Garelochhead

Garelochhead ("Ceann a' Ghearrloch" in Gaelic) is a small town situated on the Gare Loch in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It is the nearest town to the HMNB Clyde naval base.

Garelochhead lies at the head of the Gare Loch, 7 miles (11 km) northwest of Helensburgh. Loch Lomond is a few miles to the east, and Loch Long to the west. The scenic beauty of the loch is only slightly marred by the presence of the HMNB Clyde submarine base and the associated semi-permanent 'peace camp'. In addition to the few local shops, pubs and churches, it has a bowling club and a well run Community Centre at the Gibson Hall.

There is also a British Army training camp situated nearby, that was originally constructed during World War 2. Consisting mostly of recently-built Nissen huts, it is still often used by the military who carry out training exercises, including OBUA simulations and residential work experience for school pupils, in the nearby hills and on Glen Fruin. The camp is also used by Strathclyde Police during protests at HMNB Clyde.

Garelochhead's 1,265 residents are served by Garelochhead railway station on the West Highland Line.

History

Garelochhead developed from the 1820's with the advent of steamer cruising. Tourism was boosted with the opening of the West Highland Railway line to Oban in 1894, and in the late 20th century its prosperity was linked to the deepwater terminal at Finnart on Loch Long and the Fasland military port. Garelochhead Forest lies to the south.

The Battle of GarelochheadIn 1854 there was what became known as the "Battle of Garelochhead" fought between the locals, led by Sir James Colquhoun, and the passengers of the steamer Ship "Emperor". The trouble started when Colquhoun did not want trippers on the sabbath day. The battle was eventually won by the passengers, but undeterred Colquhoun took his case to the courts who subsequently banned sailings on Sundays.

Before Faslane naval base, or more recently HMNB Clyde arrived, Garelochhead was a summer destination for people from Glasgow who would arrive from the Gare Loch and spend time in one of the Garelochhead hotels. Following transport advancements, holiday makers stopped coming to Garelochhead. Faslane was built after this, and extended the town as workers settled in the area.

During the 1990's, 2 of the villages hotels, The Dahlandui & Garelochhead Hotel, burnt down in fires allegedly started by their owners.

In the last ten years, due to lack of attendance the local Roman Catholic Chapel has closed down with the Church of Scotland Kirk in the village holding a combined congregation of both Protestant and Catholic