The May bank holiday is upon us and for many of us it is the opportunity to embrace the long weekend. The sunny weather has teased us during the busy month, so we can only hope it is here to stay.

Throughout the month of April we had covered many stories in Helensburgh and Lomond from the announcement of the closure of the Royal Bank of Scotland, the opening of the new skatepark at the waterfront, Helensburgh Kiltwalkers raising money for local charities in the area and so much more.

But what was happening in and around the town 15 years ago this month?

Helensburgh Advertiser: It was a night of celebration, music and fine food. the climax of Helensburgh and Lomond’s Community Spirit Awards 2009 took place at a bumper event in Victoria Halls. Before an audience of more than 150, Helensburgh’s Joan Mulroy was declared Citizen of the Year and presented with her trophy by special guest Walter Smith, manager of Rangers Football Club.It was a night of celebration, music and fine food. the climax of Helensburgh and Lomond’s Community Spirit Awards 2009 took place at a bumper event in Victoria Halls. Before an audience of more than 150, Helensburgh’s Joan Mulroy was declared Citizen of the Year and presented with her trophy by special guest Walter Smith, manager of Rangers Football Club. (Image: Newsquest)

Helensburgh Advertiser: Pupils and staff at Garelochhead Primary are celebrating after the school landed a food hygiene award. The village school was recognised by Argyll and Bute Council’s Environmental Health Officers after they paid a visit. Staff were delighted to be handed a certificate recognising their contribution to Promoting Excellence in Food Hygiene through the Eat Safe Award scheme. Kitchen staff at the school work closely with young pupils there, visiting classes to deliver talks on food hygiene and nutrition.Pupils and staff at Garelochhead Primary are celebrating after the school landed a food hygiene award. The village school was recognised by Argyll and Bute Council’s Environmental Health Officers after they paid a visit. Staff were delighted to be handed a certificate recognising their contribution to Promoting Excellence in Food Hygiene through the Eat Safe Award scheme. Kitchen staff at the school work closely with young pupils there, visiting classes to deliver talks on food hygiene and nutrition. (Image: Newsquest)

Helensburgh Advertiser: The Cove Burgh Hall management fund was £400 better off thanks to the talents of the Edington Ensemble. The popular quartet provided a Spring Concert of classics at the Burgh Hall. Hall committee member Richard Reeve said:” Over 60 people attended, which is considered a good turn out, and we made £400 for hall funds.”The Cove Burgh Hall management fund was £400 better off thanks to the talents of the Edington Ensemble. The popular quartet provided a Spring Concert of classics at the Burgh Hall. Hall committee member Richard Reeve said:” Over 60 people attended, which is considered a good turn out, and we made £400 for hall funds.” (Image: Newsquest)

Helensburgh Advertiser: A new National Park initiative aimed to see visitors ditch the car and help the planet. The flagship ‘Loch Lomond 4B’s’ bus and bike project — linking loch cruises, walking and cycle routes with a bus service connecting destinations such as Balloch and Tarbet — was unveiled. The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority was behind the scheme, in conjunction with businesses in the area, including those who provide accommodation and activities.A new National Park initiative aimed to see visitors ditch the car and help the planet. The flagship ‘Loch Lomond 4B’s’ bus and bike project — linking loch cruises, walking and cycle routes with a bus service connecting destinations such as Balloch and Tarbet — was unveiled. The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority was behind the scheme, in conjunction with businesses in the area, including those who provide accommodation and activities. (Image: Newsquest)

Helensburgh Advertiser: A £5,000 grant from Strathclyde Police helped boost a Burgh youth project. The force’s community partnership fund gave the cash for Dunbritton Housing Association’s Churchill and Kikmichael Youth Work programme. The association attracted more than £75,000 over the past three years to invest in youth projects in the communities since October 2006. The cash from Strathclyde Police helped fund the fourth phase of the initiative.A £5,000 grant from Strathclyde Police helped boost a Burgh youth project. The force’s community partnership fund gave the cash for Dunbritton Housing Association’s Churchill and Kikmichael Youth Work programme. The association attracted more than £75,000 over the past three years to invest in youth projects in the communities since October 2006. The cash from Strathclyde Police helped fund the fourth phase of the initiative. (Image: Newsquest)

Helensburgh Advertiser: A 21-year-old Helensburgh woman was among the speakers at the SNP Spring Conference in Glasgow. Kirsteen Fraser was the Helensburgh and Lomond branch secretary, Dumbarton Constituency Association organiser and Glasgow Young Scots for Independence secretary, spoke on behalf of the Young Scots. The Burgh woman, who had ambitions to stand for election to the Scottish Parliament, chose “Employment Prospects of Graduates and Young People” as her subject.A 21-year-old Helensburgh woman was among the speakers at the SNP Spring Conference in Glasgow. Kirsteen Fraser was the Helensburgh and Lomond branch secretary, Dumbarton Constituency Association organiser and Glasgow Young Scots for Independence secretary, spoke on behalf of the Young Scots. The Burgh woman, who had ambitions to stand for election to the Scottish Parliament, chose “Employment Prospects of Graduates and Young People” as her subject. (Image: Newsquest)