Clydebank

Clydebank is a town in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, situated on the northern bank of the River Clyde, roughly seven miles west of Glasgow city centre. It is part of the Glasgow metropolitan area and functions as a residential and commercial centre for surrounding communities.

The town originated as a maritime industry hub in the 18th and 19th centuries, growing around ropeworks and shipyards on the Clyde. The John Brown & Company shipyard at Clydebank became one of Britain’s leading yards, building vessels such as the ocean liner Queen Mary. After the mid-20th century the area experienced industrial decline as Clyde shipbuilding contracted, and redevelopment followed.

In 1941 Clydebank endured a devastating air raid during the Clydebank Blitz, which destroyed large parts of the town centre and caused significant loss of life. The postwar period saw reconstruction and new housing schemes, with the town diversifying into commercial and light industrial uses.

Prominent landmarks along the riverfront include the Titan Crane, a surviving remnant of the shipyard era, and Clydebank Town Hall. The town retains several parks, schools, and community facilities, and continues to serve as a commuter base for Glasgow.

Rail and road links connect Clydebank with Glasgow and the wider region. Clydebank is administered by West Dunbartonshire Council and remains part of the Greater Glasgow urban belt, reflecting its historical ties to shipbuilding and its ongoing role as a local centre.