A NEW history of the steamers, ferries and personalities — including Henry Bell — that have served the Clyde resorts since 1812 has just been published.

It is entitled ‘Pleasures of the Firth: 200 Years of Clyde Steamers’, and author Andrew Clark, a Financial Times journalist, tells the colourful story from the first steamer, Henry Bell’s Comet, in 1812 to the present day.

Entitled ‘The Hidden Heritage of a Landscape: Vengeful Vikings and Reckless Rustlers’, the project is community-led and will use popular interest in Viking history to involve local people.

OVER 400 people attended a Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving at St Michael and All Angels Church, Helensburgh, on Friday October 12 for the life of Helensburgh Heritage Trust's company secretary and treasurer, John W.P.Johnston, C.A.

Ever cheerful, smiling and helpful, John, of Rhu Arden, 1 Upper Sutherland Crescent, died at the Vale of Leven Hospital, Alexandria, on Thursday October 5 after a short illness.