Dumbarton's 800th birthday celebrations to be discussed in meeting

Councillors in West Dunbartonshire will come together next Wednesday (June 29) to agree the activities planned to mark the town's 'octocentenary'.

Young people in nearby schools and nurseries will be learning about the area's proud history which includes the town centre, Dumbarton Rock and Dumbarton Castle.

It's hoped that those same local young people will create a video exploring the story of Dumbarton through their eyes.

An 'intergeneration project', to build relationships between the young people and the elderly residents in the town., has also been suggested.

A report published for next week's culture committee meeting states: "Launching in July 2022, a series of events and activities will be delivered over the course of the 12 months from the 800th anniversary date, with the shared objective of bringing focus to Dumbarton’s local, national and international history.

"Activity will be delivered both online and in person, beginning with a social media series entitled ‘Celebrating Dumbarton’.

 "The anniversary will be incorporated within the Doors Open Day in Dumbarton, walking tours will be delivered in and around the town to promote the history and heritage of the area and the anniversary will feature as part of this year’s Booked! Festival in the area’s libraries."

The report also says that a new local history collecting campaign will be launched by the council's arts and heritage team where residents will be asked to contribute photos of their favourite places along with their memories to form an exhibition of the Sons and Daughters of the Rock early next year. 

The foundation charter for the Royal Burgh of Dumbarton was sealed by Alexander II on July 8, 1222 in Jedburgh.

During 1922, the 700th anniversary of Dumbarton was commemorated in the town, with a number of images held in the council’s local history collection of parades and celebrations. Similarly, in 1972 public events were held to mark the town’s 750th birthday.

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