History of Helensburgh Pier

Helensburgh Pier dates from 1816, with the Timber extension added in 1871.

In 2019 the Pier was designated as a Category C listed structure by Historic Environment Scotland (HES):

…it directly illustrates the story of early steam navigation, the inventions and entrepreneurship of Provost Henry Bell, the rise of tourism along the Clyde, and the socio-economic history of Helensburgh in the 19th century…

A sketch of the Comet and Dumbarton Rock, from Annals of Garelochside, written by W.C.Maughan in 1897. Courtesy of Helensburgh Heritage Trust

Henry Bell & PS Comet

Henry Bell was described by Thomas Telford as the ‘ingenious and enterprising Mr Bell’.

Helensburgh Pier c. 1890s (postcard). Courtesy of the Estate of the late Patricia Drayton.

1800s

In response to the increase in visitor numbers facilitated by steam navigation in 1816 a…

Aerial View Helensburgh 1937 Courtesy of the Estate of the late Patricia Drayton

1900s

Throughout the 1900s the Pier had a variety of uses.

2000s

The Pier was still in use until 2018 when it was closed to marine traffic.

Waverley sailing past Helensburgh Pier on a sunny day in 2024. Image courtesy of Waverley Excursions Ltd

PS Waverley

PS Waverley would be able to visit Helensburgh again if the Pier was reopened.