Helensburgh

Although it has long been known that there are some prehistoric remains in the Helensburgh area, recent fieldwork by the North Clyde Archaeological Society has uncovered more.{{Cite web|url=http://www.spanglefish.com/northclydearchaeologicalsociety/|title=North Clyde Archaeological Society | Home|website=www.spanglefish.com}} However the oldest building in the town itself is Ardencaple Castle which was the ancestral home of Clan MacAulay, and the history of which may date back to the twelfth century.Edward Randolph Welles: Ardincaple and Its Lairds (Jackson, Wylie & Co 1930) Today only one tower of this building remains, the rest having been demolished in 1957–59.

{{multiple image

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| caption1 = Sir James Colquhoun, who named Helensburgh after his wife

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| caption2 = Lady Helen Colquhoun (née Sutherland) after whom the town of Helensburgh is named

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In 1752 Sir James Colquhoun (died 1786), chief of the Clan Colquhoun of Luss, bought the land which was to become Helensburgh; at that time it was known by such names as Malig, Millig or Milligs.Joan Blaeu (or Joannis Blaeu): Theatrum Orbis Terrarum sive Atlas Novus c1654

In 1776 he placed an advertisement in a Glasgow newspaper seeking to feu the land, and in particular he stated that "bonnet makers, stocking, linen and woolen weavers will meet with encouragement". However his efforts were unsuccessful, partly because roads were rudimentary and also because the shore at Helensburgh made it unattractive to shipping – it was shallow, dotted with large rocks and subject to a prevailing onshore wind.

No precise date is known for the change of name to Helensburgh. However it was probably around 1785 when Sir James decided to name the town after his wife, Lady Helen Sutherland (1717–1791); she was the granddaughter of the 16th Earl of Sutherland. However, for a few years both the old and new names for the town were in use and it was also known for a time simply as the New Town. The town's coat of arms is based on those of the Colquhouns and the Sutherlands.

Helensburgh received its burgh charter from King George III in 1802. This was somewhat surprising, as the 1799 Statistical Account of Scotland indicates that Helensburgh only had a population of about 100 at that time.{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/316356595|title=The Statistical account of Scotland, 1791-1799. vol. 9, Dunbartonshire, Stirlingshire and Clackmannanshire.|date=1978|publisher=EP Pub|others=John, Sir Sinclair|isbn=0-7158-1009-X|edition=New|location=Wakefield|oclc=316356595}} To commemorate the bicentenary of the burgh charter in 2002 many members of Helensburgh Heritage Trust combined to produce a special history book of the town. Henry Bell (1767–1830) had arrived in Helensburgh by 1806. By training he was a millwright, but he had also worked for a period in a shipyard at Bo'ness. He probably designed and built the Baths Inn which he and his wife then ran as a hotel; he designed and built other buildings, such as Dalmonach Works at Bonhill in West Dunbartonshire (now demolished) and St Andrew's Parish Church in Carluke in South Lanarkshire. The Baths Inn later became the Queen's Hotel, and it is now private accommodation as part of Queen's Court at 114 East Clyde Street.

File:The_Comet_replica_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1058392.jpg; it was built in 1962 for the 150th anniversary]]

At that time the taking of baths (hot and cold, fresh water and salt water) was considered to be advantageous to the health. As a result of his initiative Helensburgh began to develop as a holiday resort, and Bell also served as the town's first recorded Provost from 1807–09.{{Cite book|last=Osborne|first=Brian D.|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/37037301|title=The ingenious Mr. Bell : a life of Henry Bell (1767-1830), pioneer of steam navigation|date=1995|publisher=Argyll Pub|isbn=1-874640-31-9|location=Glendaruel, Scotland|oclc=37037301}}

When Henry Bell came to Helensburgh, roads to Glasgow were in poor condition and the journey by boat could take several days, depending on the strength and direction of the wind and on tidal conditions. Consequently, in 1812 Henry Bell introduced the paddle steamer Comet to bring guests from Glasgow in comfort and more speedily to his hotel. The Comet was the first commercial steamship in Europe.

