What an inspiring sight it was to see around 400 residents of Helensburgh come together on a grey autumn Saturday to stand united for our waterfront. The turnout at this weekend’s rally demonstrated once again how deeply our community cares about the future of this precious space.

The video below captured the powerful image of our community gathering at the proposed supermarket site, showing exactly what’s at stake – a prime location on our beautiful waterfront that deserves better than a supermarket development.

Against the backdrop of the Clyde, local musicians filled the air with song while young people showcased their talents at the skatepark. The atmosphere was one of determination and hope, reflecting the spirit of the 4,000 residents who have already signed the petition opposing the supermarket development.

Helensburgh Community Council extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended. Your presence sends a clear message to Argyll and Bute Council: our community’s voice matters, and we remain steadfast in our opposition to this inappropriate development.

Helensburgh Community Council is excited to announce the official launch of the Vision for Helensburgh website—a new digital space that invites all residents to take part in crafting a Local Place Plan (LPP) for Helensburgh. This initiative marks a vital opportunity for the community to come together and establish a shared vision for our town’s future.

The LPP is a framework that allows communities to communicate directly with local authorities about development priorities. Rather than a top-down approach, the LPP puts residents’ voices front and centre, making it a unique and powerful tool for local empowerment. Through the Vision for Helensburgh website, residents can access comprehensive information about the LPP, from its purpose and potential impact to specific themes that define Helensburgh’s community goals.

On the site, you’ll find key areas dedicated to different aspects of life in Helensburgh. Each section reflects priorities that matter to residents, including enhancing green spaces, supporting local businesses, and creating a sustainable future. The LPP is about much more than basic infrastructure—it’s about fostering a sense of community pride and shaping Helensburgh into a town that serves the needs and aspirations of everyone who lives here.

The Vision for Helensburgh website is designed to encourage users to explore, review, and reflect on each section. Once you’re familiar with the different areas of focus, take the time to participate in a survey. The surveys are tailored to different groups within the community, ensuring that responses reflect a broad and diverse range of perspectives. Whether you’re a long-term resident, new to the area, or a business owner, there’s a survey that fits your experience and perspective.

We encourage all community members to visit Vision for Helensburgh, review the materials, and take the survey that resonates most with you. Your input is essential—these survey responses will directly shape the LPP, ensuring it represents our collective vision for Helensburgh.

By contributing your ideas, you’ll be part of a significant community-led effort to make Helensburgh a town that meets both current needs and future ambitions.

Visit the Vision for Helensburgh at www.visionforhelenburgh.org

Over 4000 people in Helensburgh have signed a petition opposing Argyll and Bute Council’s decision to give the go for a new supermarket development on a beautiful and prime location on Helensburgh’s waterfront. This is an extraordinary response in our town of 15,000 people – with 1 in 4 people calling on Argyll and Bute Council to stop the supermarket. 

Come and join Helensburgh Community Council for a rally to stop the supermarket and save our waterfront, 12 -1, on Saturday 26th October – at the proposed waterfront site.

Our waterfront could be a vibrant community space to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Instead we are to be given a supermarket that is harmful to Helensburgh’s wonderful view over the Clyde, as well as our fragile local businesses. Argyll and Bute Council’s process for selecting the winning supermarket bid has been flawed and secretive. It has disregarded the views of the community and is using weak and out of date evidence. Despite the strong community opposition, Argyll and Bute Council is still not listening to the community.

Bring your friends and neighbours for a rally to stop the supermarket and save our waterfront, 12 -1, on Saturday 26th October – at the proposed waterfront site, next to the skatepark.

• Hear the latest news about the supermarket plans
• Marvel at the BMX and skateboarding display at the skatepark
• Mark your opposition with wildflower bombs and ribbons
• Listen to wonderful local musicians

See you at midday on Saturday 26th October to stop the supermarket and save our waterfront.

Find out more about the campaign here.