This A-listed church is currently undergoing a major programme of restoration. It is designed in an early-Gothic style and contains many interesting and attractive features including some well-studied stained glass. Visitors are most welcome to come and explore this fascinating building and talk to our guides who will show you around.
Guided Walk along the Dumbarton Heritage Trail
The walk will be guided by Dave Harvie, taking in sites of historical interest such as the Old Academy, Glencairn House and Dumbarton Bridge. The walk will finish at the Deny Tank Museum about 15.00 where a guided tour of the building will be available. Denny Tank Museum has a cafe.
A guided walk to Jaw Resevior and over to Cairnhowit. See the remains of a Neolithic tomb before returning via Greenside Resevoir. For further information contact Gillian Neil, Rnager Service, Council Offices, Garshake. Telephone 01389 752977.
Guided Walk through Old Kilpatrick/Bowling/Milton
A guided walk of around two hours covering a selection of Clydebank's historic sites including a visit to the former shipyard to see the 100 year old Titan Crane. For further information contact Gillian Neil, Rnager Service, Council Offices, Garshake. Telephone 01389 752977.
Clydebank. How to get there : Glasgow Road corner South Bank Street / Clyde Street. Clydebank's first Roman Catholic church was set up in 1889 near the foot of Kilbowie Road. In 1895 a two storey building, which served both as church and school, was erected close to the present site. That building became wholly utilised as a school when the present church was opened in 1903. It was designed by Peter Paul Pugin of Pugin and Pugin, a famous practice based in London, whose founder, A W N Pugin designed the interior of Westminster Palace. The interior is elaborate with a high altar and reredos with sculptured figures and canopied niches; stations of the Cross by Morgari of Turin; aisle arcades on octagonal columns; wooden shrine to the Madonna of Perpetual Succour brought from Rome. It is 'B' listed.
Dumbarton. How to get there : High Street, corner Church Street. Dedicated to St Augustine of Hippo. 1871-73. Architect : Sir Robert Rowand Anderson. A beautiful interior with some great stained glass. 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. Some woodcarvings such as the angels on the pews are worth a look. Total restoration of building in 2003. A parsonage and hall by A. C. Denny are now demolished, but a modern timber clad building was added. Scotland's great Art Nouveau architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh married Margaret Macdonald here in 1900. Main public parking off Risk Street behind (you can walk through from there), or off Riverside Lane adjacent the River Leven.
Overtoun House, now housing the Christian Centre for Hope and Healing was built for James Campbell White (Lord Overtoun) in 1860 is a large Scottish Baronial building. It was used as a maternity hospital for many years and its main feature is the Angel Room with its painted ceiling. The ground floor will be open for visitors. For further information on Overtoun House go to www.overtounhouse.com
Strathleven House within the Strathleven Industrial Estate. How to get there : Stirling Road from Dumbarton or Balloch turning at the roundabout near Chivas Brothers. Strathleven House is modern serviced office and business centre in a stunning historic Palladian mansion. The Strathleven estate, originally known as Kirkmichael, was owned in the 14th century by the Fleming family. It passed to the Semples of Fulwood in the 17th century. In 1677 it was bought by the royalist William Cochrane, 1st Earl of Dundonald (1605-1685). A tower house may have existed on the estate at this time, but in 1700 his grandson, William, built the present house which he named Levenside. His initials and coat of arms are inscribed on the stonework of the building. The architect is unrecorded. It has been suggested that William Adam, Sir William Bruce, or Alexander McGill may have been responsible. However, on stylistic grounds James Smith is considered the most likely designer. He was the most significant Scottish architect of his time and the person generally credited with introducing Palladianism into Scotland. The design of here has been compared to his houses at Newhailes near Edinburgh and Raith House in Kirkcaldy. The dovecote which stands nearby is considered to be contemporary with the house. [Wiki]. It is A-Listed and considered to be the earliest surviving example of the classic Palladian country house in Scotland. There is reputed to be a lost tunnel below it and linking with the River Leven. Nearby is the doocot tower and the stable block (not accessible). There will be someone on hand to show you around and to tell you the history of the building.
Constructed of green oak beams, upgraded from their appearance on the BBC's Castaway 2000 programme and furnished by Habitat. These buildings are designed to house four artists during their period of residence. The pods are located in beautiful surroundings with stunning views of Loch Long.
Off Great Western Road before cut-off for Erskine Bridge. Founded in 1823, the distillery is one of only a few remaining Lowland Malt Whisky Distilleries still in operation today. A hidden gem, rarely open for public tours, Auchentoshan Distillery is located only 20 minutes from the city centre. Auchentoshan produces a delicate, smooth and light Single Malt Whisky. The subtle aroma and flavour is achieved by the unique triple distillation process as opposed to twice elsewhere in Scotland. Join a tour with our distillery manager, Ronnie Learmond to see for yourself Auchentoshan's unique whisky production process. STB access category 1: unassisted wheelchair.
Scottish Baronial Building with many original features and original bathrooms. Last opportunity to see this Rochead designed building before it is sold.
Now home to Dalmuir Park Housing Association. Internal design by Glasgow Architect Miles Gibson. Currently houses a collection of work by local artist Tom McKendrick.
