Alexandria

Settlement in Dunbartonshire

Scotland

Alexandria

Alexandria, Dunbartonshire, is a charming town located in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland. With a population of approximately 13,000 residents, it is situated on the banks of the River Leven, just a short distance from the famous Loch Lomond.

The town has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century when it was established as a cotton mill village. The textile industry thrived in Alexandria, and the town became a significant manufacturing center during the Industrial Revolution. Today, remnants of its industrial past can still be seen in the form of old mill buildings and warehouses.

Alexandria offers a range of amenities and services to its residents and visitors alike. The town center is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, providing a vibrant atmosphere for shopping and dining. The Vale of Leven Leisure Centre offers recreational facilities such as a swimming pool, gymnasium, and sports halls.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The stunning landscapes and pristine waters of the loch offer opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking. The nearby Balloch Castle Country Park is also a popular destination, featuring beautiful gardens, woodland trails, and a children's play area.

Transport links in Alexandria are excellent, with regular bus services connecting the town to nearby cities like Glasgow and Balloch. The town also has its own railway station, providing convenient access to the rest of Scotland.

Overall, Alexandria, Dunbartonshire, is a picturesque town with a fascinating history and numerous recreational opportunities, making it an attractive place to live or visit.

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Alexandria Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.987994/-4.582403 or Grid Reference NS3980. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Balloch Road, Alexandria

Alpin Stewart

Yet ANOTHER photo of Christie Park, Alexandria!

Christie Park, Alexandria

coughlan

Christie Park, Alexandria

An Autumn day in the park.

coughlan

The Stables Restaurant & Bar

This family-run restaurant is situated on the northeast side of Carrochan Road, Balloch (A813), half way between Balloch and Jamestown. It was originally known as the "Roundabout Inn". It closed indefinitely in autumn 2022.

Pete Marrison

Postbox Dalvait Rd, Balloch

This Postbox was on the pavement outside the Well Pharmacy on Dalvait Rd, Balloch. It was removed (2020) after the Post Office was moved from Dalvait Rd to the Co-op Store, Carrochan Rd, Balloch.

Pete Marrison

Esso Filling Station

This Filling Station was at the east end of Balloch Bridge opposite the then “Balloch Hotel”. The Filling Station was demolished in 2007 and the Riverside Apartments NS3981 : Riverside Apartments, Balloch were built on the same site. Locally the filling station was often referred to as “Lynn’s Garage” acknowledging its previous ownership and usage.

Pete Marrison

Riverside Apartments, Balloch

These apartments with commercial space at ground level are at the east end of Balloch Bridge opposite the “Balloch House Hotel”. The site was formerly occupied by an Esso filling station NS3981 : Esso Filling Station.

Pete Marrison

Beechwood, Balloch Road, Balloch

This cottage is adjacent to the Balloch Bus Stance. Up until the late 1990s it was used by the Royal Bank of Scotland, opening mornings only. For many years, in front of the bay window, there has been a stone blade-sharpener, mounted on its wooden trestle.

Pete Marrison

Mandarins on the River Leven at Balloch

A mandarin duck and two drakes. They are sheltering at their normal spot under branches near the jetty on the east side of the River Leven about 100 metres upstream from the Balloch House Hotel. They are not permanent residents but for several years have been occasional visitors. Unlike the lone Black Swan which appeared in 2004 and the Muscovy Duck in 2013/14 and haven’t been seen since. The mandarins often attract an army of ‘twitchers’ with long lenses.

Pete Marrison

Demolished Garage

J. Methven Motors was compulsorily purchased in 1998 and demolished to make way for the entrance road to the proposed Lomond Shores. The yard and repair workshops were on the land now occupied by Marston’s “Queen of the Loch” hotel NS3881 : The Queen of the Loch The triangular road junction at that time was replaced by a roundabout. The Chinese Rose restaurant, the Queen of the Loch hotel and the three-storey white painted Laudervale Garden apartments, surround the roundabout. This photo was taken in 1982. Petrol prices are shown as 36p per litre and 163p per gallon. To promote diesel fuel, which the Government told us was cleaner than petrol, the price was lower at 151.9p per gallon. Unleaded had not yet arrived. The garage had a car sales franchise with Austin Rover. This was the then title of the British motor manufacture’s lexicon of names going through Austin, Morris, MG, Wolsley, Riley, Jaguar, Land Rover, British Leyland, BMH Ltd, BMC and ending in 2000 as Rover Group. (Forgive me if I have missed a few). Its best seller in 1982 was the Metro. The Maestro came a year later.

Pete Marrison

Visiting Black Swan

Native to southern parts of the Australian mainland and Tasmania, black swans are normally slightly smaller than our native white swans, but not afraid of their larger cousins. This one appeared, without a mate for several months in 1998 in the River Leven and has not appeared again. Maybe it had escaped from a private collection.

Pete Marrison