Welcome to Helensburgh

Helensburgh is located on the north bank of the River Clyde where it meets the mouth of Gare Loch, in the Scottish county of Dumbartonshire, approximately 418 miles north-north-west of London and 8 miles north-west of Dumbarton.

The town has a population of around 13,500. Administratively it is within the unitary council region of Argyll and Bute which covers an area of approximately 6,900 sq kms and which has a population of around 91,000.

Set against a spectacular background of hills and glens, it is an attractive town of wide avenues, designed by Sir James Colquhoun in 1780, and a popular fishing, golf, and sailing resort. There are some notable historic buildings, including the tower of the 13th-century Ardencaple Castle, and it is a good base from which to explore the magnificent surrounding countryside. The town is renowned as the birthplace of television pioneer John Logie Baird.

The town's history dates from the 18th century when it was founded as a seaside resort. Sir James Colquhoun bought the land in 1752, naming the new town after his wife, Lady Helen. The town prospered, attracting many eniment architects to build houses for the wealthy, as well as public buildings. Clyde Steamers used to leave from the pier where, today, the paddle steamer Waverley still calls during the summer months. A regular passenger ferry also runs from the pier to Kilcreggan and Gourock. The expension of the naval base at nearby Faslane during the 1960s led to the building of housing estates and a growth in trade for the town. With its two railway stations, Helensburgh also acts as a commuter town for Glasgow. 

Historically, the town's economy was based upon agriculture and more recently its position as a seaside resort. Today the service industry, including tourism, is the largest sector of the local economy, employing around 69% of all workers.

Helensburgh (or Helen's town) is named after the wife of Sir James Colquhoun who designed the town in 1780.