Dumbarton’s inspiring route to the cup final has not just captivated the imagination of the club’s loyal support.

The achievement has also captured the hearts of residents throughout the town, who are immensely proud at how far the club has come and relishing the prospect of what they might yet achieve on Saturday.

Key figures and proud members of the public have summed up this sense of pride as they urged Stevie Aitken’s men to go one step further and “bring home the trophy”.

MP for West Dunbartonshire, Martin Docherty-Hughes, offered his well-wishes to the team.

He said: “I’d like to congratulate the players, coaching staff and everyone involved with Dumbarton FC for reaching their first domestic cup final in over 100 years.

“The Sons have done Dumbarton proud in reaching the cup final and I’m sure the whole town will be getting behind the team on March 24.

“The club’s loyal fans deserve a taste of silverware and I wish the team every success in the final.”

Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie called for the club’s achievement to be recognised in the Scottish parliament by lodging a parliamentary motion congratulating Stevie Aitken and skipper Andy Dowie on leading the Sons to the final and noting the support of the 500 travelling fans who helped their side on to victory in the semi-final.

Ahead of the final, Ms Baillie said: “The whole town is already proud of the team but a victory for the Sons on Saturday would really put Dumbarton on the map.

“I have seen some of the posters encouraging fans to attend the final in Perth and it is safe to say there is a real buzz around Dumbarton.

“My message to the whole club, from the players to the coaching staff and the backroom team, would be to enjoy the moment, give it your best shot and bring home the trophy to Dumbarton!”

Dumbarton councillor Ian McLaren said: “It’s quite remarkable to think that this is the club’s first national cup final appearance in more than 100 years and the players and manager Stevie Aitken, along with his coaching staff, deserve all the credit in the world for getting this far. What an achievement!

“On that daythey didn’t win the final, so here’s hoping they can get their hands on the silverware this time and make this an unforgettable day for West Dunbartonshire.

“I know the Sons fans will make themselves heard at McDiarmid Park and I hope they have a wonderful day out at the final.”

Councillor Brian Walker said the supporters he had spoken to are all eagerly looking forward to the match.

He added: “For a part-time club it’s quite an achievement and I’m sure that the whole of the town will watching the game, either at Perth or on the TV.”

Councillor David McBride also offered his congratulations to the club for their “fantastic achievement” and told the Reporter of his certainty that it will “be a memorable day for involved”.

“There is an air of expectation in the town,” he added.

Whether or not that expectation is fulfilled, one thing is for sure Stevie Aitken and his men will continue to do Dumbarton proud.