What’s on in Helensburgh & Lomond

The 35th Scottish Ramblers Gathering will be held in Rhu from Friday 25 to Monday 28 April 2025.

More details at https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking-hub/register-ramblers-scotlands-gathering-2025

Come for a drink, a sandwich and an hour of wonderful music being performed. To reserve places so we have an idea of numbers please email: [email protected]

2024
1pm – Friday 25th October: Emma Baird – Violin, Ryan Corbett – Accordion
1pm – Friday 29th November: Trio Alma: Daniella Hathaway – Soprano, Sarah Harrington – Cello Stephen Adam – Piano
2025
1pm – Friday 24th January: Nicholas Wilks – Clarinet (Finzi Five Bagatelles, Brahms Sonata) Robert Bridge – Piano
6pm – Sunday 23rd February: Flutes Unlimited led by Andrea Kuypers (Note no sandwiches, drinks only!)
1pm – Friday 28th March: Nikita Lukinov – (Piano) (Mussorgsky Pictures, Debussy Images, Brahms op 118)
1pm – Friday 25th April: Sian Winstanley – Soprano, Stephen Adam – Piano
Following season:
1pm – Friday 26th September: Jonathan Mamora – Piano

Monthly dance usually held last Friday of the month from 8p.m.-11.30pm in the Osprey Suite of the Commodore Hotel, 112-117 West Clyde Street , Helensburgh G84 8ES.
Drinks can be purchased from the bar. Tea/coffee and a biscuit will be available at the interval when the raffle will be drawn.
Tickets price at £10 for members and £12 for non-members (half price for accompanied under 16s) can be purchased on the night or reserved from Association Secretary Anne Thorn

25th April – Cardross Parish Church Hall

Table Booking is now open on Eventbrite £10.00 for a single table, £22.50 for a corner table (plus booking fee)

The PTA event is a great mix of stalls selling everything from cupboard clear outs to handmade artisan crafts. With over 60 stalls under one roof, we’ve got something for all tastes and budgets. Plus lots of family fun including tombola, crafting, games, and cake!  
Free entry. Table hire proceeds will go back to supporting school clubs. Contact [email protected]

Book a table https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hermitage-academy-pta-table-top-sale-and-spring-fair-tickets-1257022581379

Scotland’s National Rhododendron Show & Exhibition, Gibson Hall, Garelochead. Opens to Public at 12.00

SRS members and non-members are welcome to exhibit or attend the show. Whether you have a large established rhododendron collection or have only a few plants, we want you to take part ! There is plenty of help and advice on hand. Find out more at https://scottishrhododendronsociety.org.uk/rhododendron-show-2025/

RSPB Loch Lomond run a series of events throughout the year – find the full listing and booking information at https://events.rspb.org.uk/lochlomond

• Dawn Chorus, Saturday 3 May 4.20-7.30am
  Sensory Bluebell Walk, Sunday 18 May 10-12am
  Wild Food Foraging – Saturday 28 June 1-4pm
  Wildflower Wander – Sunday 27 July 1-3.30pm
  Wild Food Foraging – Sunday 28 September 1-4pm

Bring your furry friends along for a day packed with fun activities, exciting demonstrations, and plenty of opportunities to meet other dog lovers.

What to expect:

Fun dog shows and competitions for all breeds and abilities (details to be announced soon!)
Expert advice from dog trainers and behaviourists
Stalls selling dog treats, toys, accessories, and more
Opportunities to meet different breeds & their proud owners
A fantastic day out for the whole family (dogs included!)

Get ready for an unforgettable night of music, energy, and pure vibes! We’re bringing the best of techno, house, and dance to the Clyde’s waterfront at the Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre.

Headlined by Stephen Kirkwood – one of Scotland’s most exciting DJs and producers, this night promises high-energy techno, house, and trance. Special guest Michael Paterson, our very own Helensburgh legend! Supporting artists: The Lang Bros & JMCCAFF.

