HPC Events & Activities
Doors Open Day: 20th September 2026
On Sunday 20th September 2026, The Helensburgh Pier Company took part in Doors Open Day at Helensburgh Parish Church. There were around 100 visitors to the event and HPC Trustees spoke to people about our plans for the Pier. We also gathered more completed surveys, again all expressing support for the regeneration of the Pier.
Rhu Church Organ Recital and Launch of Model PS Waverley: 4th September 2026
Why does a beautiful model of the PS Waverley sit near the altar of Rhu & Shandon Parish Church? It is the centrepiece at a fundraising organ recital by renowned organist Professor Malcolm Sim for the Church Clock Tower and Helensburgh Pier.
On 4th September, Malcolm entertained and delighted an audience of well over 100 with a water-themed musical programme including Handel’s “The Water Music”, “Farewell to Stromness”, and fittingly, “The Waverley Polka”. Malcolm’s mastery of the three manual and pedalboard features was demonstrated as he pulled out all the stops to mimic bagpipes, and raise the roof with a “Hornpipe Humoresque”.
The evening was a great success, raising around £1,600 to be shared between the Rhu and Shandon Parish Church Clock Tower Fund and ourselves. Thanks to Rhu & Shandon Community Trust for arranging the event.
Malcolm’s fantastic model of PS Waverley was also launched on the Clyde in the afternoon at the Pier (despite somewhat challenging weather conditions!)
Presentation to Area Community Planning Group: 18th August 2026
Our Trustees gave a presentation to this group made up of local services, community representatives, and Argyll & Bute Council, explaining what the charity is hoping to achieve. By repairing the pier and allowing the Waverley to use it during her summer season; then siting a pontoon in the inner harbour to allow greater access and wider use of the pier; and in the longer term by inviting cruise ship tenders direct access to the town. Again the plans received positive support.
Presentation to Helensburgh & Lomond Area Committee: 9th June 2026
We were invited to make a presentation to the Council’s Local Area Committee on 9th June on our aims and objectives for re-opening the pier. We prepared a 10 minute talk and answered questions at the end. We were well received. We asked if the committee would support our aim of re-opening the pier and received a positive response. The committee’s support is now a minuted decision and has been adopted by the full Council.
John Logie Baird Centenary: 25th April 2026
We took a stall at the JLBTV100 event in Colquhoun Square on Saturday 25th April to promote the charity and explain our aims for the pier. A pop-up poster and various drawings and photographs were on display, with each of the Trustees taking part. Over 100 people visited the stall, and encouragingly there was unanimous support for the Pier re-opening.
We also gathered feedback through a paper survey with over 80 responses submitted from members of the local community with comments on their hopes for the regeneration of the Pier.
Helensburgh Local Place Plan Community Engagement: 25th March 2025
Helensburgh Pier Company took part in a public consultation survey in the Helensburgh Parish Church Hall, organised by Helensburgh Community Council, as part of the process in determining how the community would like to see the area develop in the next few years through the Local Place Plan. A range of issues, projects, and ideas were displayed for comment and people invited the “vote” for them. Top of the “vote” was the re-opening of the pier – See the Helensburgh Local Place Plan for the final tally!
Wave for PS Waverley: 18th August 2024
Over 500 people turned out on a dreich Sunday to Wave for PS Waverley from Helensburgh Pier. Accompanied by music from the Helensburgh Clan Colquhoun Pipe Band and loud cheers and waving flags from the crowd, PS Waverley slowly steamed past the Pier before coming around again as if to berth. She then went full astern before turning to continue her cruise.
Responses to Consultations
In addition to the community engagement activities outlined above, HPC continues to engage with relevant stakeholders, and has also provided input for several consultations:
- Helensburgh Outdoor Museum, November 2025
- Argyll & Bute Transport Strategy, November 2025
- Clyde Mission Masterplan, July 2026
- Helensburgh Waterfront Development, July 2026