Hello November! As the spooky season of Hallowe'en draws to a close, people in Helensburgh and Lomond will soon be turning their heads towards the familiar bells and songs of Christmas.

But before that happens many will be looking forward to watching the spectacular firework display which is being put on by Helensburgh HEART tonight (November 3).

The Advertiser has had a busy week of stories from train cancellations, waterfront developments and the announcement of the popular Santa Dash and Run Loch Lomond events in the town.

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

The ever-changing mood and colour of Scotland’s west coast are captured in a joint exhibition by two Helensburgh-based artists. Mary-Jane Selwood and Julia Gurney each had around 20 paintings on show at the exhibition in Helensburgh Library. The work on show clearly demonstrated the keen observation and technical skills that have made both women firm favourites in the local art scene and farther afield.The ever-changing mood and colour of Scotland’s west coast are captured in a joint exhibition by two Helensburgh-based artists. Mary-Jane Selwood and Julia Gurney each had around 20 paintings on show at the exhibition in Helensburgh Library. The work on show clearly demonstrated the keen observation and technical skills that have made both women firm favourites in the local art scene and farther afield. (Image: Newsquest)

Business brains worked overtime at a student seminar in the Burgh. During a two-day conference at RSR Braeholm, students from Hermitage Academy gained valuable insight into the intense world of business. The course, sponsored by Babcock, was organised by Lindsay Stewart of Business Dynamics, an organisation which works to bring business to life for students and to give them a broader understanding of the different aspects involved.Business brains worked overtime at a student seminar in the Burgh. During a two-day conference at RSR Braeholm, students from Hermitage Academy gained valuable insight into the intense world of business. The course, sponsored by Babcock, was organised by Lindsay Stewart of Business Dynamics, an organisation which works to bring business to life for students and to give them a broader understanding of the different aspects involved. (Image: Newsquest)

Colquhoun Square was planned to be transformed into a magical Christmas treasure trove. Plans were laid for the Helensburgh Christmas lights switch-on. The day-long extravaganza kicked off at 10am, as the market stalls opened to the public, with a full programme of entertainment from noon. The organisation of the event was placed in the hands of the Helensburgh and Lomond Highland Games Committee by Argyll and Bute Council, and member Melanie Andrews took on the task of pulling it all together.Colquhoun Square was planned to be transformed into a magical Christmas treasure trove. Plans were laid for the Helensburgh Christmas lights switch-on. The day-long extravaganza kicked off at 10am, as the market stalls opened to the public, with a full programme of entertainment from noon. The organisation of the event was placed in the hands of the Helensburgh and Lomond Highland Games Committee by Argyll and Bute Council, and member Melanie Andrews took on the task of pulling it all together. (Image: Newsquest)

A haven of peace away from the horrors of the Afghanistan front line was offered to Royal Marines in Helensburgh. The Royal Sailors Rest (RSR) at Braeholm in Helensburgh had been running a pilot project over the summer offering free holidays to Royal Marines and their families serving with 45 Commando in Arbroath. With troops putting their lives on the line, Braeholm wanted to pay tribute to the job they’re doing by offering marines and their families a free break to recharge their batteries.A haven of peace away from the horrors of the Afghanistan front line was offered to Royal Marines in Helensburgh. The Royal Sailors Rest (RSR) at Braeholm in Helensburgh had been running a pilot project over the summer offering free holidays to Royal Marines and their families serving with 45 Commando in Arbroath. With troops putting their lives on the line, Braeholm wanted to pay tribute to the job they’re doing by offering marines and their families a free break to recharge their batteries. (Image: Newsquest)

New life for the former Helensburgh nightclub BJ’s included a youth cafe. Helensburgh youth activist Kirsteen Fraser hoped to establish a youth action group in the town and to tackle the lack of facilities for young people between the ages of 13 and 21. Kirsteen, 21, in Colgrain, hoped to establish the Helensburgh and Lomond Youth Action Group and to find a central site in the town where young people can meet to socialise and the former nightclub BJ’s on East Clyde Street is a possible site.New life for the former Helensburgh nightclub BJ’s included a youth cafe. Helensburgh youth activist Kirsteen Fraser hoped to establish a youth action group in the town and to tackle the lack of facilities for young people between the ages of 13 and 21. Kirsteen, 21, in Colgrain, hoped to establish the Helensburgh and Lomond Youth Action Group and to find a central site in the town where young people can meet to socialise and the former nightclub BJ’s on East Clyde Street is a possible site. (Image: Newsquest)