AN OLD Victorian washroom at Dumbarton Central railway station has been transformed into a new heritage centre to showcase the area’s vast military history.

A host of public figures and senior military representatives marked the official opening of the local Armed Forces Veterans’ Association heritage centre on Friday.

Found on platform two, the listed former gents’ toilets, with its old ornate tile surrounds, now houses fascinating artefacts – many of which have been donated or are on loan from the community.

Funded by Heritage Rail and its partners, the aim is that the many personal stories shared within these special exhibits will serve to educate younger and future generations about the town’s involvement in military action – past and present.

“The room has been fully fitted out with display cases,” heritage assistant Billy Muir said.

“Some things are on loan, but most of the things are from local community people – bringing the items in for us and donating them. There are things like medals, including from World War I and World War II.

“We have some trench art. For example, we have a trench bugle made from a battle shell.

“I’m ex-military myself, and I’ve also donated my medals and my survival kit. They’ve all been in action.

“There’s also plenty of information at the centre.”

Provost William Hendrie and base warrant officer Wayne Burbury MBE from HM Naval Base Clyde were among those who attended the official opening, as well as Dumbarton’s MP Martin Docherty-Hughes and MSP Jackie Baillie.

And Mr Muir, who was with the Army’s Royal Logistic Corps for nine years, said it was a special moment to see the long-planned centre officially open its doors.

He hopes that the centre might expand in future to cover other areas of Dumbarton’s history, such as shipbuilding.

He added: “It feels fantastic. I hope visitors get a bit of history of conflicts like World War One from a local interest perspective, and can learn about how many guys and girls who have left the area to do their bit for king or queen.

“We’re hoping all ages will come down to see the centre. There’s no fee to enter, it’s a friendly atmosphere, and people can ask any questions.”

The heritage centre is open from 10am to 2pm, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.