What’s on in Helensburgh & Lomond

Started in 1980 this Annual Festival marks the 1263 Battle of Largs, the last mainland battle between the Scots and Norse. Including opening parade and ceremony, live entertainment, fringe events, food and craft market, workshops, a full Viking and Scots village, Viking Long Boat, Festival of Fire, with fire procession. As well as the Viking skirmish, burning of the long boat, entertainment, and ending in a fabulous firework display.

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

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

Helensburgh Theatre Arts Pantomime ‘Dorothy’s Big Adventure’ Auditions
Sunday 7th September. At the Victoria Halls. Junior chorus auditions (primary 4-7) 12-12:45pm
Senior chorus (first year secondary school to adult) and Principal cast auditions 12:30-6pm.

It will be a workshop style audition and there is no need to prepare anything beforehand. However, if you would like to be considered for a singing role, please have a song prepared. see facebook for details https://www.facebook.com/groups/149163751892979

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.

9th September 2025 From Downton to Gatsby By Andrew Prince
14th October 2025 The Baroque Country House by Amy Lim
11th November 2025 Tintoretto, painter of the people by Julia Musgrave
9th December 2024 Christmas Ghosts by Kirsty Hartsiosis
13th January 2026 The History of Opera by Jamie Hayes
10th February 2026 The Glasgow Girls by Elaine Hansen
10th March 2026 Bad Behaviour by Mark Fisher
14th April 2026 Poetry, Passion and Painting by Michael Howard
12th May 2026 The Sutton Hoo Ship Burial by Mark Cottle
9th June 2026 History of Embroidery by Susan Kay-Williams

Wednesday 10th September 11am – 12md
Sunday 21st September 2pm – 3pm
History Walk
Join ‘Miss Hendry’ and ‘Miss Bell’ for a gentle stroll around Geilston Garden.
These two ladies were the last occupants of Geilston House prior to it coming into the hands of the NTS.
As you walk through the garden they will tell you about the history of the Geilston estate and chat about their lives there. A fascinating insight into the garden’s past.
For further information and to book a place email geilstonfriends.events@gmail.com
Charge £10
For further information and to book please email geilstonfriends.events@gmail.com
NTS Garden entry fees apply – free to NTS members. See NTS website for details of garden entry and membership fees

Project Studio is back in session for the autumn term. Project Studio is free and takes place weekly for five weeks, beginning on Wednesday 27 August 2025, from 4-6pm, at Burgh Yard, Helensburgh, G84 8TF.

Project Studio is for teenagers aged 11-16 in the catchment area of Hermitage Academy, Helensburgh. Launched in June 2023, Project Studio offers free creative activity including workshops, trips, and events centred around self-expression and creating community for teenagers interested in the arts, activism, environmentalism, and wellbeing.

Project Studio – Youth Voice is led by artist, writer, and former resident Heather Marshall and includes a chance to explore and pursue your creative passions. Share your ideas with us and try your hand at fun creative activities. This term we’ll design our alter-egos, make political artworks and create a large-scale collaborative artwork. The exact format will be led by the young people involved.

For more information, please contact Emma Henderson (Curator of Engagement).

This programme is supportive to young people with ADHD, dyslexia, and autism and is supported by the National Lottery Community Fund

Find out more and register at https://covepark.org/project-studio-youth-voice-autumn-term/

Helensburgh and Gareloch Horticultural Society hold a series of talks, free to members, non members welcome £5, more details on the HGHS website.

10 September Planting the seeds of hope – Horatio’s Garden. Chelsea Lowe.
8 October A social and historical perspective of Geilston Garden. Alana Ingram.
12 November Sally Morgan: Would you be the best judge of the Chelsea Flower Show Garden? Dougal Philip and Lesley Watson, Hoptoun Gardens
14 January Hisotry of the honey bee. Colin Sherwood
14 February: Truly hardy perennials, Helen Knowles.
11 March Introduction to fuchsias with practical demonstration. Andrew Cathcart and Tom Sneddon.
22 April AGM and spring bulb competition

We will be joined by 50 of Scotland’s finest small businesses in an outdoor market in front of the castle. Make your visit a whole day out for the family, with over 16 acres of gardens to enjoy as well as the Castle, which was featured in both Downton Abbey & A Very British Scandal.

