twitter / X: @AntonineWall
Facebook: @AntonineWallScotland
© Rediscovering the Antonine Wall
OLD KILPATRICK - "A Walk with our Ancestors”, Old Kilpatrick : Florence Boyle takes us on a closer look at the history of Old Kilpatrick. The sub-title gives us a clue “Grave Matters - digging up our history of Old Kilpatrick". This walk will be around the old graveyard at Old Kilpatrick Parish Church. You may be surprised at who you come across. Meet at the Church Gates in Dumbarton Road, Old Kilpatrick at 11:00am.
While the area to be walked is fairly level, there are some parts which are bumpy. [If the weather turns against us, there is a "Plan B" with shelter and a screened alternative].
[Pix by Pedro]
VIRTUAL WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE
We are optimistic about the weather on the day. Most of you are not put off by a bit of rain anyway. But if you are, or perhaps find such outings challenging, you can still enjoy something of the programme through following up some of these online links. Many of you may also be keen to follow up with your own research on some of the venues and subjects covered. There is much to see on this EXPLORE WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE website and each of the above has a link through to more details.
To add to those there are videos and other websites to peruse.
WEST DUNBARTON ONLINE : ARCHIVAL VIDEOS : There is a great deal to be found here: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=west%20dunbartonshire%20archive%20video&qs=n&form=QBVR&=%25eManage%20Your%20Search%20History%25E&sp=-1&lq=0&pq=west%20dunbartonshire%20archive%20video&sc=10-33&sk=&cvid=5598DC97BDB448E2BE0D5CD4626A2BB6&ghsh=0&ghacc=0&ghpl= Many of these are videos compiled by the Dumbarton film club and available through YouTube.
CLYDESIDER PRESENTS : This community publication also hosts events and has initiated several videos about West Dunbartonshire. Have you watched our Take a Minute heritage videos? These are presented by Paul Murdoch and include aerial footage. This collection of short films takes you on a journey through time to visit some of the fascinating, and often long-forgotten places from our community’s past. From the Singer’s Clock in Clydebank to the ancient Kilmaronock Parish Church, to the grounds of Dumbarton’s Municipal Buildings and along the Clyde to Bowling Basin, our videos provide glimpses of times when local people and places were making history – often leading the way.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVovLR1tJy0uZfeXpDipo_Z3-KdP4r3FG
Also see : index.asp?pageid=737267
WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE WOMEN : A new resource compiled by Florence Boyle follows the many women who made significant impacts on and contributions to West Dunbartonshire. For further details follow this link.
This resource has a map locating these women around West Dunbartonshire and gives interesting background descriptions of each of them. Florence has now published a book on the subject entitled UNDSERVEDLY FORGOTTEN - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE WOMEN
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Like many Doors Open Day programmes across Scotland, that in West Dunbartonshire depends not only on the venues, staff and volunteers who make this all happen, but also the organisations that oversee some of the venues or provide guidance, encouragement and financial support.
