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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Entertainment
Sarah Ward & Sean Murphy

The stunning castle just half an hour from Glasgow that's set to reopen this spring

A stunning castle that lies just over half an hour from Glasgow, and was famously where William Wallace was taken following his capture in 1305, is set to reopen following repairs.

The imposing Dumbarton Castle, which sits at the bottom of the picturesque Dumbarton Rock, was recently closed at the beginning of 2022 as a safety precaution by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) after the site was identified as being dangerous to the staff and public.

The stronghold in West Dunbartonshire will reportedly reopen early this spring, following the completion of high-level masonry inspections, according to the Daily Record, with new measures introduced to mitigate the impact of climate change on its heritage assets.

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The tactile inspection of the iconic Castle was completed last year, with crucial repairs and checks to be carried out before it officially reopens.

The site's rich history stretches back over 1,500 years and it has been an important strategic spot that stands sentinel over the point where the River Leven joins the River Clyde.

In its lifetime, it has featured in wars between the Scots and the Norse and the English, and as well as being a royal stronghold, it was even involved in the defence of Britain during World War II.

The stronghold sits at the base of Dumbarton Rock (Reach)

According to HES, site was originally known by its Brittonic name, Alt Clut (Rock of the Clyde) before later earning the Gaelic name Dun Breatann (Fortress of the Britons).

In 1305, Sir John Menteith, keeper of Dumbarton Castle, caught Sir William Wallace and handed him over to the English for trial and execution.

Famously, local football club Dumbarton FC also play their home games on a ground close by.

The castle will be the latest site to reopen as part of the prioritised programme of inspections, following sites such as Doune Castle, Burleigh Castle, Dundonald Castle and St Andrews Castle which reopened after their surveys were carried out.

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