Refreshments on the day are courtesy of Little Bay Brownies serving tea, coffee and a range of sweet treats, There will also be wood fired pizza and a hog roast to keep you fed! A full list of exhibitors will be available on social media prior to the event, along with details about parking and entry fee.

Friends of Duchess Wood is holding a Foraging Walk Join a herbologist on this free walk to discover this season’s edible and medicinal plants in Duchess Wood. Learn how to prepare fruits, seeds and roots to make tasty foods, drinks and useful remedies.

This walk is offered by Friends of Duchess Wood and is suitable for adults and older children. Please email nickyfodw@gmail.com to reserve your space. 

https://www.facebook.com/FODW1/?locale=en_GB

Free analogue photography workshops with Demelza Kingston

Tuesday 16 September 5-7pm Ardenconnel Woods
Meet at Lineside Walk Car Park.
Some analogue cameras will be supplied or bring your own. Performance by local musician and composer Louise Burnet.

Rhu and Shandon Community Trust are delighted to invite everyone to the first public event at Ardenconnel Woods, Rhu on Tuesday 16 September between 5pm – 7pm.  Please meet at Lineside Walk carpark at 5pm.

Well-known local composer and flautist Louise Burnet of Shandon has composed a special piece inspired mainly by birdsong in the woods and it will be performed by Louise on flute and the wonderful local singer Sian Winstanley – whatever the weather! There will also be a woodland song based on the writings of John Muir which everyone can join in with.

Running alongside the musical performance  will be an analogue photography workshop run in partnership with Cove Park as part of the Nature Networks Springboard event.  The Springboard event at Cove Park on Friday 26 September (1.30- 6pm) is a partnership event with Culture for Climate Scotland and Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network (ABCAN) will see an afternoon of talks, performances and workshops addressing creative climate action.  The images captured during the photography workshop will be exhibited at this event. Please contact Cove Park to book for the Springboard assembly event (link below).

The photography workshops will be led by Glasgow based artist Demelza Kingston who held the Shore Photography Residency at Cove Park in January 2025. Demelza describes her work, which explores human connections and relationships with nature in the past, present and future, as a kind of ‘speculative archaeology’.

The analogue (i.e. old pre digital cameras) photography workshop will be capturing images of the woods in black and white and exploring our connections to nature. There is a follow up workshop on Saturday 20 September at Cove Park, 1.30-3.30pm, to develop the images using natural materials. 

Rhu and Shandon Community Trust said, ‘We are delighted to be holding our first public event at Ardenconnel Wood.  Whilst the legal work to transfer title to the Trust is ongoing, and we hope will be completed very soon, this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the woodland through music and a photography workshop exploring human connections to nature.  Everyone is welcome to come along and join us for a fun, interesting and entertaining evening.’

Some cameras and all film will be provided but if you have an old pre digital camera please bring it along for the workshop led by Demelza.  The Trust would also be delighted if people could also take digital images and films that can be used to help celebrate the woods on the Trust’s website (in development). 

The event at Ardenconnel Wood and at Cove Park on Saturday are free to attend and no booking is necessary.

For further information, and to send in photographs and films, please contact rhushandontrust@gmail.com   For further details of the overall Nature Network Springboard programme and developing the films please go to https://www.tickettailor.com/events/cultureforclimatescotland/1834786

Saturday 20 September 10-11am Peaton Woods
Meet at the entrance on Shore Road, Ardpeaton
Some analogue cameras will be supplied or bring your own. Please consider staying to help with the woodland work party and joining
us in the afternoon at Cove Park to develop the images.

