Dumbarton

Dumbarton

Dumbarton, royal burgh (town), West Dunbartonshire council area, historic county of Dunbartonshire, Scotland. It lies north-northwest of the metropolitan complex of Glasgow, on the banks of the River Leven near its confluence with the River Clyde. The site is dominated by a hill of basalt—with an elevation of 240 feet (75 metres)—which has long been a defensive stronghold. The Alcluith (“Hill of the Clyde”) of the Celtic Britons and Dunbreatain (“Fort of the Britons”) of the Scots became (from the 5th to the 8th century) the capital of the kingdom of Strathclyde, later incorporated into Scotland. As a medieval royal fortress, Dumbarton occasionally fell into the hands of the English. It was designated a burgh in 1222, and its municipal privileges were confirmed by a charter of James V of Scotland (1513–42). Shipbuilding, formerly an important industry, declined after World War II. Much of the town’s economy revolves around waterfront retail and tourism. Dumbarton Castle and the Scottish Maritime Museum are popular tourist attractions. Dumbarton is the administrative centre of West Dunbartonshire. Pop. (2001) 20,870; (2011) 20,040.