Argyll and Bute Council wants to sell a prime stretch of Helensburgh’s waterfront for a supermarket. This is Common Good land, a space that belongs to the whole town: the pier, the skate park, the pool, the free parking, open ground for events. It’s been ours for well over a century. Sell it and it’s gone for good. The public consultation closes at midday on 10 August.

A few years ago, we asked the town what it wanted on this ground. The needs of young people came up again and again: not enough for them to do, nowhere to go, how we need to put them first. The waterfront is a space for everyone in Helensburgh, but no one has more at stake than the young people who’ll live with this decision the longest.

So as the consultation opens, we have to make sure that young people can speak for themselves and are heard.

Filmmaker Campaigner

Cove Park and Culture Collective are running a free filmmaking course for young people aged 11 and up. 6 days, 1 to 4pm, on 22, 23, 24, 27, 28 and 29 July. Come to all of them or just the days you can make.

You’ll learn real filmmaking skills and use them to tell the waterfront story in your own words. It’s happening now, while the fight over this land is still live.

Book a place

It’s free and open to anyone aged 11+. Book your place here. Any questions, email emma@covepark.org.

If you know a young person who’d miss this land if it were gone, this one’s for them.