ROYAL GUN SALUTE AND ARMED FORCES DAY IN DUMBARTON

Provost Douglas McAllister and his Deputy Cllr John Millar take the salute with Jill Young MBE, Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire.

By Bill Heaney

Updated on 10 July 2023

A Royal Gun Salute marking the end of the year-long celebrations of Dumbarton’s 800th Anniversary was enjoyed by residents and history enthusiasts at the weekend.

The salute, sounded by the 207 Battery Royal Artillery, was led by Provost Douglas McAllister accompanied by the Depute Provost John Millar, Lord Lieutenant Jill Young, Councillors and members of the Police and Scottish Fire, Armed Forces and residents to witness the unique occasion.

Provost McAllister delivered a speech highlighting the significance of the occasion and the history and heritage of Dumbarton. The momentous occasion was followed by a civic reception held in the Church Street offices.

Provost McAllister said: “This is an extraordinary milestone for the town of Dumbarton and we’re so proud we were able to have this event held in such a historic landmark. I feel very proud to be able to witness this occasion and for the local community to come out and support this was fantastic. We’re proud of our heritage and we’re pleased to honour that today with this salute as we look to Dumbarton’s future.

Depute Provost Millar said, “We’re reminded today of all the achievements which Dumbarton has made in the last 800 years. We’ve been at the forefront of many industries and we’ve got so much more to give as a town and as people. This was a historic event and something we can all look back on with pride.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces Day was also held the previous week in Dumbarton and included a parade through the town centre with veterans’ groups, cadets and Scouts all marching.

On arrival at Church Street, a salute was taken by Jill Young MBE, Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire and Provost Douglas McAllister, followed by a short commemorative service in the civic space of Church Street, led by Reverend Stephen A Blakey, Staff Chaplain Scotland.

Provost McAllister said: “Armed Forces day provides us with an opportunity to recognise and honour the bravery, selflessness and commitment to our service personnel. We are immensely proud of those who currently dedicate themselves and have served in the past to protect our nation.

“I would like to thank the Rev Stephen A Blakey for conducting our service and for his inspirational sermon, appreciated by all present.”

Scottish Pipe Band Championships 2023

Saturday 29 July 2023

The Scottish Pipe Band Championships are due to take place at Levengrove Park, Dumbarton, G82 4AF on Saturday 29 July 2023. This is a free event which starts at 9.30am till approximately 6.00pm. We will welcome 114 pipe bands from as far afield as Australia.

Motor homes are welcome – £20 per night

Limited car parking is available on site – £5

There is no charge for entry to the event.

We have a range of traders offering a wide selection of goods and crafts including:

tartan wear, cakes and bakes, dog goods, hand crafted jewellery, skincare, confectionery, pipe band goods, face painting, fabrics, tweeds goods, crystals and fairy dresses, prints, photographs, gin and cocktail sampling. The fun fare will also be on all day and there will be plenty of caterers offering a selection of hot foods, ice creams, crepes and hot drinks.

The events wouldn’t be the same without a refreshing drink and the bar will also be offering a wide range of beers and spirits.

Download a map of the event arena (pdf 2.4mb)

