Dunblane is an ancient town 6 miles from Stirling, its cathedral is said to have been founded in the early 7th century. It was possibly a burgh for a period before the 15th century, with the Earl of Kinnoull for superior, and in 1500 was given the status of a city by James IV (1473-1513). After the Reformation the town went into decline but revived during the 19th century, becoming a noted tourist resort and its cathedral was renovated. Dunblane was created a police burgh in 1870 under the General Police and Improvement (Scotland) Act 1862 (25 & 26 Vict., c. 101), but, due to irregularities with elections held in 1875, went into abeyance in 1876 and was reconstituted in 1878.
Under the Act the administration of the burgh was to be carried out by police commissioners who were responsible for the cleansing, lighting, policing and public health of the burgh. Under the Town Councils (Scotland) Act 1900 (63 & 64 Vict., c. 49) the police commissioners were replaced by Dunblane Town Council in January 1901. Dunblane Town Council was abolished in 1975 under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (c. 65). Its powers were assumed by Central Regional Council and Stirling District Council. These in turn were replaced by Stirling Council in 1996 under the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 (c. 39).