A new documentary is exploring the people, history and culture of a Scottish climbing landmark.
The Dumby Project, directed by Scottish filmmaker Ewan Grant of Edge Photography, focuses on the community, history, and culture surrounding Dumbarton Rock – one of Scotland’s most iconic and long-standing climbing locations.
Located on the banks of the River Clyde, Dumbarton Rock is a 300 million-year-old volcanic plug that has drawn generations of climbers to tackle its well-known routes and boulder problems.
Filming for the Dumby Project began in May 2025 and is continuing through early 2026.
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The film features interviews with climbers past and present, guidebook authors, and members of the current climbing community.
It aims to explore not only the grades and achievements attributed to the rock, but also the deeper human connection associated with it.
Contributors include early route developers such as Andy Gallagher, the team behind the current Dumbarton Rock guidebook, and contemporary climbers like Mat Wright, Lucy Ross, and Alan Cassidy.
Reflecting on the film, Ewan said: “Dumby isn’t just a crag, it’s a place that gets under your skin.
“People keep coming back not just to climb hard, but to figure something out about themselves.
“This film is about that relationship between people and place, and how it’s evolved over time.”
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A crowdfunding campaign for the film will launch this month and can be accessed online at https://tinyurl.com/3scusrj3.
The project has been accepted into Creative Scotland’s Crowdmatch programme, which will match public donations up to 50% through an upcoming crowdfunding campaign.
Funds raised will go towards post-production, original music composition, sound mixing, colour grading, archival licensing, and promotion to ensure the finished film reaches audiences both within and beyond the climbing community.
The Dumby Project is slated for festival submissions and public screenings in 2026-27.
