HELENSBURGH’S new ‘destination marketing group’ had a banner at Glasgow’s Queen Street station last week showcasing the area to visitors.

The display was part of a promotion of Argyll and Bute in conjunction with Wild About Argyll, linked to the launch of ScotRail’s new Highland Explorer train service.

The train – the first in the UK with a specially-adapted carriage providing room for up to 20 bikes – is nearing the end of its first week of operation, initially on two West Highland Line trains per day between Glasgow Queen Street and Oban.

Two northbound trains per day, Monday to Saturday, call at Helensburgh Upper at 11.27am and 5.22pm, with southbound calls at 7.42am (Monday-Saturday), 5pm (Monday-Friday) and 6.31pm (Saturday only).

The services also call at Garelochhead, Arrochar and Tarbet, and Ardlui.

Destination Helensburgh recently stepped up its efforts to promote the town by opening a new visitor information centre at the former home of Helensburgh Heroes on Sinclair Street.

READ MORE: Find out how Destination Helensburgh is promoting the town to the wider world at new visitor information centre

ScotRail hopes to expand the Highland Explorer service in future to the Fort William route, which also serves the four West Highland Line stations in Helensburgh and Lomond.

The redesigned carriages have space for ordinary bikes, a limited number of tandem cycles, and an e-bike charging socket, as well as for bulky sporting gear.

Travellers must book their bike’s space in advance to guarantee its place on board.

See scotrail.co.uk for full details of times and how to book a space.

Alex Hynes, managing director of Scotland’s railway, said the new facility would be a “welcome economic boost” for rural communities.

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