Street food will be available out front, so arrive early to grab some tasty snacks before the night kicks off at 7:30pm. Sound supplied by Blue Audio Indoor standing event | 18+

Tickets from https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rave-on-the-clyde-tickets-1264010351989

The popular Geilston Garden ‘Sunday in the Garden’ Event will run throughout the season.
A wonderful opportunity to spend a relaxing afternoon taking in the peaceful atmosphere of the garden, enjoying the changes in colour and texture of the planting as the growing season proceeds. The kitchen garden providing produce and inspiration for fruit and vegetable growers and for those who just like to eat them! And so many fun and interesting paths and the play area for children to explore.
The Friends of Geilston tea and homemade cake stall will be serving from 12md – 4pm and each month there is musical entertainment by local choirs from 2.30pm

Sunday 4th June – Tartan Harmony
Sunday 6th July – Peninsula Choir
Sunday 7th September – Helensburgh Oratorio Choir
Sunday 5th October – Lomond and Clyde Community Orchestra

Normal NTS garden entry charges apply. Entry free for NTS members, see NTS website for details of entry charges and membership.

In aid of the Church Tower Fund at Rhu Church. You keep 50% of selling price, 50% goes to charity.

Clothes to be delivered to the church hall on the day before between 9-10am, articles should be named, priced and marked if to be returned if unsold. Please attach labels securely, we accept no responsibility for missing labels. No Jumble please.

Money/Unsold Clothes must be collected from the Church Hall on the Monday between 9-10am or they go to local charities

Join Geilston Garden for a fun and creative morning learning how to make your very own garden obelisk with Jen from Woodhead Willow. During this hands-on workshop, you’ll be guided through the process of weaving willow to create a beautiful and functional sweet pea teepee or bean support for your garden. No prior experience is necessary, just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn! Located in the picturesque Geilston Garden, this workshop offers the perfect setting to develop your creativity and connect with nature. Don’t miss this opportunity to add a unique touch to your garden with a handmade obelisk. Book your spot now!

We understand that everyone has unique abilities, and this workshop requires a degree of manual dexterity and hand strength.

Terms & Conditions

All tools and materials will be provided along with tea, coffee and biscuits! This workshop is suitable for 18+. Please be aware that this workshop will take place outdoors, so make sure to dress for the weather!

Book at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/garden-obelisk-workshop-with-woodhead-willow-tickets-1270355309929

Unfurling: Deep Rest Workshop for Spring
Frid 28 March, 6.45-8.30pm
We will start with a cuppa and connection then some gentle movement to relax the body. Next exploring stillness and softening in some Restorative yoga poses followed by a Yoga Nidra guided relaxation meditation. Making space to rejuvenate and direct your energy as the buds begin to open. We will be in floor-based supported poses with a focus on awareness and breath. Suitable for all as long as you are comfortable on the floor with lots of supports.
Location: Templeton Annex, Helensburgh Civic Centre

Bountiful Fire: Beltane Yoga Workshop + Soundbath
Sun 11th May 2-4.30pm with special guest
Welcoming abundance, passion and fertility as summer begins. Warm, energise and expand with yoga. Then rest deeply with a Yoga Nidra guided relaxation followed by a multi-instrument Soundbath with our brilliant gong-maestro Sandy Graham. Tea, sharing and circle time to nourish our connections. Yoga with Kerry / A guided Yoga Nidra relaxation / Sound bath with Sandy Graham /Finishing with tea and connection
Location: MARRIAGE SUITE, Helensburgh Civic Centre

Booking link https://buytickets.at/kerrymckay

Helensburgh has been called the ‘Garden City of the Clyde‘, and there are lots of lovely local gardens to visit! Many of these are open through Scotland’s Garden Scheme.

Sunday 11 May 2pm-5pm 18 Duchess Park and Westburn
Sunday 18 May 2pm-5pm Ross Priory, Gartocharn
Sunday 1 June 2pm-5pm Geilston Garden, Cardross (NTS Admission charges apply)
Sunday 17 August 2pm-5pm Glenarn Garden Plant Sale, Helensburgh

Glenarn Garden is open 21 March to 21 September, Dawn to Dusk https://scotlandsgardens.org/glenarn-2/
Linn Botanic Garden is open 18 June – 17 August 2025 (not Monday & Tuesday), 10am – 5pm whilst the gardens undergo restoration – see https://scotlandsgardens.org/linn-botanic-gardens/ for details

The Arts Society Lomond and Argyll have an exciting line-up of events. These are open to Members (free) and Guests (£10) – visit https://www.tasla.org.uk/ to find out about Membership! Lectures are held on the 2nd Tuesday of every Month At Victoria Halls, Helensburgh at 10.30am, with coffee available beforehand from 10am.

