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

Helensburgh and Lomond have welcomed plenty of visitors and tourists with dog shows, baking competitions and a family-friendly day after the cancellation of the popular Rhu and Shandon gala.

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

A enthusiastic and hard-working Cardross dancer Breagha Mackie was dwarfed by the trophy she won in Grangemouth. The five-year-old was a dancer at the Margaret Rose School of Dance. She danced tap, ballet character and song and dance to win the stage trophy at the Zetland Stage Dance Festival in 2009.Enthusiastic and hard-working Cardross dancer Breagha Mackie was dwarfed by the trophy she won in Grangemouth. The five-year-old was a dancer at the Margaret Rose School of Dance. She danced tap, ballet, character and song and dance to win the stage trophy at the Zetland Stage Dance Festival in 2009. (Image: Newsquest)

Pennisula toddlers were enjoying lots of laughs at a soft play party. Seventeen tots from Stay and Play Toddlers based at the Cove Burgh Hall enjoyed fun and games at Gogglebox in Helensburgh. And afterwards their energetic mums admitted they had enjoyed it just as much. The youngsters, aged between four months and three-years-old, tucked into pizza, sausage rolls and ice cream washed down with juice.Pennisula toddlers were enjoying lots of laughs at a soft play party. Seventeen tots from Stay and Play Toddlers based at the Cove Burgh Hall enjoyed fun and games at Gogglebox in Helensburgh. And afterwards their energetic mums admitted they had enjoyed it just as much. The youngsters, aged between four months and three-years-old, tucked into pizza, sausage rolls and ice cream washed down with juice. (Image: Newsquest)

Pupils at Hermitage Academy have been congratulated for excelling in their exams, after their eagerly-awaited results were delivered. Four sixth year pupils walked away with a staggering three As at Advanced Higher — Heather Allan, Emily Cassels, Christine McKenna and Gwen Reid. Heather planned to go to Strathclyde University to study Pharmacy, after taking the top grades for physics, chemistry and graphics, whilst Emily studied medicine at Glasgow after scooping high grades in music, biology and chemistry. Christine travelled to Tanzania to undertake voluntary work teaching primary school children before moving to St Andrew’s to study maths and geography. Meanwhile Gwen took part in a voluntary project in Borneo after completing her sixth and final year at the school.Pupils at Hermitage Academy were congratulated for excelling in their exams, after their eagerly-awaited results were delivered. Four sixth year pupils walked away with a staggering three As at Advanced Higher — Heather Allan, Emily Cassels, Christine McKenna and Gwen Reid. Heather planned to go to Strathclyde University to study Pharmacy, after taking the top grades for physics, chemistry and graphics, whilst Emily studied medicine at Glasgow after scooping high grades in music, biology and chemistry. Christine travelled to Tanzania to undertake voluntary work teaching primary school children before moving to St Andrew’s to study maths and geography. Meanwhile Gwen took part in a voluntary project in Borneo after completing her sixth and final year at the school. (Image: Newsquest)

Family and figureheads joined forces to wish a Helensburgh woman 100 happy returns. Emily Renfrew celebrated her landmark 100th birthday with relatives who had travelled from as far as the USA and Canada to be at her side. Four generations of the Renfrew family were also present at a family lunch held in the RNCYC. And Emily received the famous telegram from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, presented by Major James McRae at Abbeyfield Society home in Helensburgh, where she was also treated to a huge birthday cake, flowers and a crystal.Family and figureheads joined forces to wish a Helensburgh woman 100 happy returns. Emily Renfrew celebrated her landmark 100th birthday with relatives who had travelled from as far as the USA and Canada to be at her side. Four generations of the Renfrew family were also present at a family lunch held in the RNCYC. And Emily received the famous telegram from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, presented by Major James McRae at Abbeyfield Society home in Helensburgh, where she was also treated to a huge birthday cake, flowers and a crystal fruit bowl. (Image: Newsquest)

A kind-hearted Helensburgh man decided to celebrate his 50th birthday by helping others — and by getting out on the golf course. Alistair Paton — who admitted that he is terrible to buy presents for — decided that rather than accept gifts to mark his half century, his friends should all join him on the green to raise money for charity. The group of 20 teed-off at Helensburgh Golf Club, and were challenged to ‘Beat the Pro’, Matthew Burt, which only one man — solicitor John Steele — successfully achieved. However, there were other challenges for the men to compete over and taking the prizes for the longest drive and nearest to the pin were Stuart Daniels and George Sneddon. A total of £750 was raised on the day for the Marie Curie Big Build charity.A kind-hearted Helensburgh man decided to celebrate his 50th birthday by helping others  and by getting out on the golf course. Alistair Paton — who admitted that he is terrible to buy presents for — decided that rather than accept gifts to mark his half century, his friends should all join him on the green to raise money for charity. The group of 20 teed-off at Helensburgh Golf Club, and were challenged to ‘Beat the Pro’, Matthew Burt, which only one man — solicitor John Steele — successfully achieved. However, there were other challenges for the men to compete over and taking the prizes for the longest drive and nearest to the pin were Stuart Daniels and George Sneddon. A total of £750 was raised on the day for the Marie Curie Big Build charity. (Image: Newsquest)

A plain Parker pen from the Prime Minister was caught up in a surprise bidding war at a charity dinner dance. One keen writer brought home the 10 Downing Street pen for £210 in aid of Parklands School and the disabled charity Jigsaw. Around £7,690 was raised for the two worthwhile causes, with 122 guests parting with their hard-earned cash for an array of interesting items. A six-course dinner for eight at Mother India in Glasgow was the top money-spinning prize on Saturday night, going for £600. Other highly sought after items included a signed Manchester United football, golf at the Carrick and use of a motor home for one week. Organiser Ian Ward was full of thanks for all those who helped make the night a success.A plain Parker pen from the Prime Minister was caught up in a surprise bidding war at a charity dinner dance. One keen writer brought home the 10 Downing Street pen for £210 in aid of Parklands School and the disabled charity Jigsaw. Around £7,690 was raised for the two worthwhile causes, with 122 guests parting with their hard-earned cash for an array of interesting items. A six-course dinner for eight at Mother India in Glasgow was the top money-spinning prize on Saturday night, going for £600. Other highly sought after items included a signed Manchester United football, golf at the Carrick and use of a motor home for one week. Organiser Ian Ward was full of thanks for all those who helped make the night a success. (Image: Newsquest)