HELLO Spring

Make Helensburgh & Lomond your gateway to Argyll this spring!

Only 45 minutes by train from Glasgow, and within easy reach of both the west coast and central belt of Scotland, Helensburgh & Lomond is the ideal location for Spring day out. The town of Helensburgh is known as the ‘Garden City of the Clyde’, famous for its tree-lined streets and the spectacular Cherry Blossom that flowers every year. Enjoy the gardens at Glenarn, or explore Geilston Garden and Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Hill House (both National Trust for Scotland). Visit for the day to browse in our unique shops, or relax in fabulous cafés and restaurants.

Casper, the Wee White Dug at Geilston Garden, photo by Sam Grant

In Spring 2022 we were delighted to welcome blogger Sam Grant with husband Alex and Westie Casper, aka the Wee White Dug, to experience Helensburgh, the ‘Garden City of the Clyde‘. As well as seeing our fabulous cherry blossom, they visited local gardens at Glenarn in Rhu and Geilston at Cardross, and took in a boat trip on the Clyde and a visit to the famous Hill House by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Casper got a smart bow-tie and some other goodies at Tweedie from their Dapper Dogs range. There was lots of eating on the trip, at Beachcomber Cafe at Kidston Park, Sugar Boat, The Park Pavilion, The Artist Patisserie and Cattle and Creel, and boutique accommodation and hearty breakfasts at the gorgeous Riva Boutique Restaurant Bar & Hotel on Helensburgh’s seafront.

You can read about all the trip and see all their fabulous photos at the blog on their website or at their Facebook Page. You can also follow the Wee White Dug on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

Casper, the Wee White Dug, at Riva Boutique Restaurant Bar & Hotel, photo by Sam Grant — Casper, the Wee White Dug at Riva Boutique Restaurant Bar & Hotel, photo by Sam Grant

Casper, the Wee White Dug, at The Hill House, photo by Sam Grant — Casper, the Wee White Dug at The Hill House, photo by Sam Grant

Casper, the Wee White Dug at Tweedie, photo by Sam Grant

Ragu and gnocchi at Sugar Boat, photo by Sam Grant

Spring Events (March-May)

Date

Title

Current Month

March

01mar19:30Live Music at The Clyde BarHelensburgh

02mar10:0015:00Free Bike WorkshopArrochar

03mar19:0021:00Traditional Music SessionHelensburgh

04mar14:0019:00Pancake Day EventsHelensburgh

05mar19:30North Clyde Archaeological Society TalksHelensburgh

06marAll DayCinema ScreeningsHelensburgh

06mar14:00Spring Teas at Gibson HallGarelochhead

07mar14:0016:30Daffodil TeaHelensburgh

07mar19:30'The Provy Wummin' at Victoria HallsHelensburgh

08mar10:0016:00Spring Market in the SquareColquhoun Square

08mar11:0015:30Step into SpringCardross

08mar14:0016:00Song and a SconeHelensburgh

08mar16:3020:00Charity FirewalkHelensburgh

08mar19:00International Womens’ Day EventHelensburgh

Event Details

’A Window into the Remarkable Life of Elizabeth Sale’

In celebration of International Womens’ Day, the XTRA Theatre Group have put together a documentary of the life of Elizabeth Sale (1818-1898). Remembered by members of Helenburgh Baptist Church as a missionary filled with courage and care for others.
Born in the South of France to British parents, Elizabeth was the first to found and lead a Christian Mission which sought to educate and care for young women and girls who were held in social captivity in India. Some in high-caste HIndhu homes from which all outside and immediate family were excluded. She was also one of the first women to ‘unofficially’ train in Medicine and Surgery, before women were permitted to enter higher education. A remarkable woman for her time, she would be called a ceiling breaker today, and certainly an inspiration for women who followed.
Elizabeth and her husband, the Rev John Sale, made Helensburgh Baptist church their home church on their retirement. They are commemorated in the church’s beautiful stained-glass window. A window endowed to the church by her daughter, Letitia Zillan Young. Elizabeth died at the age of 80 and is buried in Helensburgh Cemetery in a family plot.
To learn more about the life of Elizabeth Sale, the documentary can be viewed at Helensburgh Baptist Church on Saturday 8th March, International Womens’ Day, at 7pm. Open to all who have an interest in local history.