Saturday 20 September 1.30 – 3.30pm Cove Park, Peaton Hill
Part of Doors Open Day – Drop in workshop, photography developing using natural darkroom techniques.

Project Studio is back in session for the autumn term. Project Studio is free and takes place weekly for five weeks, beginning on Wednesday 27 August 2025, from 4-6pm, at Burgh Yard, Helensburgh, G84 8TF.

Project Studio is for teenagers aged 11-16 in the catchment area of Hermitage Academy, Helensburgh. Launched in June 2023, Project Studio offers free creative activity including workshops, trips, and events centred around self-expression and creating community for teenagers interested in the arts, activism, environmentalism, and wellbeing.

Project Studio – Youth Voice is led by artist, writer, and former resident Heather Marshall and includes a chance to explore and pursue your creative passions. Share your ideas with us and try your hand at fun creative activities. This term we’ll design our alter-egos, make political artworks and create a large-scale collaborative artwork. The exact format will be led by the young people involved.

For more information, please contact Emma Henderson (Curator of Engagement).

This programme is supportive to young people with ADHD, dyslexia, and autism and is supported by the National Lottery Community Fund

Find out more and register at https://covepark.org/project-studio-youth-voice-autumn-term/

A fantastic festival of walking and the great outdoors around the spectacular Cowal Peninsula in Argyll! A range of guided, special interest and family friendly walks – to find out more visit https://www.wildaboutargyll.co.uk/see-and-do/walking/cowalfest/

All other events can be booked from https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/cowal-fest-62118848273

Doors Open Day 2025. You can find locations at https://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/ – some are listed below but more may become available

Cove Park https://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/regions/argyll-bute/cove-park
20 September 2025 (10:00 – 16:00)
21 September 2025 (10:00 – 16:00)
Visitors will be able to take part in an ongoing workshop and also be able to walk the site, and see our accommodation units; converted shipping containers, pods from the TV programme Castaway and award winning Jacobs Building. (Please be aware that we may not be able to show inside the pods and cubes). Cove Park focuses on the conservation and preservation of the site’s rich natural heritage and the structures connected to its former status as both a WW2 military depot and, most recently, as a conservation park.

Helensburgh Parish Church https://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/regions/argyll-bute/helensburgh-parish-church
20 September 2025 (12:00 – 15:00)
There is a self guided tour leaflet about the church building and stained glass windows.
We also have a quiz trail sheet for children about the windows in the church. Plus a nature trail sheet to find the animals in the building.
Organ recitals by Derek Clark Director of Music at timed intervals during the afternoon.
Displays about the church building and congregational life.
Church Trail and craft activities for families.
Refreshments tea, coffee and home baking on sale in the Gathering Space. Raising money for Grey Matters Active Ageing.
Helensburgh Parish Church contains many fine stained glass windows. One of these is a tribute to John Logie Baird inventor of television. As we approach the centenary of the invention of television we will be celebrating the early days of television and looking forward to future innovation and technology.

Jean’s Bothy, Helensburgh https://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/regions/argyll-bute/jeans-bothy-helensburgh
20 September 2025 (11:00 – 15:00)
21 September 2025 (11:00 – 15:00)
Jean’s Bothy will be open to members of the public to see the space where the majority of their activities take place. There will be information about the building and how the space has evolved over time, with the opportunity to share memories of what the building has been used for over the years and how the look of the building has changed (or not) during that time.
The garden space will be open to sit and have refreshments and a BBQ will be on offer 12-1 each day.

Rhu & Shandon Parish Church https://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/regions/argyll-bute/rhu-shandon-parish-church
21 September 2025 (14:00 – 17:00)
During 2025 we are celebrating the life and work of John McLeod Campbell who in 1833 was excommunicated for allegedly preaching Heresy. One of the windows in the church commemorates him but there are 11 in total. Tours will be available between 2.30 and 4.30.

Free analogue photography workshops with Demelza Kingston

Tuesday 16 September 5-7pm Ardenconnel Woods
Meet at Lineside Walk Car Park.
Some analogue cameras will be supplied or bring your own. Performance by local musician and composer Louise Burnet.

