Dumbarton High Street Guided Walk

On a sunny but chilly Sunday afternoon, I undertook the Dumbarton High Street guided history walk - part of the ‘Our Stories’ Heritage Festival. 

Armed with an early 19th century town map and led by Jeremy Watson and Elspeth Crocket this was two hours of sheer joy, enjoyed by myself and about two dozen other interested souls. 

Starting at the Artizan Centre we traced the history of the town’s development through various stops including St Augustine’s Church, the Old Academy, the Sheriff Court, Old Dumbarton Prison and the Denny Shipyard.

From each vantage point, our attention was drawn to other major aspects on the Dumbarton horizon and we were entertained with a variety of anecdotes and character sketches as our imaginations worked to take in what the old town would have looked like in its heyday.

Naturally, the castle commanded our attention and the knowledge imparted by Jeremy and Elspeth was absolutely fascinating, meaning that a walk initially scheduled for ninety minutes was easily extended to two and a quarter hours.

Again, the conversations between those ‘en route’ and their input from memory or family hearsay were equally important and actively encouraged. How else would we have known that Marks and Spencer underwear was once manufactured on the site of the old glassworks? 

Thanks must go Jeremy and Elspeth whose knowledge and delivery were exemplary.