Anger and frustration over Waverley sailing past Helensburgh this summer

Anger and frustration have greeted news that the Waverley paddle steamer will not call at Helensburgh this summer.

Helensburgh Seafront Development Project has been trying to revive the pier for several years and organised a public meeting last November, after a notice to mariners announced the pier’s closure.

Yesterday a spokesman for the group issued a statement saying its trustees and members were ‘extremely disappointed’ by the news.

“We had very much hoped that Argyll and Bute Council would have formulated a contingency plan to – at the very least – carry out initial and practical repairs to lift the temporary Notice to Mariners that is currently in place,” he added.

“We understand the frustration and anger that will be felt by all on hearing this news that Helensburgh has lost one of its best-known tourist attractions.

“In light of this discouraging news HSDP will continue to liaise with council officials to bring about the required remedial actions.

“We ask that the public show its support for our endeavours by any suitable means.

“We sincerely believe that, through our combined efforts, we can bring about the repair and regeneration of Helensburgh’s iconic pier for the benefit of the community.”

The group has placed a former mine on the seafront to highlight the pier’s plight and help raise funds for its restoration – further information about the project is on its Facebook page.

Timeline of Helensburgh pier’s closure:

• October 16: A Notice to Mariners is issued, closing Helensburgh pier; Argyll and Bute Council says this followed advice by consultants Arch Henderson, whose report would be considered by at the next meeting of the harbour board.
• November 3: A packed public meeting in Helensburgh hears that the survey report which led to the closure is not available, and calls the council to work with the Helensburgh Seafront Development Project to secure the pier’s future.
• December 14: The council releases the Arch Henderson report following a Freedom of Information request by this website
• December 15: Argyll and Bute issues a statement saying says it is holding talks with HSDP and Waverley Excursions about the future of the pier. It adds that specialist contractor Evova BM Trada is testing the timber section of the pier; their report and the Arch Henderson survey will then be used for a structural analysis to ascertain the load-bearing capacity of the pier. All this was expected to be completed by February.
• February 25: The council says it is still waiting for Evova BM Trada’s final report.
• March 7: The council’s harbour board finally meets, after December and January meetings were cancelled, but officials admit they still don’t know what the ‘significant’ work to make the pier operational would actually involve.
• April 4: Waverley Excursions confirm the paddle steamer will not call at Helensburgh during its main summer season, with additional stops at Kilcreggan instead.