A huge welcome to September. It is the first day of a new month and the last third of 2024. The colder days and darker nights will begin to creep in and people will be opting to stay at home than go out.

We have reported on a few events and stories over the last few weeks from revealing the buyer of the new waterfront site in Helensburgh to sharing a young woman's journey to being selected for the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship in South Africa.

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

The team who took part in the first beach clean at Garelochhead since it was ‘adopted’ had a tough start— as they salvaged remains from a sunken Thames barge. The uninhabited 100-year-old barge, which had been turned into a houseboat — thought to be owned by George McDonald, who now lives in France — sank 18 metres into the waters of the Gareloch. The MoD put a wreck buoy in place to warn other boatowners of the remains. The team who took part in the first beach clean at Garelochhead since it was ‘adopted’ had a tough start— as they salvaged remains from a sunken Thames barge. The uninhabited 100-year-old barge, which had been turned into a houseboat — thought to be owned by George McDonald, who now lives in France — sank 18 metres into the waters of the Gareloch. The MoD put a wreck buoy in place to warn other boatowners of the remains. (Image: Newsquest)

Kilcreggan woman Jenny McVey of Argyll Buildings, is pictured surrounded by her family who travelled from all over to celebrate her 80th birthday. Jenny who has six children, 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren was delighted when her newest great-grand son Ashley John Thomson born only four weeks ago came along to her family celebrations. She was also able to say a fond “bon voyage” to her granddaughter Shirley and great grandchildren Alistair and Stephen who were emigrating to Australia in October.Kilcreggan woman Jenny McVey of Argyll Buildings, is pictured surrounded by her family who travelled from all over to celebrate her 80th birthday. Jenny who has six children, 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren was delighted when her newest great-grand son Ashley John Thomson, born only four weeks ago, came along to her family celebrations. She was also able to say a fond “bon voyage” to her granddaughter Shirley and great grandchildren Alistair and Stephen who were emigrating to Australia in October. (Image: Newsquest)

Daredevil Advertiser reporter Sharon Thompson zipped her way across Loch Lomond for charity. The thrill-seeking journalist got a bird’s eye view of the picturesque area from 130ft in the air as she took part in a zip slide to raise awareness for Macmillan Cancer Support. And presenters from our sister station Your Radio - Dave, Paul, Billy, Ryan and Charles (pictured)- also be braved the heights. The stunt scaled across the lagoon, from the Gateway Centre to the beach as part of the day long Zip Loch Lomond event. Adrenaline junkie Sharon has tried bungee jumping in the past was excited about this new adventure.Daredevil Advertiser reporter Sharon Thompson zipped her way across Loch Lomond for charity. The thrill-seeking journalist got a bird’s eye view of the picturesque area from 130ft in the air as she took part in a zip slide to raise awareness for Macmillan Cancer Support. And presenters from our sister station Your Radio - Dave, Paul, Billy, Ryan and Charles (pictured)- also braved the heights. The stunt scaled across the lagoon, from the Gateway Centre to the beach as part of the day long Zip Loch Lomond event. Adrenaline junkie Sharon has tried bungee jumping in the past was excited about this new adventure. (Image: Newsquest)

A Burgh couple’s search for a new car has turned into a one thousand mile adventure. Jody Hopper and Peter Slavin are taking part in the trek from Calais to Barcelona, in the ‘Barcelona Bangers’ rally. Although it is not classed as a race, there are certain rules which participants must follow. The car must be less than £200 worth, and each team can’t consist of more than four people. The rally is broken down into three stages, with the 420 miles from Calais to Lyon covered in the first day, followed by 200 miles to Nice the day after, and lastly the final 300 to Barcelona.A Burgh couple’s search for a new car has turned into a one thousand mile adventure. Jody Hopper and Peter Slavin are taking part in the trek from Calais to Barcelona, in the ‘Barcelona Bangers’ rally. Although it is not classed as a race, there are certain rules which participants must follow. The car must be less than £200 worth, and each team can’t consist of more than four people. The rally is broken down into three stages, with the 420 miles from Calais to Lyon covered in the first day, followed by 200 miles to Nice the day after, and lastly the final 300 to Barcelona. (Image: Newsquest)

Three generations of one Helensburgh family were united for a very special event recently. Naval officer Lieutenant Graham Thorley and his father-in-law Robert Curran a former Argyll and Sutherland Highlander joined other members of the family for the passing out parade of Graham’s son Ross (19) as a member of the Scots Guards regiment. Ross’ father (not pictured) and grandfather joined his mum Angela and sister Savannah for the passing out parade which saw him complete his basic training and become a fully fledged guardsman. Ross is a former pupil of Hermitage Academy. When he left school he got a number of jobs but repeatedly fell victim to the recession and eventually decided to join the army.Three generations of one Helensburgh family were united for a very special event. Naval officer Lieutenant Graham Thorley and his father-in-law Robert Curran, a former Argyll and Sutherland Highlander, joined other members of the family for the passing out parade of Graham’s son Ross (19) as a member of the Scots Guards regiment. Ross’ father (not pictured) and grandfather joined his mum Angela and sister Savannah for the passing out parade which saw him complete his basic training and become a fully fledged guardsman. Ross is a former pupil of Hermitage Academy. When he left school he got a number of jobs but repeatedly fell victim to the recession and eventually decided to join the army. (Image: Newsquest)