Arthur trail route to boost tourism

Jan 25 2013 by Andrew Galloway, Lennox Herald

A new trail to explore the life and battles of King Arthur could include Dumbarton on its route.

The real version of the legendary fifth and sixth century monarch is believed to have strong roots in the area – including having fought a battle on and around Loch Lomond.

Author Robin Crichton is set to launch the track along with tourism bodies – and reckons it could generate at least £12.5m of tourism revenue in its first year alone.

And historian Billy Scobie, of Alexandria, says there is evidence that the king has connections with Dumbarton and its surroundings.

He said: “I’m absolutely in favour of a King Arthur trail taking in Dumbarton.

“Anything that makes residents or visitors to Dumbarton more aware and more appreciative of the district’s history and heritage is a good thing.

“Geoffrey of Monmouth, of the 12th century, tells us quite specifically that Arthur fought a number of battles in Scotland, one being on and around Loch Lomond.

“Geoffrey was a man of his time. In many regards he was fanciful, but regarding this of Arthur at Loch Lomond there is no reason to doubt the basic story.

“It is supported by the background facts of history. You see, one must understand that Arthur’s kingdom of Strathclyde included the lands around Loch Lomond.

“Remember too, the name of Dumbarton comes from the Gaelic ‘Dun Breatann’, which means the fortress of the Britons.

“Dumbarton was the ancient capital of Strathclyde. Would it not have been very strange if Arthur had not had a considerable presence there?”

Mr Scobie continued: “The actual historical person on whom the legendary King Arthur is based is generally agreed by historians to have been a war-leader of the Britons in the late fifth century.

“The earliest mention of Arthur in literature appears to have been in the poem Y Gododdin by Aneirn.

“It is said that this work was first committed to writing at Dumbarton Rock.”

Mr Crichton recently completed an eight-year project to develop a successful trail in France to honour architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

He said: “Arthur’s career started in Strathclyde, where struggles between rival rulers had allowed the Southern Picts to occupy the Lennox.

“Arthur seems to have settled the succession, taken back the lost territory and probably then advanced to overrun the Pictish forward positions, forcing a peace.

“This was something the Romans had never achieved.”