Visitors from all over the world enjoyed trips around the Helensburgh and Lomond area after a luxury cruise ship docked at Rhu Marina.

Around 100 tourists toured the area on Saturday, May 13 as they took a break from their cruise on the MV Silver Endeavour.

Organised by Destination Helensburgh, people were welcomed ashore by piper John Low of Helensburgh Clan Colquhoun Pipe Band and given leaflets and information highlighting local points of interest.

Three Helensburgh and Rhu Explorer walking tours were fully booked while others visited Luss, Cashel Forest and Glasgow.

Destination Helensburgh’s Fiona Baker said: “Helensburgh welcomed the first visit from MV Silver Endeavour on a glorious sunny day last Saturday, with 100 passengers welcomed ashore at Rhu Marina.

“The ship was moored out in the estuary and passengers were tendered ashore across the calm waters in Zodiac boats to the pontoons at the Marina.

“They were greeted by piper John Low, of Helensburgh Clan Colquhoun Pipe Band, and Destination Helensburgh, looking smart in sashes in the official Helensburgh and Lomond tartan kindly provided by Tweedie.

“John and Anne Urquhart led three fully booked Helensburgh and Rhu Explorer walking tours from the Hill House over Highlandman’s Road to Rhu and visiting beautiful Glenarn Garden.

“Other excursions, with bus transport provided by Wilsons of Rhu, took the visitors to Luss, Cashel Forest and Glasgow.

“Many of the passengers also visited the Hill House and spent the afternoon in the town.”

Guests were also given Chrystal’s shortbread as a welcoming gift when they arrived.

Destination Helensburgh has been working with Silversea Cruises – the company which operates the ship – for some time and will continue to do so for future cruises.

The MV Silver Endeavour will return to Rhu Marina across another three cruises scheduled between April and May next year, while the MV Silver Wind will visit in June 2024.

Read more: New pontoon plan revealed to attract water links

The group has been campaiging for a working pier to be built in Helensburgh so that ships like the MV Silver Endeavour can dock directly in the town.