History of Helensburgh’s Tree Lined Streets
Helensburgh’s streets began to be planted with trees in the later 19th century, but it was in the first decades of the 20th century that a concerted effort was made to develop the street tree collection. Local worthy Dr James Ewing Hunter is credited with developing this special feature of the town and his work is carried on today by Helensburgh Tree Conservation Trust.
Dr Ewing Hunter made a huge contribution to the town in the early 20th century. He was a Town Councillor and served as Convener of the Parks Department, where he was instrumental in developing the grounds of Hermitage House into a public park. In 1916 he established the Dumbartonshire Herb Growing Association in response to a call from the Government for people to grow medicinal herbs to help the war effort. He was a founder and President of Dumbartonshire Natural History Society and President of the local Boy Scouts Association, acquiring the Scout and Guide huts in John Street in use to this day. He was also a founding member of Helensburgh Amateur Swimming Club.