The park is quintessentially a 19th century private estate, developed as a park at the beginning of the 20th century. Its design and layout has remained largely unaltered since 1800, at the time the current castle was built. It is unique in being the only registered historic designed landscape within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
The park is undergoing a transformation in the form of a £2.4 million Heritage Lottery Fund restoration project. (2003-2006). The major benefits derived from the project are:
- The restoration of a 19th to early 20th century designed landscape, unique within the National Park.
- An improved sense of security and robustness to the park infrastructure.
- The enhancement of recreational facilities for all age groups.
- Improved accessibility and interpretation.
- The improvement and protection of nature conservation value and diversity.
- The development and promotion of one of the best conifer collections within the region.
The park plays host to the Loch Lomond Highland Games every July, and has been the venue for major concerts including REM, Oasis, and Runrig.
The park has an unusual formal layout, which gives it a distinct charm and character. The formal area contains a large amount of ornamental shrub and seasonal spring and summer bedding displays. The woodland embankment area consists of predominately oak and beech planting. There are two children's play areas in the park, one suitable for age group 6 to 14 years and a new toddler's site which caters for 1 to 5 years old.
The park consists of a number of distinct areas, a formal garden that contains a large area seasonal spring and summer bedding displays as well as Herbaceous and Ornamental shrub planting. A pond and adjacent entry area are a major feature of the park also forming part of the park is a small semi - natural woodland area and waterside walk. The park also accommodates a bowling green and a children's playground that caters for a wide range of age groups.
The park consists of a formal garden with extensive spring and summer bedding displays, there is also mixed shrub planting in the formal area, an Arboretum, open grassland, recreation facilities which include a Basket Ball court, and two play areas, one for children aged 6 to 14 years and a new toddlers site for 1 to 5 years old. The park hosts a number of events such as the Scottish Pipe Band Championship in May, a gala day in July, and a firework display in November.
Overtoun Estate
Overtoun Estate is at the foot of the Kilpatrick Hills in Dunbartonshire. It lies approximately Two miles northeast of the town of Dumbarton and is accessible from the A82 Glasgow to Loch Lomond trunk road at Milton. There is pedestrian access from Campbell Avenue in Dumbarton via an existing right of way. The estate extends to some 55 hectares, the majority of which is mixed oak woodland, grazing, and landscaped gardens, and it represents a major land holding for West Dunbartonshire Council. Overtoun House Christian Centre currently leases Overtoun House, which dates from the mid 19th century, from the Council.
Overtoun Estate is accessible to the people of Dumbarton and is used regularly for passive recreational pursuits including strolling and dog walking. It represents a very important link between the residential suburbs of Dumbarton and the wider countryside. It is not generally known by the wider population of the Glasgow, who are more familiar with country parks in the area including Balloch Castle on Loch Lomond.
Contact Us
To request further information, please contact:
Housing, Environmental and Economic Development
Grounds Maintenance Section
Elm Road
Dumbarton
G82 2RH
Telephone: 01389 608412
Telephone: 01389 608413
Fax: 01389 608418
E-mail: heed@west-dunbarton.gov.uk.