That this vessel and subsequent steamships could travel straight into the wind meant that Helensburgh's shallow shore line was a much smaller problem for sailors. As a result, the town began to grow from a population of about 500 in 1810 to 2,229 by the 1841 Census. It is difficult to overstate the importance of Bell in Scottish and British economic history; not only was he a pioneer of tourism, but it can also be argued that the later pre-eminence of the River Clyde in shipbuilding was in no small measure due to him.{{Cite book|last=Ransom|first=Philip John Greer|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/796278962|title=Bell's Comet : how a little Scottish paddlesteamer changed the course of history|date=2012|publisher=Amberley|isbn=978-1-4456-0349-0|location=Stroud|oclc=796278962}}

File:East Princes Street Helensburgh (geograph 5306254).jpg in Princes Street East]]

Following the arrival of the Glasgow, Dumbarton and Helensburgh Railway in 1858 the population of Helensburgh grew even more rapidly, reaching 5,964 in the 1871 Census. The Municipal Buildings, designed by John Honeyman, were completed in 1879.{{Historic Environment Scotland|num=LB34825|desc= 1 Princes Street East And 48, 50, 52, 52A Sinclair Street, Municipal Buildings |access-date=12 September 2021}}

Glasgow at this time was developing very rapidly as an industrial city, but this rapid growth caused it to become dirty, smoky and unpleasant. The railway meant that the wealthier business people of Glasgow could now set up home in the fresh air of Helensburgh and commute daily between the two places. This led to the expansion of the town northwards up the hill and the building of many substantial Victorian villas. The best known of these is The Hill House which was designed in 1902–03 by Glasgow architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and which now belongs to the National Trust for Scotland. These parts of the town are laid out in the gridiron pattern, Helensburgh being an early example of a planned town in Scotland.

In 1960 the line from Helensburgh Central to Glasgow Queen Street Low Level and on to Airdrie was electrified with the then revolutionary new Blue Trains providing faster, regular interval services. Unfortunately, equipment problems led to the temporary withdrawal of the Blue Trains which did not return to traffic until late 1961. Since then traffic on this route has risen steadily, helped from October 2010 when two trains each hour commenced running right through to Edinburgh via the newly re-opened (and electrified) Airdrie-Bathgate line.

By the late 1870s the North British Railway Company (which had become owner of the Glasgow, Dumbarton and Helensburgh Railway) felt that its steamer services were at a competitive disadvantage, because passengers had to walk from Helensburgh Station, through the town centre and down the pier, thus causing longer journey times. By contrast their competitors on the other side of the Clyde, the Caledonian Railway and the Glasgow & South Western Railway had stations right beside their piers. The North British therefore proposed to extend the railway line through the town centre from the station on to the pier.

This proposal split opinion in the town down the middle, with Parliament ultimately deciding against it. Consequently, the North British Railway Company decided to build its "station in the sea" at Craigendoran just outside the eastern boundary of the town, and this opened in 1882. Shipping services stopped in 1972 but Craigendoran railway station remains in use. In 1894 the West Highland Railway (a subsidiary of the North British Railway by then) was opened from Craigendoran junction to Fort William, with a new station at Helensburgh Upper. This new railway had no significant effect on the population of the town, but it did alter its appearance, with the construction of a substantial embankment up the hill from Craigendoran and of a deep cutting on the approaches to Helensburgh Upper.

There are 205 men and 1 woman named on Helensburgh's war memorial in Hermitage Park. In 2020 the Helensburgh War Memorial Project published its researches and added a further 59 "missing names" to the list; all were men. It also gave a variety of explanations as to why these names were not on the war memorial.{{Cite web|url=http://www.helensburghwarmemorial.co.uk/|title=Helensburgh War Memorial Project|website=www.helensburghwarmemorial.co.uk}} If the 1911 census is used, which recorded a population of 8,529, then it can be calculated that Helensburgh lost three percent of its population to the war. This is a particularly significant portion when it is considered that women, children, and elders, amongst other demographics, were not conscripted for the front line. It is thought that a similar number suffered serious physical and mental injuries.

When the Second World War broke out in 1939 the British Government was concerned that London and other ports in the south of England would become the targets for German bombing. Consequently, they decided to build two military ports in Scotland which would be more difficult for German bombers to reach. In 1941 Military Port Number 1 opened at Faslane on the Gareloch, 5 miles (8 km) from Helensburgh. A railway was built linking Faslane to the West Highland Line. A vast tonnage of wartime supplies was moved through Faslane, and it was also used as a port for troop movements. Much of the area around Helensburgh was taken over by both British and American Armed Forces for a variety of wartime activities.{{Cn|date=September 2023}}

After the end of the War, Faslane was split in two. The southern half was used by the Royal Navy and the northern half for shipbreaking until 1980. In 1957 the Royal Navy closed its submarine base in Rothesay Bay and transferred it to Faslane. Six years later the British Government decided to buy seaborne nuclear weapons from the United States and to base them in submarines at Faslane which became known as the Clyde Submarine Base. This decision had a substantial impact on Helensburgh and the surrounding area particularly with the provision of housing for naval personnel. A further increase in the town's population resulted, it rising to 15,852 in the 1991 Census. From 1996 surface vessels have also been based there, and this caused a change of the official name to Her Majesty's Naval Base Clyde.

