HELENSBURGH Heritage Trust's 2011-12 winter session of talks started on September 28 with a thought-provoking presentation from Michael Davis, the Trust's first and only honorary life member.

Although his subject was 'Castle Restorations', the talk covered a much broader field. This became apparent from his very first slide which was entitled 'A Restoration Tragedy', and which contained further wording in the style of a Victorian melodrama in three acts and with a prologue!

HELENSBURGH Heritage Trust organised a very successful visit for members and friends to Dumfries House and Aiket Castle on Wednesday June 8 2011.

As promised when Charlotte Rostek Davis (pictured) spoke to the Trust, the special visit was arranged to see the historic Dumfries House, near Cumnock, now reopened by HRH The Prince of Wales, Great Steward of Scotland, after a major refurbishment.