Lottery boost for project to save Helensburgh pier

The project to save Helensburgh’s historic pier has been boosted by a £10,000 lottery grant.

Helensburgh Seafront Development Project (HSDP) was given the full amount it bid for from National Lottery Awards for All.

The group aims to raise £20,000 for a feasibility project which will assess the technical issues and draw up a business case for creating a lagoon in Helensburgh’s West Bay and refurbishing the pier.

Argyll and Bute Council’s flagship £17m redevelopment project for Helensburgh’s waterfront does not include the actual pier, although the latest update from council officials raised the prospect of this being considered.

The pier’s condition has worsened steadily since a fie in the 1990s – part of it is fenced off and is rotting away, while the rest needs conservation work to ensure it can be accessed by visitors and the Waverley.

HDSP’s vice-chair Gerard Lindsay said the group was delighted with the lottery grant.

“This award is a fantastic endorsement of our project and takes us a massive step closer to achieving our funding requirement to enable the feasibility study to be carried out,” he added.

“The HSDP would like to thanks all those who have supported us thus far and we ask for continued support as we strive to realise our aim of regenerating Helensburgh’s iconic pier and revitalising Helensburgh’s seafront for the benefit of the whole community.”

For more information or to make donations, go to the group’s website.

The pier does not form part of the council’s waterfront development

A large section is fenced off for safety reasons

Broken wooden piles are casing concern

Part of the front section of the pier is decaying rapidly

Former glories: the old Burgh Pier and swimming pool