Garelochhead

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Garelochhead is a small town situated on the Gare Loch in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It is the nearest town to the HMNB Clyde naval base.

Garelochhead lies at the head of the Gare Loch, 7 miles (11 km) northwest of Helensburgh. Loch Lomond is a few miles to the east, and Loch Long to the west. The scenic beauty of the loch is only slightly marred by the presence of the HMNB Clyde submarine base. In addition to the few local shops, pubs and churches, it has a bowling club and a well run Community Centre at the Gibson Hall.

It is often used by the military who carry out training exercises in the nearby hills.

Garelochhead's 1,265 residents can use Garelochhead railway station to gain access to the West Highland Line.

[edit] History

Garelochhead developed from the 1820's with the advent of steamer cruising. Tourism was boosted with the opening of the West Highland Railway line to Oban in 1894, and in the late 20th century its prosperity was linked to the deepwater terminal at Finnart on Loch Long and the Fasland military port. Garelochhead Forest lies to the south.

Before Faslane naval base arrived, Garelochhead was a summer destination for people from Glasgow who would arrive from the Gare Loch and spend time in one of the Garelochhead hotels. Following transport advancements, holiday makers stopped coming to Garelochhead. Faslane was built after this, and extended the town as workers settled in the area.

During the 1990's, 3 of the town's largest hotels burnt down in fires allegedly started by their owners.

Coordinates: 56°05′N 4°51′W