Helensburgh community and families rally round for fun day

Rosslea Hall Hotel came to the rescue to set up the free event for families in Helensburgh and Lomond on Sunday, August 18, after the cancellation of the Rhu and Shandon Gala.

There was face painting for children (Image: Ann Stewart)

The Campbell family from Rosneath. Andrew, Annemarie, Paige, Holly, Nathan, and Tala (Image: Ann Stewart)

The day saw a bouncy castle, face painting, children's games, tombola, raffle and a reduced cost barbecue and drinks.

Children had great fun on the bouncy castle (Image: Ann Stewart)

Gie it Laldy – Ukulele group (Image: Ann Stewart)

Children also had the rare opportunity to take a look inside a police or fire vehicle as both emergency services were in attendance on the day.

Firefighters from Helensburgh Fire Station at Rosslea Hotel Community Event (Image: Ann Stewart)

Anna Whiland, aged 6, arrested and placed in the back of a police van (Image: Ann Stewart)

Mum Lauren and sone Oran, aged 2, on the fire engine (Image: Ann Stewart)

And the hotel's organisers have confirmed that the event will go ahead next year following the success.

Rosslea staff join in the tug-of-war (Image: Ann Stewart)

And young boys have their go at Tug of War (Image: Ann Stewart)

Karl Dunbar, general manager at the hotel told the Advertiser: "The Rosslea Hall Hotel team would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone that participated and attended our first community open day.

"We designed the day to keep cost low for our wonderful community and showcase what we had to offer. We had a bouncy castle, face painting and children’s games. The Tug of war was the big hit. Even our local policing team had a go and won!"

Members of the Dance Academy took part in the Highland Dancing (Image: Ann Stewart)

Kyle, Megan, Molly, Holly and Noah from Garelochhead enjoyed their time at the event (Image: Ann Stewart)

He continued: "Local neighbour policing teams from Helensburgh and Dumbarton attended, along with a fire engine from Helensburgh. The teams gave guided tours and allowed the community to take pictures.

"We had dancing, singing and music from local groups who all really showed the talent we have locally.

"Many vendors sold their treats, crafts, paintings and services to all those attending. Our barbecue and Pimm’s tent were sold out by the end of the day.

Tallulah Winstanley- Moffat, age 6, painted as a rabbit with face painter, Aileen Mullen (Image: Ann Stewart)

Morven Taylor helping her grandmother Jane Worsfold at the Bat cave card table in the craft section (Image: Ann Stewart)

"We were grateful to the donations made to our local food bank. We couldn’t have been happier to see so many people attend and willing to participate to make this day possible.

"We will certainly be repeating the event next year and look out for the 2024 Christmas Market event, which we will be launching soon.

"I couldn’t be prouder of the team work we achieved on the day."