Time

8 March 2025 19:00(GMT+00:00)

Location

Helensburgh Baptist Church

7 East King Street, Helensburgh, G84 7QQ

Other Events

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08mar19:3022:30The Vintage ExplosionHelensburgh

08mar19:30Live Music at The Clyde BarHelensburgh

09mar12:30Jazz in the VillageCove

11mar10:3012:00The Arts Society Lomond & Argyll 2024-2025 EventsHelensburgh

12mar19:0021:30Horticutural Society TalksVictoria Halls

13marAll DayCinema ScreeningsHelensburgh

15mar19:00Family Movie NightsHelensburgh

15mar19:00Music at Three Villages HallArrochar

16mar19:30Music Society ConcertsHelensburgh

Event Details

Join Helensburgh Music Society for their seasonal programme of events, held at Helensburgh & Lomond Civic Centre:

October 13th 2024 Classico Latino;
November 24th 2024 Trio Arisonto;
January 19th 2025 Barros Pereira-Alves Duo, harp and violin;
February 23rd 2025 Ceruleo;
March 16th 2025 Ensemble Renard.

Single tickets: online (preferred) or card/cash on the door: Adults £15, Students £5, under 18s £1
Season ticket for 5 Concerts £50 Book online at https://helensburghmusicsociety.org.uk/booking

Helensburgh Music Society presents a series of 5 concerts each year, between October and March, in the form of performances by Professional Ensembles or Solo Recitals. Our concerts, in the Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre on Clyde Street, Helensburgh, are open to everyone. An evening out listening to beautiful music, and a chance to meet friends over an interval drink. Ticket prices are low, especially the season ticket. We encourage performers to talk to the audiences, introducing both themselves and the pieces of music they are playing, expanding on the programme notes so adding to the accessibility of the music. Each year the programme we present, features a variety of performers and instrumental combinations. We also include repertoire ranging from early music to established classical works as well as modern compositions and Jazz. Performers include Scottish based musicians as well as international musicians and ensembles, all of the very highest calibre. It is also an important aim of HMS to offer opportunities to outstanding young artists, especially those based in Scotland.

Time

16 March 2025 19:30(GMT+00:00)

Location

Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre

38 East Clyde Street, Helensburgh, G84 7PF

Other Events

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18marAll DayCinema ScreeningsHelensburgh

20mar16:0019:00Visitor Levy Drop In EventHelensburgh

21mar09:00Glenarn Garden OpeningHelensburgh

22mar10:0014:00Savoy Craft FairHelensburgh

22mar10:0016:00Vision For Helensburgh Community EventHelensburgh

22mar19:3023:00Rhu Church Tower CeilidhRhu

23mar14:0017:00Traditional Music Workshop with Grant McFarlaneHelensburgh

Event Details

Grant McFarlane is an accordionist and educator from Paisley with a wealth of experience in teaching and performing. Specialising in accordion, Grant has worked extensively with mixed-instrument groups of all ages, fostering a love of music and encouraging participation in traditional Scottish music. Career highlights include performing in countries such as France, Germany, India, and Australia, showcasing Scottish music on an international stage. In 2015, Grant founded Fèis Phàislig, which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. The Fèis now delivers year-round opportunities for young people in his hometown of Paisley and across Renfrewshire.

In this workshop you will learn some traditional Scottish tunes and gain confidence at picking up tunes by ear. You will be given the sheet music to take home and you will also have the chance to learn a few useful phrases in Scottish Gaelic during the workshop. It is open to all melody players who are intermediate level and up (fiddle/violin, accordion, mandolin, clàrsach etc) If you would like to check if your instrument would suit please get in touch by email.

