A look back at what was happening in Dumbarton 15 years ago

We have delved into the Reporter's archives to pick out some of the best stories from over a decade ago. 

Here are some photographs from our edition which was published on Tuesday, April 29, 2008.

Do you remember these events or recognise these faces?

1. School pupils learned the craft of puppet-making in Ladyton

Pupils at Ladyton library learned to make their own puppets during their holidays (Image: Newsquest)

School pupils from across Alexandria were kept busy during the holiday period with a puppet-making class. The creative youngsters went to Ladyton Library in Bonhill where they put their creative skills to the test before showing off their impressive creations.

2. Community band together for annual golf fundraiser

The local community banded together to raise money for charity (Image: Newsquest)

Participants gave their best at The Tullochan Trust’s annual charity golf competition. More than £4,000 was raised and the event was held at Ross Priory in Gartocharn, which is a facility that helps young people discover their abilities and reach their full potential.

3. Worry over quarry men rolling stones near Dumbarton 

George Black expressed his concerns over the large boulders near Dumbarton (Image: Newsquest)

An independent councillor for Dumbarton expressed his concerns after he discovered the 'rolling stones' whilst hiking. George Black felt that the public was in danger when a huge rolling boulder smashed through trees above a village and the busy A82.

4. St Patrick's Church walk to save bells from closure

Over forty parishioners put on their best shoes to fundraise for their local church (Image: Newsquest)

Forty parishioners turned out to support the quest to save the bells at St Patrick’s Church in Dumbarton. The annual event took on the role of fundraising to save the bells and carillon — one of only four of its kind in Scotland — and to repair the century-old bell tower at St Patrick’s.

5. Pupils enjoyed a special visit from animals from science group

Pupils enjoyed an appearance from animals which included a stuffed crocodile (Image: Newsquest)

A generation science group brought some live animals into a primary school to educate them on animal preservation. A live tortoise, a barn owl, a stuffed crocodile and a giant snakeskin made guest appearances at St Martin's Primary School.

6. Bright primary children start-up school magazine

School pupils hunted down the scoops to start up their school magazine (Image: Newsquest)

Primary school pupils hunted down scoops to create their own school magazine. The pupils from St Mary’s in Alexandria produced their first edition of the St Mary’s Express.