September 10th 2024 The Classical Re-invented – The Brilliant Legacy Of Sir Christopher Wren By Ian Swankie
October 8th 2024 The Trials and Tribulations of Vincent Van Gogh as seen through his works by Carole Petipher
November 12th 2024 Matisse-Master of Colour by Lydia Bauman
10th December 2024 Gotta Dance: The Hollywood Musical by Colin Shindler
14th January 2025 A Renaissance Art in England: Henry V111. Elizabeth 1 and the Greenwich Armourers by Tobias Capwell
11th February 2025 The Wallace Collection: A Palace of Genius
11th March 2025 The Story of Jewellery in Scotland by Clare Blatherwick
15th April 2025 Fashion, Feathers & Feminism: Women’s Fight for Change by Tessa Boase
13th May 2025 Painting Is Dead… Long Live Photography! by Aliki Braine
10th June 2025 Pierrot Heroes – The Evolution Of British Seaside Entertainment by Tony Lidington

RSPB Loch Lomond run a series of events throughout the year – find the full listing and booking information at https://events.rspb.org.uk/lochlomond

• Dawn Chorus, Saturday 3 May 4.20-7.30am
  Sensory Bluebell Walk, Sunday 18 May 10-12am
  Wild Food Foraging – Saturday 28 June 1-4pm
  Wildflower Wander – Sunday 27 July 1-3.30pm
  Wild Food Foraging – Sunday 28 September 1-4pm

Helensburgh has been called the ‘Garden City of the Clyde‘, and there are lots of lovely local gardens to visit! Many of these are open through Scotland’s Garden Scheme.

Sunday 11 May 2pm-5pm 18 Duchess Park and Westburn
Sunday 18 May 2pm-5pm Ross Priory, Gartocharn
Sunday 1 June 2pm-5pm Geilston Garden, Cardross (NTS Admission charges apply)
Sunday 17 August 2pm-5pm Glenarn Garden Plant Sale, Helensburgh

Glenarn Garden is open 21 March to 21 September, Dawn to Dusk https://scotlandsgardens.org/glenarn-2/
Linn Botanic Garden is open 18 June – 17 August 2025 (not Monday & Tuesday), 10am – 5pm whilst the gardens undergo restoration – see https://scotlandsgardens.org/linn-botanic-gardens/ for details

Get Ready to Unplug with Jim Gellatly at Loch Lomond Shores!

We’re beyond excited to announce that the legendary Jim Gellatly will be joining us at Loch Lomond Shores for our Lomond Unplugged weekend!
Get ready for a weekend filled with incredible live music, handpicked by the Award-winning broadcaster, himself. Jim’s passion for discovering and championing new Scottish talent is infectious, and we can’t wait to see what gems he brings to our stage.
Jim has played a key role in uncovering many of the most important bands around, including Oasis, Snow Patrol and Coldplay. The first person to play the likes of Biffy Clyro, The Fratellis, Twin Atlantic, Amy Macdonald and KT Tunstall on the radio, Coventry’s The Enemy have also credited Jim on several occasions for picking up on them while still unsigned.
CALLING ALL BUSKERS!!!!
If you are currently busking your way around Scotland, and want to take your music career to the next level, our Busking Competition at Lomond Unplugged is for YOU! We are looking for talented singer-songwriters who are currently unsigned to submit their demo videos to us, where Jim & his team will select the TOP 16 to play on our Lomond Unplugged stage on Saturday 24th May, at Loch Lomond Shores.
After a combined public and judges vote, the 16 will be whittled down to 8, to come back and play on Sunday 25th May. The overall WINNER will then be selected and announced on the Sunday afternoon.

More information at https://www.facebook.com/LochLomondFoodandDrinkFestivals