Clydebank Sub-Aqua Club celebrates 65 years of diving

Clydebank Sub-Aqua Club, affectionately known as “the Bankies”, has marked 65 years of diving. Its anniversary year ended with a celebration dinner for members past and present.

2026 has been a year of celebration for Clydebank Sub-Aqua Club, with events held right through the year. The highlight was the 65th anniversary dinner at Clydebank Golf Course on Saturday 3 October. More than 50 people came along, including current members, former members, family and friends.

Over an Italian-style buffet, with a soundtrack covering every decade of the club’s life, guests swapped stories from 65 years of diving. A collection of photographs going back to the founding members in the 1960s brought back memories of particular trips and adventures.

The photos also showed how much diving equipment has changed. Younger members had plenty of questions. For some of the older members, the memories of diving in wetsuits before drysuits came along were enough to bring back a shiver.

From small beginnings

The club was founded in 1961 as a small group with very little equipment. It has since grown into a thriving BSAC club, with regular training, weekend trips and boat diving, and adventures all over Scotland and beyond.

A busy anniversary year

The anniversary year has been one of the club’s busiest. Highlights included:

• Regular weekend dives at local sites around Loch Fyne and Loch Long
• The annual pilgrimage to the Sound of Mull for a weekend of diving
• Day and weekend trips on the club’s own RHIB to Little Cumbrae, Portavadie, Oban, the Summer Isles, Campbeltown and the Garvellachs
• The Summer Solstice club BBQ, launching from Minard with dives at Seil Island and Black Lass Cove on one of the sunniest days of the year on Scotland’s west coast

Away from the water, new and existing members have progressed through BSAC’s training programmes, and membership has kept growing.

Thanks to everyone who made it happen

The club thanks everyone who has contributed over the years. Special mention goes to its treasurer Michelle Morgan, who has held the role for 27 years. That’s real commitment to the cause.

Here’s to the next 65 years of diving with friends and enjoying a fantastic sport.

Congratulations to everyone at Clydebank Sub-Aqua Club from all at BSAC.