Dumbarton pupils learn all things Scottish history for project

Bellsmyre Digital Community partnered with Dumbarton Castle Society (DCS), Historic Environment Scotland to help local school pupils learn about important periods in Scottish history.

There were a wide variety of topics to learn about which included the Vikings, Scottish Rivers including the River Leven and Clyde, historic Scottish figures and local Saints.

After learning about key moments in history, pupils presented their findings to an audience at the Concord Centre over two days.

To bring the past to life, DCS enlisted the help of local costume makers, Sew Shire, for the children to dress up, a local artist and a professional storyteller to capture the event.

Storyteller Anne Pitcher taught the schoolchildren throughout the event (Image: Anne Pitcher)

Dumbarton Castle Society has thanked everyone involved in making the event - which was provided funding by West Dunbartonshire Council Community Budget -  a wonderful experience for primary children in the area.

Robert Aitken, from Dumbarton Castle Society, said: "This is an extremely exciting history project in partnership with local primary schools and other key partners, agencies and volunteers who have made this project possible. We have been amazed with the level of enthusiasm and commitment shown by all concerned.

"The history of Dumbarton and its surrounding environs is quite breathtaking and we are committed to promoting and developing these rich and exciting seams of history in and around Dumbarton Castle and the local area.

"An additional and very welcome element of this project was the virtual headset experience for the pupils which was themed on the history periods which were engaged by the schools, supported by Bellsmyre Digital Community."

The event was attended by several councillors on the day and following its success it is hoped that it can continue as an annual event in the community.

There was also a range of artisan activities from Historic Environment Scotland on offer from soap carving and crown making; Sew Shire, textile weaving; Bellsmyre Digital Community weaving and even belt making.

Children learned about all things history at the event (Image: Bellsmyre Digital Community)

Kathleen Smith, from Bellsmyre Digital Community, said: "The aims of the event were to raise awareness of the history of Dumbarton Castle and its environs, following its recent reopening. Also, to raise awareness of the resources available at the castle and encourage more people to benefit from these, to visit the castle and experience first hand the rich, ancient history around it.

"Feedback has been incredibly positive. Over two hundred children - and adults, too - had a fantastic experience and are already asking when is the next event. The quality and diversity of the primary school displays are a reflection of all the hard work and creativity of pupils and staff from Dumbarton primary schools.

"Several parents told us that they had very much enjoyed learning alongside their children and had recently visited the castle for the very first time, as a result of the project. It was wonderful to see the schools, several organisations, local businesses and volunteers coming together to support the event."