Dumbarton. How to get there : Go to the end of Castle Street, (extends from the High Street). See the world's first commercial ship model experiment tank in action and discover how William Denny & Brothers' innovative, experimental approach to shipbuilding made waves in the shipbuilding industry from the 1800s to 1963. This is part of the Scottish Maritime Museum. The Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank was built in 1882. It is one of the last reminders of the shipyard of the innovative and famous Company William Denny and Brothers. The tank was built to test ship hull designs and retains many original features including a water tank as long as a football pitch. Experience the working environment of the model makers, clay moulders and carpenters in 1882. Try your hand at smoothing and carving a real wax hull model. Test different hull designs in our own mini experiment tank. Enter the world of the Victorian ship designer, in William Denny's drawing office, and find out how to design your own ship. Join us on a guided tour of the building and learn about Denny Brothers, builders of the famous Cutty Sark and inventors of the Denny helicopter, Denny hovercraft and Denny-Brown stabilisers. See more at: http://www.museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk/member/denny-ship-model-experiment-tank FREE entrance on Doors Open Day. Cafe. Museum shop. The premises have several steps.
New for this year, the Kilmaronock Millennium Hall will be showing displays of local heritage, the story of the building and of Brigadier Alastair Pearson's military career.
Six shipping containers have been modified to create three en-suite accommodation units. Glass doors replace steel ones, with round windows cut into the sides of the units. Each living quarters has a balcony extending over a pond with spectacular views of Loch Long.
The church is of a classic 20C ecclesiastical design. This is the third oldest Roman Catholic parish in the Archdiocese of Glasgow, founded in 1841. Marble reredos, dado and altar. Our Lady of the Assumption statue by Jack Mortimer. Altar and baldacchino decoration by local artist Jim Brown. Stations of the Cross from original St Mary's (1900) and restored by Jim Brown.
The present church replaces an earlier pre-Reformation one whose arrow-slit windows are set in the chancel. The community at Old Kilpatrick has Roman origins into which it is thought, St Patrick's family became established. Graveyard with 17C gravestones.
Gardner's design for this building, with its facade of Ionic columns and a hint of French historicism, was the winner of a competition of which one of the adjudicators was James Miller architect of the Municipal Buildings. The interior has recently been refurbished and a wonderful stained glass wall panel by Leslie MacFie, depicting aspects of the town's history, can be seen in the foyer.
How to get there : Sinclair Street reached from Fleming Avenue off North Elgin Street off Glasgow Road. Easy disabled access. B listed, set in landscaped garden. The church is famous for its revolutionary roof design and sunken sanctuary. It features mosaics depicting the life of St Margaret, Queen of Scotland. A modern building within the same parish as Our Holy Redeemer. Although a little difficult to find, this church is a worthwhile visit as a complete contrast to the others in this programme. Clerestory lighting is achieved through the use of space framing. http://ohr-sm.weebly.com/
Early English Gothic style. Buttressed steel and timber roof. Fine Brook's pipe organ.
Clydebank. How to get there : Upper Kilbowie Road. Limited alternative access in Melfort Street (via Drumry & Clarence Streets). Founded as St John's-on-the-Hill 1897. Built in 1904. This is one of the churches that survived the Clydebank Blitz. It is described as perpendicular Gothic and with a battlemented belfry added 1933. The "Blitz Memorial Chapel" dates from 1997. A modern and evocative triptych by local artist Tom McKendrick depicting the Blitz is on display.
1886 Victorian Chapel with distinctive Gothic features. The first Baptists in Helensburgh started a church in 1833 and two Communion Cups dated 1859 survive from that period in the church. Fine stained glass window in memory of the Rev. John and Elizabeth Sale who were involved in founding the Zenana Mission.
Replaces an earlier church built in 1733 by the chief of the Clan MacFarlane when his land was separated from Luss parish. Extant remains of the earlier church are still in the graveyard.
Gothic T Plan with the Colquhoun family's laird's loft and hammerbeam roof. Stained Glass windows. Graveyard incl. 11C Norse hogback tombstone. 18-20C hatchments.
A GUIDED WALK with Elizabeth Pitts and Susanne Hall : Thursday 8th September at 2:30pm. Meet outside the Scout Hall in Ferry Road at 2:30pm. Booking is not necessary. Duration 1.5 hrs Old Kilpatrick's story Come and explore fascinating local history, not all of which is readily evident, but remnants of which still survive. Dorothy Wordsworth declared this area to be superior in grandeur to the Thames in Kent. It may not be like that anymore, but it still has many points of interest. It is not just a place of legends of Romans and St Patrick. The Forth and Clyde Canal passes through linking east and west. Above it soars the Erskine Bridge linking north and south. Alongside flows the mighty Clyde which has defined its very form and history. This trail covers features found in the Old Kilpatrick, Bowling and Milton heritage trail brochure available from local libraries or online here: http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/media/2619074/ok_booklet.pdf
Replaces church destroyed during the Blitz. Baptismal font in memory of children killed in Blitz. Coffee morning.
Two guided walks along the Forth & Clyde Canal 1: Clydebank to Dalmuir Drop Lock - meet at the bandstand, Clyde Shopping Centre 2: Dalmuir Drop Lock to Bowling Basin - meet at Dalmuir Drop Lock, off Dumbarton Road. Both walks will be led by Friends of Clydebank Museum. For further details contact Clydebank Museum.
A private dwelling house by John Boyd, architect. A mid-30s Moderne house restored to original 1935 Art Deco condition. Walnut panelled hall by craftsmen who worked on the staterooms of the liner, 'Queen Mary'.
B Listed. Sculpted reliefs and plaques by Frank Tritschier - "Pelican feeding its young from its own blood', inspired by St Thomas Aquinas.
Unusual Gothic Tower. Splendid Lewis organ.
How to get there : High Street at junction with Church and Castle Streets. A plain pedimented Georgian building designed by John Brash of Glasgow, architect, in 1811. But surprises await you. It has magnificent stained glass windows which you need to appreciate from the inside. There are several from notable artists. Look out for that by William Morris. And then enjoy the glorious light through that of the Millenium Window created by renowned glass artist John Clark. At the rear are remnants of the graveyard. Of interest are the mausolea. That for the Napier family is from 1846, a simple rectangular-plan Gothic enclosure.
