Dumbarton Prison

Appropriately situated next to Dumbarton Sheriff Court this is really all that is left of the old Dumbarton Prison, built in 1824, enlarged twelve years later and closed in 1883.

The building was subsequently used to store council documents until 1965. Most of it was demolished in 1973 to build the new main road from Dumbarton to Glasgow.

What is left is a listed building. The original iron-studded oak door has a large spy hole and a huge keyhole. Partially obscured by a birch sapling the coat of arms of the Royal Burgh of Dumbarton, featuring an elephant and castle, surmount the entrance.

The original crown stone, showing the monogram GR, has been inserted in an adjacent wall not visible on this photo.

I'd love to find out more of its history and its inmates. A visit to the local library might be called for I think.