Mine a reminder of Helensburgh pier’s plight

A World War Two mine has been placed on Helensburgh’s promenade as a reminder of the plight of the town’s pier – and in an attempt to raise finds to save it.

The pier has been closed to since a notice to mariners was issued  last autumn, and the Waverley paddle steamer’s spring timetable has omitted Helensburgh for the first time in many years.

Argyll and Bite Council says ‘significant work’ will be needed if vessels are to use the pier again, but the extent of this is still unknown, with only a verbal report being given to the authority’s twice-delayed meeting of its harbour board tomorrow.

Now Helensburgh Seafront Development Project, which last year organised a packed public meeting to discuss the best way forward for the pier, has placed the mine at he east end of the promenade to draw attention to the cause and gain donations.

The project’s vice-chair Gerard Lindsay said the mine was just of the funding avenues being explored and the group was working with Argyll and Bute Council to reopen the pier to marine traffic ‘as soon as practically possible’.

He added: “We can announce that we have engaged a reputable consultant to carry out a comprehensive study into viable options in regards developing the pier and its environs for the benefit of the local community.

“It is our vision to include berths for fee-paying vessels such as yachts, tour boat operators and, potentially, a ferry service to Greenock. It is anticipated that the income generated would be sufficient to maintain the pier thus preserving the iconic structure for future generations.

“We are currently exploring all funding avenues including the placing of the historical ‘Helensburgh World War Two mine’ at the east end of the town’s promenade.

“The purpose of the mine is to draw attention to our cause and to collect donations from locals and visitors alike.

“HSDP would like to take this opportunity to thank the following for their assistance in accomplishing the siting of the mine: RB Steel of Helensburgh and Wallace Power Systems Ltd and Galt Transport Ltd of Dumbarton.”