A BUS TOUR with David Carson. Saturday the 10th September at 10:30am and 2:30pm. Meet at the Clydebank Town Hall. Duration 1.5 hrs. Booking required. Phone the Clydebank Library at : 0141 562 2440 This tour highlights the Blitz, but also takes in some of the history of the shipyards and even sewing machines. Clydebank has been transformed into a very different place, but it had been a very important shipbuilding centre. And that attracted the German bombers during WWII. The Luftwaffe carried out air raids on the shipyards and town in March 1941. The town was largely destroyed and it suffered the worst destruction and civilian loss of life in all of Scotland. 528 people died, 617 people were seriously injured, and hundreds more were injured by blast debris. Out of approximately 12,000 houses, only seven remained undamaged with 4,000 completely destroyed and 4,500 severely damaged. Over 35,000 people were made homeless. Clydebank's production of ships and munitions made it a target. A total of 439 bomber dropped over 1,000 bombs. RAF fighters managed to shoot down two aircraft during the raid, but none were brought down by anti-aircraft fire. Today Clydebank is again a thriving town albeit very different. But there are still signs of the Blitz - if you know where to look. More about the Blitz can be found online here: http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/leisure-parks-events/museums-and-galleries/collections/war-and-military/blitz/
A SPECIAL EXTRA : An opportunity to visit the nearby Titan Crane for FREE on Saturday the 10th. To ensure you get a place, phone 0141 562 2889. This exciting structure is close to Clydebank Town Hall. It has its reception building in Garth Street adjacent to West College Scotland's Clydebank Campus and is reached via Cart Street. Fantastic views can be had of the Clyde and over Clydebank, but the crane itself is the star attraction. You will learn about its construction and its role during the heyday of the great shipbuilding industry here. The Titan Crane is a 150-foot / 46m high cantilever crane designed to be used in the lifting of heavy equipment, such as engines and boilers, during the fitting-out of battleships and ocean liners at the John Brown and Company shipyard. It was also the world's first electrically powered cantilever crane, and the largest crane of its type at the time of its completion. It was used to construct some of the largest ships of the 20th century, including the Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Elizabeth 2. The Category A Listed structure was refurbished in 2007 as a tourist attraction and shipbuilding museum. As this is a unique opportunity to visit for FREE, visits will be on a first-come-first-served basis through booking on the phone number provided. Once your place has been confirmed, you will need to get to the arrival reception building just beyond the college. From there you will be taken by courtesy mini-bus to the crane. A guide will be on hand to describe the crane, its use and the history. http://www.titanclydebank.com/history.aspx Suitable for all the family.
Walk : From Romans until the Industrial Revolution in Duntocher and Hardgate
From Romans until the Industrial Revolution in Duntocher and Hardgate. On the 7th July 2008 the Antonine Wall was listed as an extension to the World Heritage Site The Frontiers of the Roman Empire, by UNESCO, joining Hadrian's Wall and the Limes Germanicus, the Germanic and Raetian Frontiers, in Germany. The structure was named after the Emperor Antoninus Pius (86AD-161AD) who had ordered the reconquest of southern Scotland moving the Roman Frontier north from his predecessor's frontier of Hadrian's Wall between the Solway and the Tyne. Now predominantly suburban, what was the western end of the Antonine Wall in time became the setting for various emerging industries.
The gardens are at Robin House, very near Balloch. Robin House is the local premises of Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS). How to get there: From Stirling or Drymen Road in Balloch, go north along Mollanbowie Road. You will see Robin House ahead of you when you reach the east gate of Balloch Castle. This is an inspiring and joyful place in the face of adversity felt by many families. You will be surprised by the architecture and the gardens. Every so often CHAS opens the gardens to the public, both to share it and give others an idea of what they offer. https://www.chas.org.uk/how-we-help/who-you-will-meet/at-robin-house The sweeping roofscape of this impressive modern building is by Hoskins Architects (2000). As this is a children's hospice, there is no access to within the building itself, but it can be enjoyed from its great garden. There are walks to explore and creatures to find. Definitely suitable for all the family. There is much to see in this cheerful and inventive landscape. Smaller children will love to explore it. Artwork depicting wildlife is to be found along the meandering paths.
Dating back to 6C, this early Christian site has part of a pre-Christian standing stone in the porch of the church. The present church was built on the site in 1467 and in 17C served as a Protestant chapel of ease. In 1948, the land of which it is part - Kirkton of Kilmahew - became the property of the Archdiocese of Glasgow. Restoration of the church by Ian Lindsay & Partners took place between 1953-5 at which time a small vestry was added on the north side. The nave was extended at the west end and a small belfry was added to the gable. Guide available.
James Hay. Fine Gothic building. John Logie Baird and Andrew Bonar Law Memorial windows.
1863 John Honeyman. Gothic style. Later alterations by William Leiper in 1888. Attractive interior, chancel alterations 1963.
