Faslane 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.
The camp began as a protest against the Thatcher government’s decision to purchase the Trident nuclear missile system, but remains nearly 40 years later.
The community, composed of residents living in caravans and temporary structures, holds regular anti-nuclear demonstrations, vigils, and direct actions against nuclear weapons.
Faslane’s Vanguard submarines are the sole platform 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.
