Dumbarton

Dumbarton Castle on its fortified rock has for long guarded the Clyde approaches, as well as the routes into the Highlands via the Vale of Leven. The town of Dumbarton is associated with industries such as glassmaking, distilling and shipbuilding. Many great ships were launched here, including the famous clipper 'Cutty Sark'. The famous shipbuilding family of Denny is recalled in the unique Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank. Now part of the Scottish Maritime Museum, this was the first purpose-built experimental tank to be used commercially and was built in 1882-3. For more than 100 years it aided the designs of hulls and propellers. (Visitors note: this isn’t just a bath for boats. It’s 100 metres long – about the length of a football pitch - and makes a fascinating visit.)