Dumbarton hero Murdo MacLeod is donating his shirt from one of the greatest days in the club’s history as centrepiece of a new 150th anniversary exhibition.
And he’s urging fans to get involved too by sharing their personal stories and unique memorabilia from a lifetime of following the Sons of the Rock.
MacLeod was recently inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame in recognition of his stellar service – first as a teenager grabbing his big break and again, 15 years later, when he returned as player/manager.
It was during that second stint in 1995 that supporters enjoyed one of the most iconic moments in the club’s history, earning promotion from Division Two with a dramatic win away to Stirling Albion on the last day of the season.
So when MacLeod heard that the club, in partnership with West Dunbartonshire Council’s arts and heritage team, is staging a special exhibition to mark its 150th anniversary he pledged the number six shirt that he wore on that special day.
The former Celtic, Borussia Dortmund and Hibs star said: “Dumbarton will always be important to me as it’s the rock on which my entire career was built.
“And it’s nice to be a part of the long history of one of the oldest clubs in the world.
“Over the years I was privileged to enjoy trophy success with a few clubs but that day in Stirling when we secured promotion was as special a moment as any of them. And we celebrated just the same.”
It was amid those wild celebrations that MacLeod’s shirt was damaged, prompting his young daughters Gilan and Marina to add another unique element for fans to spot when the exhibition opens in October.
He added: “Somebody had ripped off part of my shirt number on the back, either during the game but more likely during the celebrations afterwards.
“So my kids took the initiative to get a black Sharpie pen and drew the rest of the number back in.
“A wee personal touch like that just makes the jersey even more special, and even now it gives me a wee smile when I look at it.
“I’m proud to have played my part in that promotion and hope that having my shirt on display will jog a few memories for people who were at Forthbank that day.”
The 150th anniversary exhibition will be on show at Dumbarton Library Heritage Centre from October 6 to December 17, and organisers would love to hear from fans who wish to contribute.
By sharing your funny anecdotes, interesting stories about a memorable matchday, a favourite player or an unforgettable moment that remains special, the voices of Sons fans can help to build a unique local record of the club’s history.
You can share your contribution via email at collections@west-dunbarton.gov.uk – please include any photographs that help to illustrate your story.
Exhibition curators are also keen to expand the museum collection of objects relating to the club.
If anyone has memorabilia that they would consider donating, they are urged to get in touch at the same email address with more information and a note of their contact details so a member of the council’s arts and heritage team can get in touch.