File:Cherry blossom in Stafford Street.jpg

In 1971, Helensburgh was given its first conservation area, covering The Hill House and Helensburgh Upper Station.{{Cn|date=September 2023}} This was joined in 1994 by The Upper Helensburgh Conservation Area, which includes architectural works by William Leiper and Baillie Scott, and in 2019, by the Town Centre Conservation Area.{{Cn|date=September 2023}}

In a 2006 survey, Helensburgh was shown to be the second most expensive town in which to buy property in Scotland.{{cite web|title=Aberdeen tops the table in Scotland|url=http://www.hbosplc.com/economy/includes/Scotlandposttownwinners2006FINAL.doc|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927215136/http://www.hbosplc.com/economy/includes/Scotlandposttownwinners2006FINAL.doc|archive-date=27 September 2007|access-date=23 May 2009}}

The town contains many tree-lined streets, and the cherry blossom in the Spring is a particular feature{{Cn|date=September 2023}}; a consequence is that the town has been referred to as "the Garden City of the Clyde".{{Cite web|last=Sheen|first=Margaret R.|date=November 2007|title=HELENSBURGH. The "Garden City of the Clyde"|url=http://www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk/pdfs/Garden%20City.pdf|access-date=24 May 2021|website=www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk}} In 2016 the Helensburgh Tree Conservation Trust was invited to become a member of The National Tree Collections of Scotland because the range and quality of its street trees; at the time no other Scottish town had received this accolade.{{cite web|title=Helensburgh Tree Conservation|url=https://ntcs.org.uk/sites/helensburgh-tree-conservation-trust-street-trees/|access-date=17 February 2021|website=National Tree Collections of Scotland}}

In 2015, Colquhoun Square underwent a major redesign (as part of a wider redevelopment project that included the west esplanade) where parts of the square were pedestrianised. An integral part of this redesign was the creation of the award-winning Outdoor Museum,{{Cite web|url=https://www.helensburghadvertiser.co.uk/news/14683295.helensburghs-outdoor-museum-scoops-top-award/|title=Helensburgh's Outdoor Museum scoops top award|website=Helensburgh Advertiser|date=15 August 2016 }} which consisted of the erection of 120 plinths, which over time would be gradually filled with items or replicas connected with Helensburgh's history and character, including a puppet's head used by John Logie Baird in his first television experiments and the ship's bell from Henry Bell's paddle steamer Comet.{{Cite web|url=http://theoutdoormuseum.com/|title=The Outdoor Museum|website=The Outdoor Museum}} In addition, a number of brass plaques have been set into the pavements and these give a description of the condition of the streets of the town in 1845.{{cite web|url=http://gia.org.uk/awards/2016/Helensburgh-Outdoor-Museum/439|title=Helensburgh Outdoor Museum – Design Awards 2016 – Glasgow Institute of Architects|first=Design by AftertheNews.co.uk; Build by|last=DKDO.co.uk}}

File:Helensburgh_%26_Lomond_Civic_Centre_(originally_Clyde_Street_School).jpg

That same year, the previously derelict Clyde Street School reopened as the Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre of Argyll and Bute Council after significant renovations and the addition of both a new wing and public cafe. Displays from the collections of Helensburgh Heritage Trust can also be seen there.{{cite web|url=http://www.scottisharchitects.org.uk/architect_full.php?id=200361|title=Dictionary of Scottish Architects – DSA Architect Biography Report (February 9, 2017, 5:19 pm)|first=David|last=Goold|access-date=7 February 2017|archive-date=8 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208040115/http://www.scottisharchitects.org.uk/architect_full.php?id=200361|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk/|title=Helensburgh Heritage Trust|website=www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk}}

The Tower Digital Arts Centre, housed in the former St Columba Church on Sinclair Street, was converted in 2016 into a first release double screen cinema and arts centre for the town.{{Cite web|url=https://www.helensburghboxoffice.com/|title=HOME|website=Toweronline}}

The West King Street Hall next door was converted and took on a new role two years later as the Scottish Submarine Centre.{{Cite web|title=submarinecentre|url=https://www.submarinecentre.org/|access-date=2024-11-25|website=www.submarinecentre.org}} The Centre now houses the last (1955) Stickleback-class submarine built for the Royal Navy.{{cite news|title=X-51 is here! Helensburgh museum's submarine arrives in Scotland|url=http://www.helensburghadvertiser.co.uk/news/14731591.X_51_is_here__Helensburgh_museum__39_s_submarine_arrives_in_Scotland/|access-date=12 September 2016|work=Helensburgh Advertiser|date=9 September 2016}}

