August Heritage Newsletter (TEST)
Hello from Sophie Traynor, Project Assistant
– 3 min read
Welcome to Clydesider's August Heritage Newsletter, bringing you the latest heritage news from across West Dunbartonshire every two months.
There is plenty going on to inspire you to get out and explore West Dunbartonshire's fascinating heritage.
I am delighted to be involved with Clydesider's ongoing heritage project and look forward to meeting you all and learning more about the great work taking place across our community.
Doors Open Days – September
Doors Open Days is a significant cultural event that celebrates places and stories, both old and new. It is Scotland's largest free festival, offering access to hundreds of venues and events across the country throughout September. In West Dunbartonshire, the event will take place on Saturday, 12 September 2026.
From guided walks and free access to many of our community's historic buildings, to the opportunity to visit the local Fire and Rescue Service and get up close to the equipment, there is plenty to get involved in.
You can find out more about what's on in West Dunbartonshire here.
Heritage News Around West Dunbartonshire
Clydesider Shorts
The World Cup may be over for another four years, but we still have plenty of football news for you.
In 1888, Renton FC beat the English FA Cup winners 4–1 in a match officially billed as the Championship of the World, before commissioning a trophy to prove it. You can find out more through our tongue-in-cheek short film about Renton's world title win, made by Clydesider volunteer and avid Bankies fan Billy McGeechan. Watch it here!
History Society
Clydebank Local History Society and the Lennox Heritage Society have published their upcoming programmes of history talks taking place over the next few months.
From talks on Singer, the building of the Erskine Bridge, and the important role women played in local community history, there is something to interest everyone.
The Clydebank Local History Society meets on Mondays at 7.30pm in Dalmuir Barclay Church, and the Lennox Heritage Society meets on Wednesdays at 7.30pm in the Concord Centre, Dumbarton.
You can find out more about the programmes of talks here:
Clydebank Local History Society – Syllabus
Kilmaronock Old Kirk, Gartocharn
Open Days continue to run at Kilmaronock Old Kirk, just east of the village of Gartocharn. The Kirk is open every Wednesday from 10.30am to 2.30pm. Why not call in and visit the Heritage and Community Hub?
In June, the Kirk launched its Stairwell Art Project with contemporary artist Rosanne Barr and pupils from Primary 6/7 at Gartocharn Primary School. Parents and visitors enjoyed meeting Rosanne and her family while viewing the new exhibits. The lift to the Heritage Gallery is now installed and fully operational, providing easier access and allowing visitors to avoid the old stone staircase if they are less confident using the stairs.
The team has also been rebuilding the drystone wall just beyond the front door. This listed wall dates back to 1695. On 4 and 5 July, a group of 20 volunteers from the West of Scotland Drystone Walling Association, alongside members of the local community, repaired this ancient structure using the same techniques employed more than 300 years ago, carefully fitting together the original Old Red Sandstone with a new supply sourced locally.
Did you know that quarrying Old Red Sandstone was a significant source of employment in the area during the mid-19th century?
West Dunbartonshire Heritage Network
The West Dunbartonshire Heritage Network meets every two months to share ideas, learning and updates on all things heritage across West Dunbartonshire.
The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, 25 August, from 11am to 1pm, at Kilmaronock Old Kirk, Gartocharn.
The meeting is open to anyone with an interest or connection to heritage in West Dunbartonshire. If you would like to attend this meeting or future meetings, please contact hello@clydesider.org for more information.