Under The Sea
Take a deep dive into the underwater world of submarines in the coastal town of Helensburgh
AS the only place of its kind in Scotland, the Scottish Submarine Centre exists as a museum and education centre, making it the perfect place for a family day out.
The centre is a mere 10km (six miles) from
HM Naval Base Clyde, or Faslane, the home of the navy’s submarine fleet.
Your underwater adventure takes the form of an immersive experience, which features the longest video screen in the UK, a whopping 50 metres (164 ft) long. The experience uses the screen, light and sound to tell the fascinating story of the X-51 midget submarine.
“Many visitors are surprised at the scale of the presentation,” says Dave Dunbar, technical director at the centre.
Not only will visitors see and hear the story of the X-51 with state-of-the-art technology and projections, the submarine can be viewed up close and is projected onto.
The X-51 is a Stickleback submarine and was part of the last group of X submarines built by the Royal Navy. It has called the centre home since 2018, having been in use by the Swedish navy in the 1950s.
The one-of-a-kind video screen is also used for one-off exhibitions and concerts. Be sure to keep an eye online for upcoming events at this truly unique space, including a presentation by ex-submariners later this year on life beneath the waves.
“I don’t think there is any other space quite like it in Scotland. We have 24 laser projectors at our disposal to immerse the visitors and tell stories in a unique and exciting format.” Founded in 2014, the Scottish Submarine Centre has cemented itself as one of Helensburgh’s most fascinating attractions. With a four-star award from Visitscotland and a commendation from the Museums and Heritage Awards, the centre will be enjoyed by all.