History of Helensburgh and Lomond District
Did you know that the award-winning Sugar Boat restaurant in Colquhoun Square gets its name from a shipwreck you can see from Helensburgh – and now you can get up close to the wreck on a boat trip? If you are standing on the Helensburgh promenade looking towards Greenock, you can see a large shape […]
Download the Discover Helensburgh App to find out all about our town and its fascinating history! Featuring over 50 places of interest, 8 self-guided trails and family fun activities this is your active travel guide to Helensburgh and its surroundings. Follow a trail to discover the history behind some key buildings, places and the people
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A cup and ring marked rock dating from the Neolithic / Bronze Age (c. 3,000 BC), is on the hills above Helensburgh. Cup and ring marked rocks are often found on the edge of uplands with panoramic views, but there are very few of these rocks in this part of Argyll. This one is on
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Helensburgh’s Coat of Arms combines elements of both Clan Colquhoun and the Dukes of Sutherland’s arms. This references the foundation of Helensburgh in 1776 by Sir James Colquhoun, 1st Baronet of Luss, who, a few years after advertising the feus, named it after his wife Lady Helen Sutherland. The central shield has the saltire of
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The Glen of Sorrows On 7 February 1603 Clan Colquhoun, led by their chief Alexander Colquhoun of Luss, went into battle against Clan Gregor led by their chief Allaster MacGregor of Glenstra. The MacGregors were supported by members of Clan Cameron and the Colquhouns had royal assent from King James VI to pursue the MacGregors.
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500 years of Clan MacAulay and the Gare Loch 13th-14thC It is believed that the MacAulay are descendants of a younger son of Alwyn Second of Lennox and they also claim descent from Kenneth McAlpin. Malcolm Earl of Lennox granted Aulay of Fosselane (Faslane) the lands of Airddengappil (Ardencaple) and other lands on the Gare
Lady Helen Sutherland 1717–1791 (born Helen Gordon), was the daughter of William Gordon Sutherland, Lord Strathnaver and Catherine Morrison. She was the granddaughter of the 16th Earl of Sutherland. In April 1740 she married Sir James Colquhoun, 1st Baronet of Luss, with whom she had 8 children. Sir James Colquhoun had bought the land the
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