As 2023 draws to a close, Helensburgh Community Council looks back on the year with mixed emotions.

Our members have successfully progressed several community initiatives:

Helensburgh Waterfront Development: HCC have submitted our community bid for the pierhead site which advocates for the inclusion of a permanent skatepark, event space, small retail units and coach parking.

Helensburgh Pier: HCC has provided our proposal to A&BC for reopening the pier and has collaborated with other organisations to raise awareness and support for the pier project.

Music in the Square: HCC members have organised musical entertainment at several community events as well as a well-attended concert that showcased local musical talent.

Planning: HCC monitored and responded to various planning applications that affected the town, and sought to influence the planning policies of Argyll and Bute Council.

Beach cleans and Colquhoun Square shrub-beds: HCC has been delighted with the assistance the community has provided to our monthly town improvement events.

It was also the year in which we lost our inspirational convener, Norman Muir.

Norman was rightly proud of the community council’s achievements and, as we go into 2024, I know he would appreciate that we will raise a glass to his memory as we wish the community a healthy and happy New Year.