How to get there : Pier Road or Ben Lomond Way near Lomond Shores - Balloch Station. Loch Lomond's Paddle Steamer on Loch Lomond, at Balloch Pier. Open to the public as a family-friendly historic visitor attraction and as a unique venue for events and functions. PS Maid of the Loch is the last of a long line of Loch Lomond steamers that began about 1816. She was built by A. & J. Inglis of Glasgow launched on Thursday 5 March 1953. She is a "knock down" ship: that is, after assembly at the shipyard she was dismantled, and shipped to the loch by rail to Balloch where her sections were reassembled on a purpose built slipway. Her two-cylinder compound diagonal steam engine is less advanced than had become usual on steamers such as the P.S.Waverley, but was considered suitable for the limited area of operations. The restored A listed Balloch Steam Slipway is capable of pulling the 555 gross ton Maid of the Loch out of the loch. Well worth a visit in its own right. Then board the paddle steamer itself. You can wander the decks and admire the great paddles. There is continuous work on the boat, but depending on what is in hand on the day, you should be able to see the great engines. Then back up for a cup of tea. http://www.maidoftheloch.org/
How to get there : Gilmour Street, Alexandria (off the Main Street). Category A listed. The grand ornate red sandstone facade hints at something special. Once inside this is confirmed. Although now the Bonhill and Alexandria St Andrew’s Royal Arch Lodge, No. 321, it was actually built as the Ewing Gilmour Institute for Working Girls in 1888. The "renaissance" main hall has a hammer-beam roof, one of only three examples of this kind (the other two being at Stirling and Edinburgh Castles). What does the symbolism of the lion head and iron ring signify? The corridor leading up to it has round windows, hinting at a Japanese influence, that look onto the rear garden. Details and decor give an extraordinary Arts and Crafts ambience. Poetic quotes are engraved into the sandstone lintels and the lovely (canvas) murals by Harrington-Mann who was one of The Glasgow Boys, also with quotations, depict the ideals of young women. The library that once stocked books of instruction, now displays the pride of the Masons, also very interesting in themselves. And of course, a pub is prominent. At the other end is the large kitchen. And below in the basement a function space. But something appears missing. Where did the girls live? After all we expect this to be a boarding school. A clue is better seen from outside. A "keep" or tower rises next to the main entrance. This is a spiral stairway to the large attic. While no longer accessible, it appears that there was a long dormitory up here. And the reason for the Ewing Gilmour Institute for Working Girls? Stretching out over most of the length of the Vale of Leven had been the extensive textile industry that we now now collectively as the Turkey Red. Working conditions were harsh and class differences absolute. Yet some great advances were eventually made in remedying the situation. This was one such altruistic project to raise the prospects of young women, the most discriminated against.
This is an active office building with the Leven Suite and Chamber room being used for marriages and civil partnership ceremonies. James Thomson, architect, 1900. A good example of Scottish Baronial style municipal architecture in red Locharbriggs sandstone. Scottish Jacobean features and some extraordinary stained glass on the stairs and old council chamber. Recently restored / refurbished. It was constructed in College Park, a piece of land presented to the town by Lord Overtoun. This was originally a park near the medieval collegiate church of St Mary, but later became the grounds of College Park House, owned and occupied by McMillan's shipbuilders. They were demolished to build the Municipal Buildings. Besides council offices, the building was to house the council chamber and registrar's office. Following its recent refurbishment the Municipal Buildings is now home to around 80 Council staff, including elected members and the Legal and Audit teams as well as Licensing Enquiries. The Registry Office facilities now include the Leven Suite and Chamber room.
Designed by John MacLeod, architect in1887 in the Gothic style. The third church for West Bridgend United Presbyterian Church was fully restored in 1997-98. An original piece of Victorian stencil work which decorated the walls was uncovered during restoration work and is now on view. Archie Richmond of Richmond Architects, Dumbarton, oversaw the restoration work. There are some great stained glass windows.
This trail covers a wide range of history of Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven. Bridges, glass production, textile industries such as Turkey Red, Robert the Bruce's retirement home and other surprises. Local historian, David Harvie, is an authority on the textile industries that once spread right through the Vale. You will explore the remnants of what was to become commonly known as the Turkey Red, the strange and often dangerous methods, the world-wide markets and the great social changes that occurred in spite or perhaps because of it. But along the way you will find many other historic features and their stories of interest. This trail covers that in the River Leven Heritage Trail brochure available from local libraries or online at http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/media/2619077/vale_of_leven.pdf
The walk will be led by Dave Harvie. Meet at the Municipal Buildings at 13.00. The tour will terminate at Levenford House at approximately 15.15.
New for this year, Cochno House was built in 1757 and is attributed to John Adam. It is a deep-plan, seven bay pavilion roofed house of classical distinction. It is now part of the Glasgow Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Limited access to the interior.
Duntocher, Hardgate & Faifley Heritage Trail
Taking in historical sites in and around Duntocher, Hardgate and Faifley with Dave Carson of West Dunbartonshire Heritage.
The Romans built the Antonine Wall near here in 142A.D.before retreating to Hadrian's Wall after only 20 years. Farming communities and villages such as Faifley, Hardgate and Duntocher had begun to develop along the line of the Roman Wall. The Forth and Clyde Canal was opened in 1790 and at that time the only structures between the canal and the river were the Barns O'Clyde farm buildings. Clydebank began as a town when J&G Thomson opened their shipyard in 1871 on the site of the West Barns O'Clyde farm. Clydebank grew rapidly when the Singer Company began construction of Europe's largest sewing machine factory in 1882. Clydebank became a burgh in 1886 and by 1913 the population was 43,000. On the nights of 13 and 14 March 1941, German bombers attacked the munitions factories and shipyards (also see the Clydebank Blitz tours). More about the history of this area can be found in the Clydebank Heritage Trail brochure which is available from local libraries or the Town Hall or online at http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/media/2619058/clydebank.pdf
Saturday 1st September. Dumbarton. How to get there : Strathleven Place opposite Dumbarton Central Library (near the main roundabout) and a short walk from Dumbarton Central Station. Parking is available nearby. A magnificent aisled 8 bay Gothic style building with a lower chancel and many beautiful and interesting features. Main building by Dunn and Hansom of Newcastle, architects. Built 1900-3. Sanctuary added in 1935. The tower was designed in 1926-27 by architects Pugin & Pugin. The belfry has a large tenor bell and a carillon of 23 bells. There is an interesting practice carillon too - a keyboard which operates the bells. Excellent stained glass. A statue of St Michael by Eric Gill. White marble pieta in memorial chapel. Mass had been celebrated in the Dumbarton area from the 1800s. By 1830 there were 500 Catholics and seeing the need for a church, St Patrick opened its doors; being the first post-Reformation Catholic church in the area. The foundation stone of the new church was laid in 1901 with the formal opening on the 22 March 1903. The foundation stone of the tower was laid on 27June 1926 by the Archbishop Mackintosh. The new marble side altars, the pulpit the altar rails, the organ, the mortuary chapel, the tower and its carillon of 23 bells had all been completed by the end of 1927 and with the erection of the Pieta on the marble altar in the basement of the tower the two years' work was brought to a successful termination. More can be found here : http://www.stpatricksdumbarton.org.uk/history.html
Built to replace an earlier medieval church. A Georgian kirk in rust-red stone with classical features. Memorial wall plaques give details of clergy back to 1325. Ancient gravestones in kirkyard.