Rhu and Shandon Community Trust are delighted to invite everyone to the first public event at Ardenconnel Woods, Rhu on Tuesday 16 September between 5pm – 7pm.  Please meet at Lineside Walk carpark at 5pm.

Well-known local composer and flautist Louise Burnet of Shandon has composed a special piece inspired mainly by birdsong in the woods and it will be performed by Louise on flute and the wonderful local singer Sian Winstanley – whatever the weather! There will also be a woodland song based on the writings of John Muir which everyone can join in with.

Running alongside the musical performance  will be an analogue photography workshop run in partnership with Cove Park as part of the Nature Networks Springboard event.  The Springboard event at Cove Park on Friday 26 September (1.30- 6pm) is a partnership event with Culture for Climate Scotland and Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network (ABCAN) will see an afternoon of talks, performances and workshops addressing creative climate action.  The images captured during the photography workshop will be exhibited at this event. Please contact Cove Park to book for the Springboard assembly event (link below).

The photography workshops will be led by Glasgow based artist Demelza Kingston who held the Shore Photography Residency at Cove Park in January 2025. Demelza describes her work, which explores human connections and relationships with nature in the past, present and future, as a kind of ‘speculative archaeology’.

The analogue (i.e. old pre digital cameras) photography workshop will be capturing images of the woods in black and white and exploring our connections to nature. There is a follow up workshop on Saturday 20 September at Cove Park, 1.30-3.30pm, to develop the images using natural materials. 

Rhu and Shandon Community Trust said, ‘We are delighted to be holding our first public event at Ardenconnel Wood.  Whilst the legal work to transfer title to the Trust is ongoing, and we hope will be completed very soon, this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the woodland through music and a photography workshop exploring human connections to nature.  Everyone is welcome to come along and join us for a fun, interesting and entertaining evening.’

Some cameras and all film will be provided but if you have an old pre digital camera please bring it along for the workshop led by Demelza.  The Trust would also be delighted if people could also take digital images and films that can be used to help celebrate the woods on the Trust’s website (in development). 

The event at Ardenconnel Wood and at Cove Park on Saturday are free to attend and no booking is necessary.

For further information, and to send in photographs and films, please contact rhushandontrust@gmail.com   For further details of the overall Nature Network Springboard programme and developing the films please go to https://www.tickettailor.com/events/cultureforclimatescotland/1834786

Saturday 20 September 10-11am Peaton Woods
Meet at the entrance on Shore Road, Ardpeaton
Some analogue cameras will be supplied or bring your own. Please consider staying to help with the woodland work party and joining
us in the afternoon at Cove Park to develop the images.

Saturday 20 September 1.30 – 3.30pm Cove Park, Peaton Hill
Part of Doors Open Day – Drop in workshop, photography developing using natural darkroom techniques.

Free analogue photography workshops with Demelza Kingston

Tuesday 16 September 5-7pm Ardenconnel Woods
Meet at Lineside Walk Car Park.
Some analogue cameras will be supplied or bring your own. Performance by local musician and composer Louise Burnet.

Rhu and Shandon Community Trust are delighted to invite everyone to the first public event at Ardenconnel Woods, Rhu on Tuesday 16 September between 5pm – 7pm.  Please meet at Lineside Walk carpark at 5pm.

Well-known local composer and flautist Louise Burnet of Shandon has composed a special piece inspired mainly by birdsong in the woods and it will be performed by Louise on flute and the wonderful local singer Sian Winstanley – whatever the weather! There will also be a woodland song based on the writings of John Muir which everyone can join in with.

Running alongside the musical performance  will be an analogue photography workshop run in partnership with Cove Park as part of the Nature Networks Springboard event.  The Springboard event at Cove Park on Friday 26 September (1.30- 6pm) is a partnership event with Culture for Climate Scotland and Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network (ABCAN) will see an afternoon of talks, performances and workshops addressing creative climate action.  The images captured during the photography workshop will be exhibited at this event. Please contact Cove Park to book for the Springboard assembly event (link below).