The workshop will take place at Helensburgh Baptist Church Hall, 7 East King Street on Sunday 23rd of March, 2pm – 5pm.

* To book your place email: [email protected] and please mention what instrument you play.

Cost – Pay as you can on the day of the workshop, money given will go straight back into running more music workshops like this in Helensburgh. All ages welcome – under 16s must bring a guardian.

Accessibility – the workshop will take place on the ground floor, there is a ramp into the building (no stairs) and the venue has a disabled toilet. If you need any assistance or further information please get in touch by email.

Running this workshop has been made possible with support from the Maoin nan Ealan Gàidhlig fund. Mòran taing gu Alba Chruthachail, Bòrd na Gàidhlig agus Fèisean nan Gàidheal. Taing gu Eaglais Bhaisteach Baile Eilidh cuideachd // A huge thanks to Creative Scotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Fèisean nan Gàidheal and also to Helensburgh Baptist Church for kindly providing the venue.

This workshop is in association with the monthly Helensburgh traditional music session which happens on the first Monday of the month at the Commodore Hotel, 7-9pm. All welcome (including under 18s) to join in or listen. For more information see: https://www.facebook.com/HelensburghTradMusicSession/

Time

23 March 2025 14:00 - 17:00(GMT+00:00)

Location

Helensburgh Baptist Church

7 East King Street, Helensburgh, G84 7QQ

Other Events

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24mar10:00Geilston Garden Opens for 2025Cardross

27marAll DayCinema ScreeningsHelensburgh

27mar(mar 27)18:3028(mar 28)12:00Iridology WorkshopsHelensburgh

27mar19:0021:00Helensburgh Community Council MeetingHelensburgh

28marAll Day31Helensburgh Book FestivalHelensburgh

28mar13:0014:00Sandwich Series ConcertsRhu

28mar14:00Ardkinglas Daffodil Walk and House TourCairndow

28mar18:4520:30Yoga WorkshopsHelensburgh

28mar20:0023:30Highland Association DanceHelensburgh

29mar10:0011:30Beach Cleans HelensburghHelensburgh

29mar10:0014:00Coffee Morning at The BridgeHelensburgh

29mar10:0016:00Saturday Studios at Cove ParkCove Park

Event Details

Sat 22 Feb 2025 – Pattern Disruptors is a textile printing workshop led by artist Kate Owens and inspired by the work of Bernat Klein. Together we will explore the idea of non-patterning using small scale wooden print blocks. The starting point for this session is thinking about Klein’s resistance to repeating pattern. He used space-dyeing and irregular yarn to create variety in his woven fabrics. In this workshop, we’ll play with variety, trying different block printing techniques including masking, overlapping, rotating and combining. This is a chance to make your own unique non-patterned fabric!

This workshop covers the basics of block carving and textile printing using simple materials. It’s a fun and engaging table-based activity which can be done by any age. We will be using Soil Association approved inks and a mixture of reclaimed and sustainably sourced fabrics.

This free two-hour workshop is for children aged 7 and over and their families or carers. There are two chances to come along so please book the time that works best for you. Full details and book at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/covepark

29 March 2025 Join us for a Wintering Ritual, an immersive workshop designed for adults and children alike. This workshop invites participants to explore with the rhythms of the winter season through movement, theatre, and writing. Led by interdisciplinary artist Andrea Ling, whose practice explores rekindling rituals and bringing communities together, we’ll explore how seasonal traditions can offer care, connection, and meaning in modern life.

Two sessions, 10-12am and 2-4pm, free tickets, full details and book at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/covepark

Time

29 March 2025 10:00 - 16:00(GMT+00:00)

Location

Cove Park

Peaton Hill, Cove, G84 0PE

Other Events

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29mar10:0016:00Spring Market in the SquareColquhoun Square

29mar11:00LCCO Orchestra Spring ConcertHelensburgh

30mar19:00Sunday @ Seven ConcertsHelensburgh

Event Details

All concerts start at 7pm and last about an hour. Entry is free although there is a retiring collection to help pay for the series.

