Locals in Helensburgh and Lomond have been taking in the brief sunny spells over the last few weeks as the summer is drawing to a close.

Helensburgh and Lomond have welcomed visitors and tourists with dog shows, baking competitions and there is soon to be a family-friendly day next week after the cancellation of the popular Rhu and Shandon gala.

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

More than four decades since he became the first coxswain at Helensburgh Lifeboat, Willie Lamond returned to the station to see his old workplace. The 88-year-old made the trip from Garelochhead, where he lives with his wife. He was one of the leading figures in establishing a lifeboat station in the town in 1965. At the time Willie was Pier Master at Rhu, and could see from his own experiences the need for a rapid response sea rescue service in the area.More than four decades since he became the first coxswain at Helensburgh Lifeboat, Willie Lamond returned to the station to see his old workplace. The 88-year-old made the trip from Garelochhead, where he lives with his wife. He was one of the leading figures in establishing a lifeboat station in the town in 1965. At the time Willie was Pier Master at Rhu, and could see from his own experiences the need for a rapid response sea rescue service in the area. (Image: Newsquest)

Faslane-based mine hunter, HMS Blyth, was the centrepiece of the Glasgow River Festival, with tens of thousands of visitors flocking to Pacific Quay, next to Glasgow Science Centre, to catch a glimpse of the vessel and take part in some maritime themed fun. The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Bob Winter, raised the River Festival flag on the deck of the Sandown Class ship, officially opening the two-day event to rousing cheers from the crowds. The ship’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Des Donworth, gave the Lord Provost a tour of the vessel, culminating in the presentation of a plaque bearing the ship’s crest.Faslane-based mine hunter, HMS Blyth, was the centrepiece of the Glasgow River Festival, with tens of thousands of visitors flocking to Pacific Quay, next to Glasgow Science Centre, to catch a glimpse of the vessel and take part in some maritime themed fun. The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Bob Winter, raised the River Festival flag on the deck of the Sandown Class ship, officially opening the two-day event to rousing cheers from the crowds. The ship’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Des Donworth, gave the Lord Provost a tour of the vessel, culminating in the presentation of a plaque bearing the ship’s crest. (Image: Newsquest)

When Helensburgh businesses pull together they really pull together. And there was no clearer evidence of this than when Helensburgh welcomed the twin town guests from Thouars at the biggest and best civic reception the town has ever seen. As soon as the food and craft fair closed in the afternoon, the business sponsors of the event swung into action. Ross Murray, head chef at the Rosslea Hall, David McAnce the general manager and their team Sheryl Hatton, Alana McClelland, Jennifer Gannon, Chelsea Robertson and Przemek Jozko began a marathon cook-in, using all the fabulous produce donated for the event.When Helensburgh businesses pull together they really pull together. And there was no clearer evidence of this than when Helensburgh welcomed the twin town guests from Thouars at the biggest and best civic reception the town has ever seen. As soon as the food and craft fair closed in the afternoon, the business sponsors of the event swung into action. Ross Murray, head chef at the Rosslea Hall, David McAnce the general manager and their team Sheryl Hatton, Alana McClelland, Jennifer Gannon, Chelsea Robertson and Przemek Jozko began a marathon cook-in, using all the fabulous produce donated for the event. (Image: Newsquest)

Co-op workers swapped their shirts for surfboards as Hawaii came to Helensburgh for the day — and all for a good cause. Shoppers in the supermarket on Sinclair Street were treated to staff in grass skirt and hula necklaces as employees embraced the tropical style to raise money for the Royal National Institute for Deaf People.Co-op workers swapped their shirts for surfboards as Hawaii came to Helensburgh for the day — and all for a good cause. Shoppers in the supermarket on Sinclair Street were treated to staff in grass skirt and hula necklaces as employees embraced the tropical style to raise money for the Royal National Institute for Deaf People. (Image: Newsquest)

Hundreds of people turned up to hear the world premiere of the Helensburgh Heroes’ debut single. The cover of David Bowie’s Heroes was recorded by more than 100 volunteers, with 12 on lead vocals, five musicians and a 70-strong choir and production team Figureheads including Jackie Baillie MSP, Nigel Millar and Andrew Nisbet all showed their support at the launch. The night kicked off at the Victoria Halls at 8pm, and 15 minutes later Your Radio played the single for the first ever time live on air. It has was added to the station’s official playlist — the first time a Burgh artist or group has held the accolade.Hundreds of people turned up to hear the world premiere of the Helensburgh Heroes’ debut single. The cover of David Bowie’s Heroes was recorded by more than 100 volunteers, with 12 on lead vocals, five musicians and a 70-strong choir and production team Figureheads including Jackie Baillie MSP, Nigel Millar and Andrew Nisbet all showed their support at the launch. The night kicked off at the Victoria Halls at 8pm, and 15 minutes later Your Radio played the single for the first ever time live on air. It has was added to the station’s official playlist — the first time a Burgh artist or group has held the accolade. (Image: Newsquest)