In 2016 proof was found that a building long suspected of having been designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, was actually his work. It was built as the Helensburgh & Gareloch Conservative Club, and the top floor only of this large building is now known as the Mackintosh Club. {{cite web|title=New era for Mackintosh gallery| date=7 November 2016 |url=https://www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1355:new-era-for-mackintosh-gallery&catid=81:the-arts&Itemid=458

|access-date=13 September 2023}} It is located in the town centre at 40 Sinclair Street.

Three years later, Helensburgh's other Mackintosh work, the Hill House, became enclosed in a protective structure, known as "The Box", a cautionary measure intended to slow down damages caused by damp penetration by allowing for the building to dry out. The design of The Box is notable for its chainmail mesh walls as well as the internal walkways that allow visitors to view Hill House's exterior from elevated viewpoints.{{cite web|title=Hill House Box|url=https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/the-hill-house/highlights/hill-house-box

|access-date=13 September 2023}}

In June 2021, a pavilion was added to Hermitage Park, marking the end of a four-year project. The Park Pavilion is a Passivhaus design, believed to be the first non-domestic Passivhaus building in Scotland.

In October the following year, a £22 million leisure centre was officially opened on the Helensburgh pier, replacing the previous swimming pool which had closed two months prior.{{Cite web|last=Borland|first=Craig|date=2022-10-13|title=

Ross Murdoch officially opens Helensburgh Leisure Centre|url=https://www.helensburghadvertiser.co.uk/news/23045196.ross-murdoch-officially-opens-helensburgh-leisure-centre/|access-date=2023-09-12|website=Helensburgh Advertiser|language=en}} The building's roof was heavily damaged by Storm Éowyn in January 2025.{{cite web | url=https://news.stv.tv/west-central/helensburghs-22m-leisure-centre-roof-torn-apart-in-extreme-storm-eowyn-winds | title=£22m leisure centre's roof torn apart in extreme Storm Eowyn winds | date=24 January 2025 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0qw88kjk8go | title=Drivers injured and power cuts as Storm Éowyn hits Scotland | date=24 January 2025 }}{{cite web | url=https://thelochsidepress.com/2025/01/24/helensburgh-leisure-centre-damaged-by-storm-eowyn/ | title=Helensburgh leisure centre damaged by Storm Eowyn - the Lochside Press | work=The Lochside Press | date=24 January 2025 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/weather/in-pictures-storm-eowyn-scotland-4959291 | title=Storm Eowyn in pictures: 27 dramatic images as Scotland battered by 100 MPH winds | date=24 January 2025 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.helensburghadvertiser.co.uk/news/24883195.storm-eowyn-photos-helensburgh-damage-high-winds/ | title=Storm Éowyn in pictures: How Helensburgh is weathering dangerous winds | date=24 January 2025 }}

Helensburgh is {{convert|25|mi}} northwest of Glasgow. The town faces south towards Greenock across the Firth of Clyde, which is approximately {{convert|3|mi|0}} wide at this point. Ocean-going ships can call at Greenock, but the shore at Helensburgh is very shallow, although to the west of the town the Gareloch is deep.{{Cn|date=September 2023}}

Helensburgh lies at the western mainland end of the Highland Boundary Fault. This means that the hills to the north of Helensburgh lie in the Highlands, whereas the land to the south of Helensburgh is in the Lowlands or Central Belt of Scotland. Consequently, there is a wide variety of landscape in the surrounding area – for example, Loch Lomond (part of Scotland's first National Park) is only {{convert|4|mi}} over the hill to the north-east of Helensburgh. Although the Highland Boundary Fault is not geologically active, very minor earthquakes do occur occasionally in the area.{{Cn|date=September 2023}}

During the last ice age, the weight of the ice pushed the land downwards. Consequently, when the ice melted, sea levels were higher than they are now. Evidence of this can clearly be seen in Helensburgh where the first two blocks of streets nearer the sea are built on a raised beach. Behind them the land rises up quite steeply for one block and then rises more gently – and this is a former sea cliff which has been eroded. The land, now free of the weight of the ice, is slowly rising up, and the minor local earthquakes reflect this.{{Cn|date=September 2023}}

Further evidence of the last ice age can also be seen at low tide, where the beach is dotted with large boulders known as glacial erratics – these were carried from a distance inside the glaciers and dropped into their current locations when the glaciers melted.{{Cite book|last=Gillen|first=Con|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/51270614|title=Geology and landscapes of Scotland|date=2003|publisher=Terra|isbn=1-903544-09-2|location=Harpenden|oclc=51270614}}{{Cite book|last=Helensburgh Heritage Trust|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/50746581|title=200 years of Helensburgh, 1802-2002|date=2002|publisher=Argyll Pub|others=Stewart Noble, Kenneth Crawford|isbn=1-902831-38-1|location=Glendaruel|oclc=50746581}}

Helensburgh has an oceanic climate (Köppen: Cfb).