The photography workshops will be led by Glasgow based artist Demelza Kingston who held the Shore Photography Residency at Cove Park in January 2025. Demelza describes her work, which explores human connections and relationships with nature in the past, present and future, as a kind of ‘speculative archaeology’.

The analogue (i.e. old pre digital cameras) photography workshop will be capturing images of the woods in black and white and exploring our connections to nature. There is a follow up workshop on Saturday 20 September at Cove Park, 1.30-3.30pm, to develop the images using natural materials. 

Rhu and Shandon Community Trust said, ‘We are delighted to be holding our first public event at Ardenconnel Wood.  Whilst the legal work to transfer title to the Trust is ongoing, and we hope will be completed very soon, this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the woodland through music and a photography workshop exploring human connections to nature.  Everyone is welcome to come along and join us for a fun, interesting and entertaining evening.’

Some cameras and all film will be provided but if you have an old pre digital camera please bring it along for the workshop led by Demelza.  The Trust would also be delighted if people could also take digital images and films that can be used to help celebrate the woods on the Trust’s website (in development). 

The event at Ardenconnel Wood and at Cove Park on Saturday are free to attend and no booking is necessary.

For further information, and to send in photographs and films, please contact rhushandontrust@gmail.com   For further details of the overall Nature Network Springboard programme and developing the films please go to https://www.tickettailor.com/events/cultureforclimatescotland/1834786

Saturday 20 September 10-11am Peaton Woods
Meet at the entrance on Shore Road, Ardpeaton
Some analogue cameras will be supplied or bring your own. Please consider staying to help with the woodland work party and joining
us in the afternoon at Cove Park to develop the images.

Saturday 20 September 1.30 – 3.30pm Cove Park, Peaton Hill
Part of Doors Open Day – Drop in workshop, photography developing using natural darkroom techniques.

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

• Wildflower Wander – Sunday 27 July 1-3.30pm
  Bat Night Saturday 16 August 7.45-9.45pm
  Wild Food Foraging – Sunday 21 September 1-4pm
  Nature’s Glow – Biofluorescent Night Walk 11 October 6.30-8.15pm

Join Gareloch Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) for a family fun day at Ardencaple Livery Yard. Pop along between 1300-1600 for a whole yard of fun, from stalls (please bring cash), games and even a riding demo from some of our riders! Come along to see what the RDA does right here in Helensburgh. The route to Ardencaple is up the track at the end of Patterson Drive and right up to the end where we have parking spaces!
We are so excited to share the day with you that no tickets are needed, the event is free to attend, just pop up and come and say hi!

Details at https://www.facebook.com/GarelochRDA1

Wednesday 10th September 11am – 12md
Sunday 21st September 2pm – 3pm
History Walk
Join ‘Miss Hendry’ and ‘Miss Bell’ for a gentle stroll around Geilston Garden.
These two ladies were the last occupants of Geilston House prior to it coming into the hands of the NTS.
As you walk through the garden they will tell you about the history of the Geilston estate and chat about their lives there. A fascinating insight into the garden’s past.
For further information and to book a place email geilstonfriends.events@gmail.com
Charge £10
For further information and to book please email geilstonfriends.events@gmail.com
NTS Garden entry fees apply – free to NTS members. See NTS website for details of garden entry and membership fees

Project Studio is back in session for the autumn term. Project Studio is free and takes place weekly for five weeks, beginning on Wednesday 27 August 2025, from 4-6pm, at Burgh Yard, Helensburgh, G84 8TF.

Project Studio is for teenagers aged 11-16 in the catchment area of Hermitage Academy, Helensburgh. Launched in June 2023, Project Studio offers free creative activity including workshops, trips, and events centred around self-expression and creating community for teenagers interested in the arts, activism, environmentalism, and wellbeing.

