Helensburgh, Loch Lomond

Approach from the south reveals the magnificence of the town's setting at the confluence of the Gareloch and the river and Firth of Clyde, against a backdrop of the Fruin hills and 'Argyll's Bowling Green'.

200 years ago this land supported about five farms, a mill and a granary, the shore being edged by fishermens' cottages; remnants of some may be seen behind the present building line. The land was bought from Sir John Schaw of Greenock by Sir James Colquhoun who envisaged a township - flourishing with bonnet makers and dyers - named after his wife, Helen.

Development: was affected by the Industrial Revolution; indeed the first Provost was Henry Bell, pioneer of the steamship. charter making the town a Burgh of Barony was granted in 1802. Unusually for the times, the town was built on a Grid plan on plots of one acre which attracted affluent business men from Glasgow to make the upper town their dormitory; density increased the further down the hill one went, to the lower town which housed the craftsmen and shopkeepers, both providing a service of the quality dictated by the prosperity of the upper town whose 'Golden Age' was the Victorian era. By mid 19th Century the town had the railway, waterworks and a gas supply; later a golf course was built, there were three tennis clubs, a cricket club, bowling club and numerous badminton clubs. The Swimming Pool was given to the people between the Wars.

Culture also flourished; the architecture speaks for itself; the 'Glasgow Boys' found inspiration; people returned from abroad with a wealth of plants which flourished in the mild climate; a Horticultural Society was founded; opera, music and drama were enjoyed.

The legacy remains although the nature of the town was changed during and after the Second World War so that the economy now depends on the presence of the premier Naval base in Britain rather than on wealth generated by manufacturing. The mansions are divided and sub-divided; the young leave to study and find work; the nature of shopping has changed. Day-trippers still enjoy the magnificence of the sea front; those of you who come for longer may find much of interest in this town whose 20th Century gave the world John Logie Baird - television; Bonar Law - Prime Minister; Jack Buchanan and Andy Clyde in film, to mention but a few.

Just 4 miles from Loch Lomond's shores, picturesque settlements nestle along the edge of the loch-indented Clyde Coast combining a thriving seaside resort of Victorian splendour with charming lowland villages.

The waters here are famed both for sailing and sea-angling while a wealth of accommodation, traditional craft and modern shops and a warm welcome all await you ashore in Helensburgh and on the Rosneath Peninsula, on Scotland's stunning Clyde Coast.