More than 100 people attended a public meeting on the future of the long-awaited Helensburgh to Cardross cycle path ahead of a crunch council debate.

Cardross hosted the August 28 session with politicians and officials about the delays to an "active travel" route between Helensburgh and Dumbarton.

Nearly a quarter century after it was first proposed, plans appear no further forward.

And one young person even told the meeting they hoped this would not become like the new ferry to Arran - long promised, oft delayed.

Argyll and Bute Council's Helensburgh and Lomond area committee will get an update on September 10 on the next steps for the path, the meeting heard.

Jackie Baillie MSP hosted the meeting in Geilston Hall with 130 people attending, including councillors Math Campbell-Sturgess and Paul Kennedy. It was arranged with Cardross Community Council and Cardross Cycle Action Group.

A council officer at the meeting said it was a "complex eight-stage process" for funding. And the council would need to employ new consultants to address gaps in the design to get cash from Sustrans.

Fergus Murray, head of development and economic growth at the council, confirmed all funding is currently under review. Bids would be required for each phase, including Cardross to Helensburgh.

He told the meeting council officers were equally frustrated but were committed to key links and net zero.

There are still landowners' rights and concerns to be addressed, the meeting heard. The council prefers agreements rather than compulsory purchase orders.

Councillor Paul Kennedy, who lives in the village and is a cyclist, said it was a complex project, but that the serious injuries and deaths on the route were a local concern.

Councillor Campbell-Sturgess said councillors should offer an apology for the delays. But he insisted the council administration supported the path.

One young person told the meeting they would welcome a safe route to Helensburgh having made new friends at Hermitage Academy.

A landowner said an agreement to purchase land for the track was made in 2010, then the council withdrew it for lack of funding. They have not heard back since. Other owners echoed that point, but noted, ultimately, there needs to be a design before negotiations.

Mr Murray agreed one of the failings of the consultation was in communication. But he said there was no funding event for design at this stage.

A member of Cardross Cycle Action Group (CCAG) said the A9 was too dangerous to take children to cycle. And some studies could only be done in the summer, adding another year already to the plan.

A parent expressed frustration at the lack of progress, with the current earliest completion date now being 2032 - more than three decades after the first proposal.

Speaking after the meeting, Ms Baillie said: "There was an impressive turnout from people of all ages, from Cardross and Helensburgh in support of the establishment of a cycle path, which demonstrates its importance to the local community.

“This project has experienced significant difficulties, in part due to poor consultants employed on the project and there are concerns about future budget constraints.

“I would urge Argyll & Bute Council to prioritise this active travel project and secure the funding needed to deliver it as quickly as possible.”

Lynsey Young, chair of CCAG, said: "Many thanks to both Jackie and Fergus for attending this meeting.

"On September 10, a key report will be submitted by Argyll and Bute Council to the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee which will set out the priority and direction for progressing the scheme.

"Given the significance of this report and limited active travel funding available, Jackie Baillie highlighted the importance of members of the public making clear to Argyll and Bute Council that they expect this long overdue project to be prioritised."