Perpendicular style with castellated tower. Stained glass. Kirkyard with 18C gravestones. Tomb of Thomas Nairn, a local Covenanter.
Built under the Church of Scotland Church Extension Scheme. A large 'Heritage Tapestry' depicts the former church buildings, and a war memorial from the old parish church has been resited in the church grounds. The rear of the sanctuary has been converted into a small chapel, known as the Thistle Chapel, with attractive wood panelling with Gothic-type arches and thistles worked by church members. Stained Glass; handcrafted banners and hand embroidered kneeling cushions; various examples of gold-thread embroidery.
How to get there : Main Street corner of Queen Drive near Vale of Leven Academy. Dedicated and opened for worship on the Second Sunday in Advent in 1894.
Founded 1648. Graveyard. McLeod Campbell Memorial Window by Louis Davis of Pinner. Modern windows, wood carving inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's 'Last Supper'.
By J & R S Ingram of Kilmarnock. Scots-Baronial style Town Hall built by public subscription, it features a substantial first floor balcony and Art Nouveau vestibule. The building was renovated in 1935 for King George V's Silver Jubilee.
Originally Renton Old Parish Church which united wth Renton Union Church, then Renton Millburn Church in 1969. Stained glass windows by Oscar Paterson Glasgow 1912-1922.
Category B listed mid 19C church converted to hall on addition of new church by John Honeyman in 1883. There will be a historical exhibition and leaflet and a display of church banners. An organ recital on Sunday from 3pm to 5pm and tea & biscuits served.
Guided walks will be led by members of Helensburgh Heritage Trust. Depart 10.00, 12.00, 2.00 & 4.00 from the Tourist Information Centre, Clock Tower, East Clyde Street (junction of Sinclair Street) Each walk lasts approximately 1hour 20 minutes.
How to get there : Glasgow Road, near Kilbowie Road intersection. Recently restored and renovated 1902 building by James Miller. The clock tower was originally plain on a building which became the focus of the town's administration. A Winged Mercury figure, once above the tower and brought down by the storm of 1968, now stands above the cafe. The heavily quoined facade with frontispiece of coupled columns has some fine stone carving. Exhibitions explore the shipbuilding history of West Dunbartonshire, the yards, ship building families, workers and famous ships that made the area renowned throughout the world for its ship building expertise.
Stirling City Heritage Trust Walking Tour - John Allan 'A Man of Original Ideas'
This walking tour celebrates the work of local Victorian architect, John Allan. The walk will take us from the Stirling Smith through King’s Park to visit a number of John Allan’s most important buildings and discuss the work and life of this most extraordinary man who contributed so significantly to the townscape of Stirling. The walk will then return to Stirling city centre taking in some of the key historic buildings that stand alongside this architect’s innovative approach. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the walk. Booking required for tours. Please book your place on either/both tour with Stirling City Heritage Trust on 01786 498 462 or email lindsay@ scht.org.uk Disabled access.
Stirling City Heritage Trust Walking Tour - King Street 'A Place of Quality'
This walking tour celebrates the architectural heritage of King Street. Originally the royal burgh’s ‘High Gait’ the street was transformed in the nineteenth century to be the jewel in Stirling’s commercial crown with banks, large commercial retailers and well-known hotels. This walk in King Street will provide an insight into the architectural legacy of this period. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the walk. Booking required for tours. Please book your place on either/both tour with Stirling City Heritage Trust on 01786 498 462 or email lindsay@ scht.org.uk
New to Stirling’s Doors Open Days! St Mary’s Episcopal Primary School has been on its present site since 1850. When it was founded, there was no welfare state and Churches were left to fill the educational gaps as best they could and Henry Malcolm of St Mary’s Episcopal Church expressed a fervent wish that the church should fund a school for poor children in the parish. The ground was gifted by Kippendavie Estate. During the Second World War the school building was used by the army and the school was decanted. While not a Listed Building, the school is in the Dunblane Conservation Area and it is historically significant as the first self-governing primary school in Scotland. In April 2003 St. Mary’s returned to local authority control. Tours will be given round the school. Disabled access.
New to Stirling’s Doors Open Days! This prominent gabled gothic church was built to serve Dunblane, it is Category B Listed and dates from 1843. It was designed by John Henderson, who designed over fifty churches throughout Scotland. Still in use as an ecclesiastical building, St Mary’s Church was consecrated by the Episcopal Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane on 28th May 1845. Inside is the original pipe organ. Come along and join in the activities on the day. Disabled access.