20 𝙊𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙗𝙚𝙧 2024 – 𝙇𝙚𝙖 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙬 (𝙈𝙚𝙯𝙯𝙤-𝙨𝙤𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙤) 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝘿𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙠 𝘾𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙠 (𝙥𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙤)
Following study at the RCS, Lea Shaw has just completed two years as an Emerging Artist at Scottish Opera, during which time she made a very favourable impression on audiences as a mezzo to watch. Her varied recital programme here includes five rarely performed songs by Alma Mahler, whose music is only now receiving the recognition it deserves, following years of neglect after her husband, fellow composer Gustav Mahler, insisted give up composition when she married him. Also included are the lively ‘Canciones negras’ by Spanish composer Xavier Montsalvatge, based on West Indian rhythms.
24 𝙉𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 2024 – 𝙂𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙜𝙤𝙬 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝘾𝙝𝙤𝙞𝙧 (𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙚𝙡 𝘽𝙖𝙬𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙚)
This concert forms part of the Glasgow Chamber Choir’s 30th anniversary season, so to celebrate they are performing music by composers who also have anniversaries this year. Swiss composer Frank Martin died 50 years ago, and his Mass for double Choir lay in a cupboard unperformed for many years. Charles Villiers Stanford died 100 years ago. His setting of the Magnificat, also for double choir, was inspired by the motets of J. S. Bach. Jonathan Dove’s choral song cycle, The Passing of the Year completes this virtuosic programme.
22 𝘿𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 2024 – ‘𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙎𝙞𝙣𝙜’ 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙩—𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 7.30𝙥𝙢!
Our annual Carol concert with augmented choir, brass ensemble and organ and plenty of opportunity to join in, followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the hall. There will be the usual retiring collection in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support, for which the choir has now raised over £33,000.
26 𝙅𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙮 2025 – 𝙏𝘽𝘾
17 𝙁𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙮 2025 – 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙥 𝙀𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙡𝙚
This Glasgow- based ensemble comprises two singers (soprano Jessica Leary and baritone Andrew McTaggart) with cellist Andrew Drummond-Huggan and pianist Andrew Forbes. They present a programme of specially arranged music with a sea-faring theme (including Stanford’s well-known ‘Songs of the Sea’) which was originally put together for the Tall Ships Festival in Aberdeen.
30 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝 2025 – 𝙋𝙪𝙥𝙞𝙡𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝘼𝙘𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙮
Local school pupils present a varied programme of vocal and instrumental music to suit all tastes under the direction of their Head of Music, Pamela Frew.
27 𝘼𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙡 2025 – 𝙈𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙘 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨
Former colleagues from the Orchestra of Scottish Opera join HPC’s Director of Music for another evening of chamber music, centred around Brahms’ Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 34. This work, described as ‘Brahms’ most epic and monumental chamber work’ started out as a quintet for strings, and was then recast as a sonata for two pianos, before assuming its final form. It contains one of the composer’s most beautiful slow movements and an especially powerful and dramatic finale, bringing the work to a triumphant conclusion. Definitely a season highpoint!
25 𝙈𝙖𝙮 2025 – 𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙜𝙝 𝙃𝙮𝙢𝙣𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙩
A much-anticipated return for this popular event. Join the augmented choir, praise band, brass and organ to make a joyful noise with a programme of favourite hymns and worship songs which will combine old favourites with some newer items A ‘good sing’ is guaranteed.
29 𝙅𝙪𝙣𝙚 2025 – 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙧 𝙑𝙞𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙣 𝘿𝙪𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙂𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝘼𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙃𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙮𝙬𝙤𝙤𝙙
A return visit from husband and wife duo Danny and Alison Miller with a wonderfully nostalgic trip down memory lane featuring music from many of Hollywood’s greatest films. Music by Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Erich Korngold and Richard Rogers, to mention but a few, provides what we hope will be the perfect finale to our season.