THE centenary of Balloch Park will be marked next week as the council unveils a special commemorative plaque.

Provost Douglas McAllister will uncover the plaque at the Balloch Road entrance to the park to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its opening on July, 1, 1916.

The castle and park were originally a private estate dating back to the Medieval period, when Earls of Lennox lived there, and were bought by Glasgow City Council in 1915 before Dumbarton District Council took on a long-term lease of the site in 1980.

Over the years the popular park has played host to several events, including major gigs from Oasis and REM during the 1990s that attracted crowds of more than 80,000 people.

It has also received major investment, including a £2.5million Heritage Lottery funded restoration from 2005-2008 and the ongoing £1million project to renovate the 200-year-old castle, which is due to complete this Summer.

Provost Douglas McAllister said: “Balloch Castle Country Park and the surrounding area is a major destination, regularly attracting locals and visitors alike and hosting the popular Loch Lomond Highland Games each July.

“In West Dunbartonshire we are exceptionally proud of our heritage and our beautiful natural environment, so it is wonderful to mark 100 years of West Dunbartonshire history in this way. I hope as many people as possible will join me to celebrate the successful centenary of Balloch Park on Friday.”

The unveiling of the centenary plaque will take place at 10am on Friday 1 July. Members of the public are welcome to attend.