The Sculpture Placement Group, an organisation that works with artists to place sculptures in locations throughout the country, has two sculptures located in Bannockburn House for Doors Open Days visitors to enjoy. The group launched the Sculpture Adoption Scheme in 2018 and has so far placed 35 sculptures in new locations, bringing the artist and organisation together to negotiate an adoption benefiting both parties. For more information about the scheme contact info@ sculptureplacementgroup.org.uk Limited disabled access.
Walking Tours with Stirling City Heritage Trust – John Allan ‘A man of Original Ideas’
King Street, Stirling FK8 1AY Tuesday 11th September: 6.00 – 7.00 – meeting point outside King Street entrance to Stirling Arcade This walking tour celebrates the work of local Victorian architect, John Allan. The walk will take us through Stirling city centre and King’s Park to visit a number of John Allan’s most important buildings and discuss the work and life of this most extraordinary man who contributed so significantly to the townscape of Stirling. He left an incredible legacy of tenements, grand villas and architecturally distinctive commercial buildings. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for the walk. Booking required for tours. Please book your place on either/both tour with Stirling City Heritage Trust on 01786 498 462 or email lindsay@scht.org.uk
Stirling Walking the Marches is a yearly procession to celebrate our 800-year-old tradition of inspecting Stirling’s city boundaries It promises to be a lively procession complete with our very own Stirling Bellman, Pipe Bands and medieval time travellers. The Walking of the Marches will start and finish at the Rotunda at the bottom of King Street, with the Albert Halls, Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Cowane’s hospital and the Holy Rude as key stopping points along the way and will last around 90 minutes. Limited disabled access - due to steep hills, uneven surfaces and cobbles.
The Tolbooth was once known as the worst jail in history! Now a Cateogry A Listed public building, it is still a particularly important building in Stirling and has a very long and interesting history. Many historic features remain alongside the modern intervention completed a number of years ago.
A free conference exploring and celebrating the history of the King's Park from Frontier to Royal Park and Tourist Attraction, including, weather permitting, a tour of the King's Knot. Bring a packed lunch or try the Smith cafe for lunch.
Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ Visit The Engine Shed - Scotland's national centre for building conservation - and see the remarkable refurbishment of this old industrial building, the latest exhibition and join some workshops. The entrance faces the town centre and is opposite the spikey bridge. Disabled access
Come and see this Category B Listed Building and one of the most popular youth hostels in Scotland. The original building, Erskine Marykirk Church, dated from 1824 but was almost completely destroyed in a fire and only the front façade now remains of the original building. Stirling’s Youth Hostel is a good location for Doors Open Days visitors to drop in to see the building and buy a coffee and a cake while you’re there. Popular with visitors from around the world, it’s a great base from which to discover the Stirling area. For more information visit www.hostellingscotland.org.uk Disabled access to ground floor.
Located at the centre of Stirling’s Old Town, the Category A Listed Tolbooth was built at the start of the 1700s and is an exceptionally good example of a burgh tolbooth. It has had many uses including; a municipal centre, courthouse and jail, workhouse and wartime army recruitment centre. Although it was converted 200 years after its construction it retains substantial 18th and 19th century interior decoration and is now a Doors Open Day 2019 25 thriving arts and music venue. The building will be open for visitors to wander around the public areas or to take a tour. Tickets for Guided Tours are free but should be booked in advance as there is limited capacity. They can be booked via the Tolbooth Box Office on 01786 274000 or Albert Hall Box Office 01786 473544. Tours will last approximately one hour and will start on Saturday at 11.00 or 1.00 and on Sunday at 2.30 or 4.00. Disabled access to all floors and public areas via lift - Guided Tours include stairways and narrow doorways and are not suitable for people requiring full disabled access. However, the building will be open to people to wander around themselves in all public areas.
An opportunity to visit the cells! Popular with all the family, the Category B Listed Sheriff Court is not to be missed. Originally designed by Thomas Brown in 1864 then modified by Wardrop and Reid in 1874-76. Court Room One contains an impressive hammer-beam roof, original seating and hooded canopy above the judge’s bench. Tours of the court rooms and cell area will last approximately one hour and will take place every half hour. This building is very popular and the tours can be extremely busy, please be aware that you may have to queue and that tours may be closed if maximum numbers are reached. Disabled access.
If you’re interested in your family history, history of your house, any another building or the past in general within the Stirling Council area then come along to Cowane’s Hospital and speak to the staff from our Local Archives Team. Our knowledgeable Team will have exhibition boards displaying some of the many highlights from their extensive collection and will be happy to chat with you about what information they hold and how they can help you with your project. Archives is an invaluable resource if you’re interested in the past and want to know more - don’t miss it! Disabled access. Doors Open
This year Stirling Community Fire Station is having an open day which will include: the Scotish Fire and Rescue Service; Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, Scottish Mountain Rescue. Also in attendance: will be theMobile Fire Museum,Antony Nolan Trust, The Fire Fighters Charity, SFRS Family Support Trust and Biker Down. The station will be operational throughout and Doors Open Days and visitors might get a safe opportunity to watch the fire personnel responding to an incident. In the event of any emergency Specialist Fire Safety Staff will remain at the station with visitors. Disabled access to yard.
Civic Trusts have been established in Scotland for over 50 years, Stirling Civic Trust started in 1977. Trusts were set up to monitor planning applications to ensure that wherever possible, buildings of heritage interest and significance were preserved and/or restored. The key aims of Stirling Civic Trust are to: encourage high standards of architecture, planning and landscape design in the City of Stirling and its surroundings and; to encourage the preservation of existing features of architectural or historic interest and the preservation, development and improvement of features of general public amenity. Come along and see the Stirling Civic Trust Display and find out more. Disabled access.
