The Faslane base, which sits on the Gare Loch, has long been the focus of anti-war protests from groups such as the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND).
A peace camp has been based just outside the site since 1982.
Faslane’s four Vanguard submarines are the sole platforms for the UK’s nuclear weapons and are due to be replaced by the new Dreadnought-class submarines after 2030.
It is also the home of Astute-class nuclear powered but conventionally armed attack submarines.
The UK’s stock of nuclear warheads is based nearby at the Royal Naval Armaments Depot (RNAD) Coulport on nearby Loch Long.
The UK has operated continuous at-sea deterrence since 1969, with first Polaris and then Trident missiles stored on and launched from nuclear-powered submarines with the capacity to remain submerged at sea for months.
