Helensburgh archives takes a look back at January 2009

We have seen two storms that saw high waves at the seafront and cancelled trains for almost three days. Here is hoping that February brings some calmness.

So much has happened in Helensburgh and Lomond throughout the month, from the Hill House welcoming the addition of iconic Scottish architect design to the construction of ramps for the restored skate park on Helensburgh's waterfront now underway.

Here is what was happening in and around the town 15 years ago this month.

In the January 29, 2009 edition of the paper, we reported people in Helensburgh being invited to celebrate Burns Night, a resident celebrating her centenary birthday and a chippy being crowned one of Scotland's finest.

Whose faces do you recognise in the photos below?

A grand lady achieved a milestone birthday - her 100th. Rebecca Monk celebrated the special occasion with family and friends after receiving good wishes and congratulations from the Queen and Argyll and Bute Council. She was born in Glasgow and lived in England for many years before coming to Helensburgh in 2000. A special visit was made to her John Street home by Provost Billy Petrie and his wife Jean who brought flowers, gifts and messages of congratulations. (Image: Newsquest)

A Rosneath nurse who raised more than £4,000 to allow her to do voluntary work in Zambia, found the work very rewarding. Amy McMurtrie, a former pupil of Rosneath Primary School and Hermitage Academy, graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University with a Bachelor of Nursing with Distinction and flew to Zambia three days later to start three months of voluntary work. (Image: Newsquest)

The Gareloch branch of Riding for the Disabled is £900 better off thanks to the staff and customers at Ardardan farm shop and garden centre. The money was raised over the festive period and was presented to Riding for the Disabled. Riding for the Disabled aims to help people with disabilities find pleasure and enjoyment through riding as well as to enhance their lives and help them reach their full potential. (Image: Newsquest)

Burgh chippy The Palace is one of Scotland’s best — and they have the certificate to prove it. Partners Mario Iranipour and Zafer Hashin, who also own the popular Sun fish and chip shop, were awarded a certificate of merit by the Sea Fish Authority after The Palace was named as one of Scotland’s top five fish restaurants. (Image: Newsquest)

Local people and musical groups turned out in force to sing their hearts out at the Helensburgh Heroes community recording session. People aged from seven to 77, from Cardross to Cove, gathered in the Victoria Halls to lend their vocal talents to the classic David Bowie track ‘Heroes’. The Helensburgh based charity has embarked on an ambitious attempt to raise the profile of the artistic talent within the area, through the commercial release of the single in late spring. Under the direction of Alan Craig, musical director at Langside College, the volunteer artists spent the morning rehearsing in groups, and then came together in the afternoon for a mass choir recording session. (Image: Newsquest)

To some it’s the “Great Chieftain o’ the puddin-race”. To others its the new caviar, the food of the Gods. Yes, haggis just got sexy! And to prove it, The Helensburgh Advertiser and our sister radio station, Your radio, visited J Callaghan Butchers in Sinclair Street to celebrate Burns’s 250th anniversary by holding a haggis-tastic party for customers. As customers arrived they were given the chance to sample three different haggis recipes, including Callaghan’s own. And for good measure, Roy Lewis from the Hebridean Liqueur Company was there to let people taste his finest drams. (Image: Newsquest)