This Gothic Arts and Crafts simple style church building, designed by James Miller and constructed by Hugh Kennedy, dates from 1892-3 and is Category C Listed. It was constructed by the quarry workers from the Aberfoyle slate quarry in their own time and for no pay. The church’s first congregation included many of these quarry workers who had come from Ballachulish and the Western Isles, a staunchly Episcopalian area of Argyll, who had settled in Aberfoyle to work in quarries here. This year there will be a Pure Brass concert at 3.00 on Sunday, admission to this is by donation. Disabled access. Doors Open
St Mary's Church, Upper Bridge Street, Stirling
Designed by Peter Paul Pugin and opened in 1905. Late Gothic red sandstone church with a lofty vaulted interior, stone arches and angel corbels. Stained glass windows of note.
2 Park Terrace, Stirling FK8 2NA Not to be missed! St Columba’s is a prominent and building within King’s Park, dating from 1902 it is Category B Listed and surely one of the most utilised church buildings within the Stirling Council area. Disabled access but not to tower - due to steps and ladders
St Blane’s located close to the heart of Dunblane and is a Category B Listed Gothic Revival design church of cruciform plan dating from 1853-54. This is your opportunity to get inside this newly refurbished church and see its particularly impressive arch-braced roof with tie beam and diagonally boarded sarking and roof timbers, decorated with geometric stenciling. It was built as a Free Church and is unusually traditional and decorative in appearance for a church of that denomination. Disabled access.
St Andrew’s Scottish Episcopal Church, Callander
Set within the sunny village of Callander this particularly attractive Gothic church is Category B Listed and was built by the resident stone mason from Balquhidder. The building dates from 1857 and is cruciform in plan with a later 19th century half-octagon plan sanctuary. Along with St Mary’s, Aberfoyle, St Andrew’s is one of the most westerly parishes of Diocese of St Andrew’s, Dunkeld and Dunblane. Disabled access.
Pathfoot Building Art Collection, University of Stirling
This is a very rare opportunity for a limited number of visitors to book your place on a tour of this fantastic little house (tour duration will be approximately 30 mins). Old Auchentroig is more than another building associated with Rob Roy MacGregor and has been described as ‘a very early artisan interpretation of the symmetrical classicism which succeeded 17th century Renaissance styles. It is of exceptional significance in understanding the development of Scottish vernacular architecture’. Dated 1702 this Category A Listed Laird’s house was restored as part of the National Trust for Scotland’s Little Houses Improvement Scheme in 1999. It retains its datestone, with coat of arms above, and is unusually intact for a building of this age and retains a high proportion of its original fabric (including practically its entire roof structure). Booking essential and places are limited. Places must be booked before 5pm on Wednesday 12th September To book your place please email doorsopendays@stirling.gov.uk or call 01786 233 670 (Mon-Weds). Limited disabled access – due to stairs.
Stirling Old High School Observatory & Telescope
Take your opportunity to see the moon, and more, through the 130 year-old Newtonian reflecting telescope within the copper-domed Observatory at the Category A Listed Stirling Highland Hotel. This impressive building used to be Stirling High School building and was converted into an hotel in 1990. Telescope viewing will be provided by Stirling Astronomical Society members. Group tours of up to 10 people will last approximately 30 minutes. This is a very popular event so you may have to queue but the hotel has kindly provided a room where you can watch a digital presentation while you wait. To avoid everyone arriving at the same time, if your party doesn’t have children please come after 8pm. No disabled access to Observatory – due to the two flight spiral staircase but those unable to climb the stairs can enjoy the digital presentation. Doors Open
Mugdock Castle is situated within the scenic Mugdock Country Park, which is one of Scotland’s most popular visitor attractions. This Scheduled Ancient Monument dates back to the 1300’s and retains its original four-storey south-west tower mostly intact. Come and see inside the Castle tower and climb the stairs to the top and enjoy the fantastic views from the parapet walk over Mugdock Country Park and beyond. Disabled access to grounds only - there is no access to tower.
Macrobert Arts Centre, University of Stirling
University of Stirling FK9 4LA Macrobert Arts Centre is a multi-arts venue located on the main campus of the University of Stirling, Scotland. The Arts Centre offers a varied programme of events and experiences – cinema, comedy, dance, exhibitions, family, get involved, music, opera and theatre – catering for audiences from across Stirling, the Forth Valley and beyond. It was originally opened in 1971 as Scotland's first purpose-built arts centre. The Macrobert always offers fun for all the family and is not to be missed! Find our more on the website: www.macrobertartscentre.org Macrobert Arts Centre Box Office: 01786 466 666 or email boxoffice@macrobertartscentre.org Disabled access
Come and visit Scotland’s oldest purpose-built private library, prominently located within the centre of the historic Cathedral City of Dunblane and close to the Golden Post-box. This impressive Category A Listed traditional building is over 300 years old, it is particularly characterful form the exterior and the well preserved interior retains furnishings as well as the library’s collection of books. The friendly volunteers will be pleased to tell you more about the history of this wonderful building. Unfortunately no disabled access - due to forestairs.
Lecropt Parish Church dates from the early 1800s and the large pinnacle tower of this Category A Listed Building is now just visible from the M9 above the trees which have grown up around it. The interior is described as being of great interest and it certainly has many wonderful details to look at. Members of the congregation will be available to welcome and show visitors round the Kirk, advise on its history, beautiful windows and pipe organ (unfortunately no longer in use ) and to ensure a fun and informative visit for all. There will also be old photos and documents for visitors to view and the volunteers will be happy to try and answer any questions about the Kirk. For those visitors up for a challenge - you can guess the use of the mystery object, which only two visitors have managed to get right in the past 5 years! Disabled access. Doors Open Day 2019
The Smiddy is located next to The Cross in Kippen, right at the centre of the village. It was used by the Rennie family as a blacksmiths for nearly 200 years until the mid-1980s. It is now cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, to whom it was donated by Andrew Rennie in 1985, the NTS refurbished it in the early 1980s. This Category C Listed Building retains many of the features and tools from its use as a smiddy. Limited disabled access.
