Heritage
BEHIND the dramatic stories about aircraft, bombs and depth charges worked on during World War Two by the Rhu-based Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment, there are also many personal stories.
Retired newspaper editor Robin Bird, who has written two books lifting the veil of secrecy over what was called, for security reasons, RAF Helensburgh, is just as interested in the people as he is the events, successful or tragic.
Last Updated ( Thursday, 04 April 2013 15:50 )
IN the late summer of 1971 a young German girl arrived on Loch Lomondside on a hiking holiday — and disappeared. What followed turned out to be one of the most fascinating yarns from the early days of my career in journalism. This is what I wrote for the Helensburgh Advertiser of September 17 that year . . .
THE RAIN lashed down in buckets. The midges were out in force. The road curved on for seemingly endless mile after mile. It was cold, wet and miserable — and the mystery of Frauke Kissenkotter was about to begin.
Last Updated ( Sunday, 24 March 2013 17:32 )
ONE of Glasgow’s most popular newspapers used to be the Evening Citizen . . . and it was founded and edited for many years by a Helensburgh man who started a press dynasty.
Last Updated ( Sunday, 03 March 2013 18:49 )
A LEADING figure in Helensburgh and district politics was actually a computer pioneer and a successful author and screenwriter.
John McNeil, chairman of Helensburgh SNP, spent 15 years of his life in the town, many of them while personally renovating the art deco mansion Green Park in Charlotte Street, before his death at the age of 64 on October 22 2004.
Last Updated ( Sunday, 03 March 2013 18:48 )
AN ICONIC feature of Helensburgh is Colquhoun Square.
That the Square was intended to form a distinctive feature right at the outset of the infant town is clearly shown by its presence on the earliest existing street plans, dating from the start of the 19th century.
Last Updated ( Sunday, 24 February 2013 18:49 )
A PIONEER of combat flying spent the last two decades of his life living at Kilcreggan.
Group Captain Charles Findlay DFC, AFC, died at his peninsula home in 1971 at the age of 80.
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 20 February 2013 18:43 )
THE historic village of Rhu has been home to many famous people over the years . . . but only one man changed its name.
‘Mr Rhu’ for decades was Colonel Kenneth Barge, DSO, MC, DL, and he had another historic title — late of the Bengal Lancers.
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 19 February 2013 19:09 )
View this photo and over 1,400 more at the Heritage Trust Photo Gallery. Visit the gallery.
The first 2013-14 winter talk is on Wednesday September 25 at 7.30pm at Helensburgh Lawn Tennis Club, when Joe Brown will talk about the historic Ferry Inn at Rosneath. Non-members are most welcome.
HELENSBURGH HERITAGE TRUST
Scottish Charity
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