An exhibition celebrating 150 years of Dumbarton Football Club officially opened this week.
December 23 will mark the club’s official 150th anniversary, with a special exhibition charting the history of the Sons running at Dumbarton Library from today (October 6) until December 17.
The Sons have a rich history, winning the first two Scottish league titles in 1890-91 and 1891-92.
The club also won the 1882-83 Scottish Cup and are one of only two sides to have won all four divisions of senior football in Scotland.
And Councillor Martin Rooney, convener of West Dunbartonshire Council’s cultural committee, is sure the exhibition will help to highlight this history to a wide audience.
He said: “For 150 years the Sons of The Rock have been an integral part of the Dumbarton Community.
“This fascinating exhibition draws on the voices and memories of fans and players alike to provide a unique local record of the club’s history and capture the passion of their lifelong devotion to their team.”
Produced by West Dunbartonshire Council’s Arts and Heritage team in close partnership with the football club, among the 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.
West Dunbartonshire is widely considered as one of the birthplaces of football in Scotland, with the Sons, Vale of Leven and Renton all powerhouses in the early days of Scottish football. Between them, the three clubs won six of the first 15 Scottish Cups.
Sons’ club historian Jim McAllister and supporters David Brownlee, Graeme Robertson and Dave Carson have worked tirelessly to compile a unique collection of memorabilia, pictures and anecdotes from everyone from fans to Hall of Famers.
Jim, speaking on behalf of the Sons, said: “The club is delighted West Dunbartonshire Council has provided the opportunity to showcase our proud history and achievements of the club in this special year. We hope the exhibition will be well received locally and beyond.”
Whilst cultural committee vice-convener June McKay added: “That the current team is doing so well at the moment, flying high at the top of League Two, only makes the timing of this exhibition more exciting.
“Any Dumbarton supporter would testify that it’s a love affair filled with ups and downs, but hopefully this milestone year can inspire the players to create their own place in history with a famous league championship success.”
Entry to the exhibition is free.
