A major four-day festival featuring music, arts and recreational events is coming to Dumbarton next year to celebrate the town's maritime history.

Artists and national companies will join local schools and community groups in the June event which will highlight how water shaped Dumbarton's history, from distilling to shipbuilding.

The celebration, part of Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020, will be specially relevant as it coincides with the 150th anniversary of the launch of the famous tea clipper, the Cutty Sark, which was built on the River Leven.

News of the maritime festival, which has been allocated £20,000 from the Scottish Government, has been welcomed by business leaders and councillors who believe the town can draw major benefits from the celebration.

Damon Scott, chief executive of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, said successful events and festivals have been shown to have positive economic impacts on an area.

He added: "Short-term they draw visitors from further afield, generate spend and media coverage but it has been shown that there are longer term benefits from the profile generated.

“Business and shipbuilding is an important part of Dumbarton’s rich industrial heritage and it is fitting that this will be celebrated as part of VisitScotland’s year of Coasts and Waters.

"As a chamber we are immensely proud of our industrial past that was characterised by innovators and business pioneers and we are delighted that we see those same characteristics within our current membership."

Councillor David McBride said the event was particularly relevant to Dumbarton given the 150th anniversary of the launch of the Cutty Sark.

He added: "Hopefully recognition of this celebration will be a major feature in the festival.

"The Cutty Sark is part of Dumbarton's heritage and the local area will be pleased to mark the anniversary".

Councillor Iain Mclaren said: "Dumbarton’s maritime history goes back centuries, and the town has been the birthplace of many pioneers of shipbuilding, as well as where some of the most famous and iconic crafts were built."

He added: "The festival promises to be an incredible event, that will showcase our heritage and celebrate our past. It will be a fantastic occasion, and I am greatly looking forward to it.”