Published 06 October 2022
Provost Douglas McAllister paid tribute to the rich history and tradition of Dumbarton Football Club at a Civic Reception celebrating its 150th anniversary.
Invited guests – including Elected Members, club staff and Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire Jill Young MBE – gathered at Dumbarton Library Heritage Centre on Wednesday evening to mark the official opening of an exhibition charting the club’s compelling story.
Produced by the Council’s Arts & Heritage team in close partnership with the football club, among the free exhibition’s many highlights are a winner’s medal from the 1891/92 league championship winning team and the shirt worn by legendary player/manager Murdo MacLeod on the day the Sons secured promotion from Division Two in 1995.
Provost McAllister said: “The history books chronicle one of Scotland’s oldest clubs and unquestionably among the most successful teams of the late 19th Century.
“But what they don’t capture is the essence of what Dumbarton Football Club means to its fans and the positive impact it has on our community. The shared experiences, the common passion that connects families, friends and neighbours from generation to generation.
“Dumbarton Football Club is weaved deeply in the fabric of this town because it represents its people and our sense of civic pride.
“This exhibition revels in the rich history and tradition that has defined the Sons of the Rock for 150 years – and with today’s team currently standing proudly at the top of League 2, we allow ourselves to hope that another proud achievement will be added to that legacy this season.”
The Provost presented club chairman Dr Neil Mackay with a commemorative plaque before poet Stephen Watt recited his verse ‘Full Circle’ composed in honour of this milestone anniversary.
The exhibition was officially declared open by father and son Jake and Alan Mcshannon – lifelong Sons supporters who regularly make the lengthy trip from their home town of Campbeltown to follow their team all over the country.
The exhibition will be on show until December 17.