Situated in the beautiful village of Kippen is the Category B Listed Kippen Parish Church. A church in Kippen was first mentioned in public records in the 1300s, the existing church dates from 1825 and was enlarged in 1928. These works resulted in a beautiful sanctuary which reflected some of the ideals of the Arts and Crafts Movement and it is thought that much is owed to the input of knowledge, taste and contacts of the prominent Scottish artist, Sir David Young Cameron, who lived in the parish for 46 years. This is a well-loved church building which contains a stunning wealth of arts and craftsmanship within it and it is definitely well worth the trip to Kippen to see. Disabled access.
Being so far inland, Kippen is not somewhere you would expect to find a boat builders! Boats used to be fully built and fitted out in Kippen before being transported to Greenock. Kippen boat builders, James and Niven Miller, moved to Kippen from St Monans in Fife in 1937 and started building clinker boats and then lifeboats. Clinker boats developed in Northern Europe and are built with the hull planks overlapping each other, it is a style of boat building that has been around since medieval times. A variety of tools and other interesting historic artefacts will be on display for visitors. Limited disabled access.
The Iris Murdoch Building is the home of the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at the University of Stirling, it is an international centre of excellence whose purpose is to improve lives for people living with dementia, promote creating dementia friendly communities and improving policy and practice. Dame Iris Murdoch was an Irish novelist and philosopher, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 1997. The building was officially opened in March 2003 by Dame Judi Dench who, along with Kate Winslet, portrayed Iris Murdoch within the movie ‘Iris’. This was the first dementia friendly public building in the UK and still attracts visitors from around the world. It houses the Design and Technology Suite, which provides examples for those looking to visually understand how they can make space more supportive for someone living with dementia. Come along to visit the Iris Murdoch Building during Doors Open 2018 and: • take a handset tour of the Design & Technology Suite, tour duration approx. 30 mins. Please visit the reception desk on arrival for a tour handset (handsets only available in English). • view the artwork on display within the gallery • access the DSDC publications and information library • take a walk in the DSDC’s dementia friendly garden and take in the breath-taking views over Airthrey Loch towards the castle Disabled access – the building is fully accessible by wheelchair but entrance doors are not automatic opening - staff will be able to assist if required.
Holy Trinity, Stirling, dating from the late 1878 is a stunning Category A Listed church. Converted by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson in 1921 to commemorate the fallen of World War 1, the building and it's interior are in near original condition. There are many original fittings and it is noted particularly for the high-quality stained glass windows and range of military memorials, including the carved war memorial in the Memorial Chapel.
Historic Environment Scotland's Engine Shed at Forthside
The Engine Shed was once a military goods and transfers shed. It was built sometime between 1896 and 1913 but the exact details of its construction were subject to an information blackout and are still unknown today. Historic Environment Scotland undertook extensive restoration of the building and its doors opened in 2017. The Engine Shed in Stirling is now Scotland’s dedicated building conservation centre and serves as a central hub for building & conservation professionals and the general public. The Engine Shed is a vital learning and visitor resource to help encourage a greater understanding of traditional building materials & skills, which are in short supply, and to inspire future generations to continue to care for the finite and unique resource that is Scotland’s built heritage. Come and take a free guided tour of Scotland’s dedicated building conservation centre, learn about our building including how it was constructed by using traditional materials in a contemporary way and how many other traditional materials have been able to be recycled or restored during the restoration. Booking essential Tours are by arrangement only, to book your place please go to https://www.engineshed. scot/whats-on/ Disabled access - There are two accessible parking bays for blue badge holders located on the street at the front of the building adjacent to the spikey bridge stairs. Doors Open
Dementia Services Development Centre Talk & Tour
The Dementia Services Development Centre is housed in the purpose built Iris Murdoch Building and is an innovative example of dementia friendly design in practice. The Design & Technology Suite showcases practical design solutions for people with dementia and their carer's. Browse the Library, which houses one of the UK's largest collections of publications on dementia, and purchase books from our bookshop.
49 St John Street, Stirling FK8 1ED This Category A Listed hospital building at the Top of the Town was designed by John Mylne in 1639 and founded by John Cowane for poor members of the local Merchant Guild. Originally two storeys inside it was altered in 1852 to form a guildhall with balcony, gallery and elongated windows in the main hall. The Top of the Town graveyards are full of interesting headstones and sculptures and very characterful, definitely worth visiting when you’re at the Cowane’s Hospital and the Holy Rude. Disabled access to ground floor
The Category A Listed Church of the Holy Rude is the second oldest building in Stirling (after the castle) and has been a place of worship for over 600 years. King James VI was crowned within the church and it houses the largest romantic organ in Scotland. It is surrounded by the Top of the Town graveyards, from where musket shot-holes from 1651 are visible in the tower wall from when Stirling Castle was under siege. The singing group, The Gargoyles of Gargunnock, will provide at various times a selection of medieval and renaissance songs in the style of wandering minstrels. There will be displays from Stirling Council Archives and Stirling Civic Trust with representatives from both of these organisations on hand for most of the weekend to answer your questions. Cowane’s Hospital will also have a display explaining about the ongoing refurbishment works there. Disabled access.