Dunbartonshire

Dunbartonshire, also written Dumbartonshire, is a historic county in the west central Lowlands of Scotland. It takes its name from Dumbarton, the county town, which sits at the estuary of the River Clyde where the River Leven flows into the Clyde. The county encompassed a mix of urban and rural areas, including Clydebank and Bonhill along the Clyde, as well as coastal towns such as Helensburgh and inland villages toward the Campsie Fells and Kilpatrick Hills.

Geographically, Dunbartonshire stretched from the Clyde’s coastal fringe to the inland hills, incorporating a coastline on the Firth of Clyde and upland areas near the Campsie Fells. The landscape includes river valleys, coastal shorelines, and hills that provided a varied setting for industry and agriculture.

Historically, Dunbartonshire existed as a distinct county until 1975, when local government reform reorganized boundaries and governance. Its area was incorporated into the Strathclyde Region as the districts of East and West Dunbartonshire. In 1996 those districts were replaced by the unitary council areas of East Dunbartonshire and West Dunbartonshire. The historic county name continues to be used in historical, cultural, and ceremonial contexts.

Economy and landmarks have been shaped by its proximity to Glasgow and the Clyde. The area formed part of the Glasgow metropolitan region’s industrial belt, with shipyards at Clydebank and associated industries. Dumbarton Castle stands as a prominent historical landmark overlooking the Clyde, and the region provides access to recreational areas around Loch Lomond and the surrounding hills.

See also: East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, Clydebank, Dumbarton Castle.