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Helensburgh, Argyll & Bute: Old Photos & Film

 Step back in time with fascinating old photos and film of Helensburgh in Argyll & Bute, Scotland.

Helensburgh is a tranquil seaside town, originally founded in the 1600s. Whilst Ardencaple Castle is long gone, tree lined streets and beautiful Victorian architecture attract great numbers of visitors each year. 

Although little seems to change in such a historic setting, films caught by visitors and local residents over the years show that time never stands still.

The Town Through The Ages

Old Photos of Helensburgh



YouTube channel tourscotland created a brilliant slideshow video using old photos of the town over the past century.

Helensburgh Memories – School Photos


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoznXtDE1JU

Robert Ryan uploaded a video montage made from the school photos shared on the Helensburgh Memories Facebook site.

Hundreds of children of all ages and taken across many decades appear.

Family Holidays In The 1960s

Helensburgh (1960s)



A cheerful home movie from the family of James Harkins, who got some good shots of the town in the background.

Helensburgh Seafront (1960s)



This family video from the early 1960s was uploaded to YouTube by tartantop.

Lots of people and places appear.

The Years 2000-2015

‘Heroes’ by Helensburgh Heroes Experience (2009)



A number of local places and more than a hundred local singers and musicians appear in this video, made to accompany their 2009 release of the single ‘Heroes’.

“In an attempt to raise awareness of both the talented and inspirational people that have hailed from the area, and the desperate need for a permanent arts and leisure centre, a group of local people hit upon the idea of creating a ‘Live Aid’ style community recording of the song”.

Scotland.com

Helensburgh (2011)



In 2011, Argyll and Bute Council uploaded a computer simulation of the town. Unfortunately it’s not accompanied by an explanation of why the simulation was created.

Helensburgh History Hut (2013)



In 2013, a new history hut opened on the site of the town’s new Waitrose store.

Helensburgh From The Air (2014)



Captured from a small light aircraft, this is just under a minute of film showing the layout of the town.

2015 Onwards

Helensburgh – A walk (2015)



In June 2015 Tug Wilson took photos during a walk around town.

Limmy Cycles to Helensburgh (2019)



A long cycle ride with Limmy stopping regularly to talk to the camera.

Includes a moment near the seafront where a van driver shouts ‘Twenty’s plenty!”

At one point Limmy says “start you next goodybag now” while reading a device..perhaps he’s a savvy giffgaff phone customer?


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Location: Helensburgh, UK

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