AND THE VALE OF LEVEN ::: The southern shores of Loch Lomond open into a broad, fertile valley that wends it’s way alongside the fast flowing River Leven. Several small villages overlook the river as it continues its journey to the sea via Dumbarton and the Firth of Clyde. Dumbarton, capital of the Ancient Britons’ once powerful kingdom of Strathclyde, is steeped in history, myth and legend. It’s name derives from Dun Breatann meaning fortress of the Britons - an ancient tribe who gave their name to these islands. At it’s peak the kingdom of Strathclyde extended from the shores of Loch Lomond as far south as Morecambe Bay in the north west of England. Dumbarton as the capital of this mighty kingdom was a place of some significance, as was it’s imposing cliff-top fortress. Dumbarton Castle, once thought to have been the birth of Ireland’s patron saint, St Patrick, as well as an outpost of the Antonine Wall, has links with many famous Scots, including William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots, who set sail from here in 1548 to marry the Dauphin of France. One of the most unusual legends concerning the castle suggests that it was the residence of the mighty King Arthur. It is reputed that in the Middle Ages the castle was known as Arthur’s Castle, perhaps for a time, it was also known as Camelot! In the twelfth century King Malcolm IV created the Earldom of Lennox (originally Levenax - relating to the River Leven) whose family stronghold was for a time at Balloch Castle, on the southern shore of Loch Lomond. The Earls of Lennox were the hereditary keepers of Dumbarton Castle. Today, Dumbarton is a modern town bustling with life and activity. The town is one of Scotland’s leading whisky bottling and blending centres. Yet for many the hey-day of Dumbarton was not in the mists of the Middle Ages but during the Industrial Revolution. At one time there were as many as half a dozen ship yards in Dumbarton, the most significant of which was Wm. Denny and Brothers (1844-1963). It was this shipyard that completed the famous tea clipper ‘Cutty Sark’ (now docked at Greenwich, London). Also made in Dumbarton was the S.S. ‘Sir Walter Scott’, a charming pleasure cruiser, that sails the waters of Loch Katrine in the Trossachs. Please also see the following links for more information on the Town and Castle: Undiscovered Scotland. BBC Scottish History

Contact Details ::: Address: 79 Glasgow Road, Dumbarton G82 1RE Phone: 01389 731 943; (Outside the UK) +44 1389 731 943 Mobile: 07833 518 785; (Outside the UK) +44 7833 518 785. Please Note ::: If you can't reach us on the land line first go, then please feel free to try our mobile at any time; or send an e-mail. We check e-mails frequently, and answer them very quickly (usually within a few hours). Email is not 100% reliable: if you have not received an answer to your e-mail within 24 hours, it has either not come through or our reply has not gone through to you, so please try again or give us a call.

*SPECIAL OFFERS FOR SUMMER 2008*. If you book rooms ISCHIA and LA SILA together for accommodation dating any time between 6 May 2008 and 31 October 2008 you will get a 10% discount** on all nights for both rooms. Please Quote the Offer Code: SUMMER08. ** Terms Condtions of Offer. A minimum two night booking may apply in high season or busy periods. The offer is only valid if booked directly through us. The Offer only applies for bookings made after 1 May 2008 when our new 2008/2009 rates were applied. Cannot be used with any other offers/discounts.

*NEWS*NEWS*NEWS*NEWS*. We've had such a great experience with the since opening in early 2005 that we're happy to announce that we've decided to expand! We're in the process of planning a further three bedrooms all with ensuite or private facilities, which we hope to open sometime in late 2008 or 2009. The work will be done while the BB is closed, so it goes without saying that this will not effect your stay if you'll be visiting us before. Check back soon for more details.

 Hairdryer
 Heating
 Kitchen
 Parking lot
 Private park, garden, courtyard
 Private/Ensuite bathroom
 Tea and coffee making facilities
 TV sets in rooms