Project Studio – Youth Voice is led by artist, writer, and former resident Heather Marshall and includes a chance to explore and pursue your creative passions. Share your ideas with us and try your hand at fun creative activities. This term we’ll design our alter-egos, make political artworks and create a large-scale collaborative artwork. The exact format will be led by the young people involved.

For more information, please contact Emma Henderson (Curator of Engagement).

This programme is supportive to young people with ADHD, dyslexia, and autism and is supported by the National Lottery Community Fund

Find out more and register at https://covepark.org/project-studio-youth-voice-autumn-term/

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: randschurch59@gmail.com Suggested donation £15. Doors open 12.30 (except 28 September, 2.45pm)

2025
1pm – Friday 26th September: Jonathan Mamora – Piano
3pm – Sunday 28th September: Ainsley Hamill (vocals, harmonium), Sam Kelly (guitar, bass), Toby Shaer (guitar)
1pm – Friday 31st October: Nicholas Wilks (clarinet) and Robert Bridge (piano)
1pm – Friday 28th November: Emma Baird – Violin, Marianna Abrahamyan (piano)
2026
1pm – Friday 27th February: Nikita Lukinov – (Piano)
1pm – Friday 27th March: Ryan Corbett (Accordian)
1pm – Friday 24th April: Trio Alma: Daniella Hathaway – Soprano, Sarah Harrington – Cello, Stephen Adam – Piano

Culture for Climate Scotland is collaborating with Argyll and Bute Climate Action Network, Cove Park and many organisations across Scotland to deliver a series of local assemblies for creative climate action. This local assembly will focus on creative climate collaboration to establish a nature network in Argyll and Bute. 

SPRINGBOARD brings together artists, cultural and sustainability organisations, climate workers, activists, local businesses, third-sector organisations and anyone interested in collaborating to form powerful local networks for creative climate action. Local assemblies are an opportunity to connect with other practitioners in your region to address climate change collectively. The events are for anyone working or volunteering in the climate or environmental sector, the arts, screen, creative industries, museums, heritage and libraries.

More information including full agenda and book free tickets from https://www.tickettailor.com/events/cultureforclimatescotland/1834786

Join Rosneath Castle Caravan Park for a magical day of circus shows, games, workshops, and live music. There’s something for everyone—big or small!

Tickets: Under 4s – £5 | General – £10 | Family of 4 – £30 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/castle-carnival-tickets-1296677470219

3 Live Circus Shows
Interactive Circus Workshops
Carnival Games
Themed Food and Drinks
Live Music in the Evening

In aid of Scottish Huntington’s Association. Reveal your superpowers and walk barefoot on fiery coals at a whopping 650°C… There is no need to train for the firewalk; as long as you are over 18 and can walk ten paces at an average walking speed, you can complete the firewalk. You will spend 90 minutes learning to master the mental strength needed to unleash your boundless potential, before taking to the flames.

Secure one of our limited places for just £25 and pledge to raise at least £125 in aid of SHA. Remember, every pound you raise will help someone impacted by Huntington’s disease.

Regsiter at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/em8nu9w/lp/a744abb7-5d4a-46a4-97d3-5649e627d502

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: randschurch59@gmail.com Suggested donation £15. Doors open 12.30 (except 28 September, 2.45pm)

2025
1pm – Friday 26th September: Jonathan Mamora – Piano
3pm – Sunday 28th September: Ainsley Hamill (vocals, harmonium), Sam Kelly (guitar, bass), Toby Shaer (guitar)
1pm – Friday 31st October: Nicholas Wilks (clarinet) and Robert Bridge (piano)
1pm – Friday 28th November: Emma Baird – Violin, Marianna Abrahamyan (piano)
2026
1pm – Friday 27th February: Nikita Lukinov – (Piano)
1pm – Friday 27th March: Ryan Corbett (Accordian)
1pm – Friday 24th April: Trio Alma: Daniella Hathaway – Soprano, Sarah Harrington – Cello, Stephen Adam – Piano