Free pictures on behalf of West Dunbartonshire council. 2019 Loch Lomond Highland games at the Moss O’ Balloch. A record number of visitors turned out to watch the popular annual Loch Lomond Highland Games at Balloch today. More than 9,000 visitors attended the event, in Moss O’Balloch Park, for a range of traditional highland game competitions including cycling, running, hammer throwing and heavy weights and the traditional tossing of the caber and tug-of-war. Dancers entertained the crowds by performing traditional highland dances with their immaculate costumes and perfect hair, and spectators enjoyed music from Helensburgh Clan Colquhoun and Tulliallan pipes and drums. The popular games welcomed visitors from as far afield as Germany and Canada who travelled to Scotland to enjoy the traditional Scottish games and was broadcasted to millions of viewers in China watching Chinese travel programme ‘Zhu’s life in Britain’. Aynsley Gouck, Assistant Director of Niagra Highland Dance Academy, said “We are over from Ontario Canada and we are attending four Highland Games during our visit. We love Balloch it’s a beautiful area of Scotland and we’ve been looking forward to our visit. The Highland Dancing competition is very well organised and the girls are very honoured to be dancing in Scotland.” German friends Tina and Arthur Helbig and Kirsten and Volber Rademacher, said: “We are in Scotland for 10 days and although we’re not staying in Balloch we couldn’t miss this event. It’s a great to see all the smart girls in their beautiful Highland dress and hear the pipe band. We are very excited to be here today.” West Dunbartonshire Council leader Jonathan McColl, said: “This year’s event was a fantastic day and helped by the wonderful weather. Well done to all the competitors for putting on a great show and thanks to the spectators for encouraging the athletes and putting on a great show. It’s always lovely to meet visitors who have travelled around the world to attend this great event. I am proud of our Scottish heritage and the Games are a great way for tourists and visitors to get a true taste of Scotland. Well done to the Games’ committee, West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust and West Dunbartonshire Council on organising yet another hugely successful event.” The Chieftain of the Loch Lomond Highland Games, Major James Macrae said: “I am delighted with this year’s event which has been a great success and has been very well attended. We’ve been really fortunate with the weather the last two years and we are grateful to the thousands who came along, which is great testament to everyone involved in organising the Games. Over the years, the games have attracted contestants and spectators from home and abroad every year and I would like to thank everyone who played their part in making this year’s games a huge success. On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank our contestants and sponsors, in particular West Dunbartonshire Council and West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust, for their continued support.” For a full round up of results please visit Loch Lomond High Games website at http://www.llhgb.com Copyright photo by Paul Chappells, 07774730898 http://www.paulphoto.co.uk

Free pictures on behalf of West Dunbartonshire council. 2019 Loch Lomond Highland games at the Moss O’ Balloch. A record number of visitors turned out to watch the popular annual Loch Lomond Highland Games at Balloch today. More than 9,000 visitors attended the event, in Moss OÕBalloch Park, for a range of traditional highland game competitions including cycling, running, hammer throwing and heavy weights and the traditional tossing of the caber and tug-of-war. Dancers entertained the crowds by performing traditional highland dances with their immaculate costumes and perfect hair, and spectators enjoyed music from Helensburgh Clan Colquhoun and Tulliallan pipes and drums. The popular games welcomed visitors from as far afield as Germany and Canada who travelled to Scotland to enjoy the traditional Scottish games and was broadcasted to millions of viewers in China watching Chinese travel programme ÔZhuÕs life in BritainÕ. Aynsley Gouck, Assistant Director of Niagra Highland Dance Academy, said ÒWe are over from Ontario Canada and we are attending four Highland Games during our visit. We love Balloch itÕs a beautiful area of Scotland and weÕve been looking forward to our visit. The Highland Dancing competition is very well organised and the girls are very honoured to be dancing in Scotland.Ó German friends Tina and Arthur Helbig and Kirsten and Volber Rademacher, said: ÒWe are in Scotland for 10 days and although weÕre not staying in Balloch we couldnÕt miss this event. ItÕs a great to see all the smart girls in their beautiful Highland dress and hear the pipe band. We are very excited to be here today.Ó West Dunbartonshire Council leader Jonathan McColl, said: “This yearÕs event was a fantastic day and helped by the wonderful weather. Well done to all the competitors for putting on a great show and thanks to the spectators for encouraging the athletes and putting on a great show. ItÕs always lovely to meet visitors who have travelled around the world to attend this great event. I am proud of our Scottish heritage and the Games are a great way for tourists and visitors to get a true taste of Scotland. Well done to the GamesÕ committee, West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust and West Dunbartonshire Council on organising yet another hugely successful event.Ó The Chieftain of the Loch Lomond Highland Games, Major James Macrae said: “I am delighted with this yearÕs event which has been a great success and has been very well attended. WeÕve been really fortunate with the weather the last two years and we are grateful to the thousands who came along, which is great testament to everyone involved in organising the Games. Over the years, the games have attracted contestants and spectators from home and abroad every year and I would like to thank everyone who played their part in making this yearÕs games a huge success. On behalf of the committee, I would like to thank our contestants and sponsors, in particular West Dunbartonshire Council and West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust, for their continued support.” For a full round up of results please visit Loch Lomond High Games website at http://www.llhgb.com Copyright photo by Paul Chappells, 07774730898 http://www.paulphoto.co.uk