The fortress of Dumbarton was the stronghold of the kingdom of Alclud until the Vikings destroyed the fortress after a four-month siege in 870. This led to the emergence of the new kingdom of Strathclyde. The title "king of the Britons of Srath Clúade" was first used in 872. Dumbarton was later the county town of the county of Dumbartonshire. The name comes from the Scottish Gaelic "Dùn Breatainn" meaning "fort of the Brythons (Britons)". Alexander II granted the status of royal burgh in 1222.

The ‘Cutty Sark’ was one of the last tea clippers to be built and one of the fastest. The clipper was built in Dumbarton in 1869. About a century later, a pub here was "Cutty Sark". It was here, under the friendly guidance of the owner, Mr Harrison, that I learnt my first lessons about Scotch Whisky. In theory and practice. Unfortunately, the pub no longer exists in 2024.