{{Weather box

| metric first = yes

| single line = yes

| location = Helensburgh (0 m asl, averages 1991–2020)

| Jan high C = 6.6

| Feb high C = 6.9

| Mar high C = 8.5

| Apr high C = 11.2

| May high C = 14.4

| Jun high C = 16.5

| Jul high C = 18.0

| Aug high C = 17.6

| Sep high C = 15.5

| Oct high C = 12.0

| Nov high C = 9.0

| Dec high C = 6.8

| year high C =

| Jan low C = 1.4

| Feb low C = 1.2

| Mar low C = 2.1

| Apr low C = 3.7

| May low C = 5.9

| Jun low C = 8.9

| Jul low C = 10.8

| Aug low C = 10.7

| Sep low C = 8.8

| Oct low C = 6.0

| Nov low C = 3.6

| Dec low C = 1.4

| year low C =

| Jan rain mm = 180.0

| Feb rain mm = 150.7

| Mar rain mm = 137.1

| Apr rain mm = 87.1

| May rain mm = 85.2

| Jun rain mm = 99.1

| Jul rain mm = 112.1

| Aug rain mm = 131.2

| Sep rain mm = 133.2

| Oct rain mm = 172.3

| Nov rain mm = 165.7

| Dec rain mm = 189.1

| year rain mm =

| unit rain days = 1 mm

| Jan rain days = 18.9

| Feb rain days = 16.8

| Mar rain days = 15.7

| Apr rain days = 13.8

| May rain days = 13.0

| Jun rain days = 14.2

| Jul rain days = 14.9

| Aug rain days = 16.2

| Sep rain days = 15.3

| Oct rain days = 17.9

| Nov rain days = 19.2

| Dec rain days = 18.4

| year rain days =

| Jan sun = 36.7

| Feb sun = 63.6

| Mar sun = 97.2

| Apr sun = 143.6

| May sun = 187.5

| Jun sun = 141.1

| Jul sun = 143.1

| Aug sun = 141.6

| Sep sun = 109.9

| Oct sun = 77.8

| Nov sun = 50.6

| Dec sun = 32.6

| year sun =

| source = Met Office{{cite web |url=https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/climate/maps-and-data/uk-climate-averages/gcuws6cv8 |title=Helensburgh (Argyll and Bute) UK climate averages |publisher=Met Office |access-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231106105549/https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/climate/maps-and-data/uk-climate-averages/gcuws6cv8 |archive-date=6 November 2023 |url-status=live }}

}}

File:Paddle_steamer_"Waverley"_leaving_Helensburgh_pier.jpg Waverley leaving Helensburgh pier]]

The town is served by three railway stations: Helensburgh Central, Craigendoran, and Helensburgh Upper. Both Helensburgh Central and Craigendoran form part of the North Clyde Line, with Helensburgh Central acting as a terminus. Helensburgh Upper, meanwhile, is positioned on the West Highland Line and accommodates the Caledonian Sleeper.

Helensburgh is also served by a number of buses. These provide links to the Vale of Leven and Carrick Castle.

A special local form of transport is the paddle steamer Waverley which used to call in to Helensburgh pier during summer sailings. It advertises itself as the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world and was launched in 1946 for service from Craigendoran pier{{Cn|date=September 2023}}; however Craigendoran pier is now derelict, services having been withdrawn in 1972. Towards the end of 2018 Helensburgh pier was closed to all maritime craft because of its poor condition, and so there is no certainty as to when calls by the "Waverley" will resume.{{Cite web|title=Saving Helensburgh pier branded a 'hopeless cause' as restoration group disbands|url=https://www.helensburghadvertiser.co.uk/news/18797827.helensburgh-piers-bleak-future-restoration-group-disbands/|access-date=2021-05-24|website=Helensburgh Advertiser|date=16 October 2020 |language=en}}

{{Unreferenced section|date=September 2023}}

In 2022 the National Records of Scotland estimated the population of Helensburgh to be 13,230. Helensburgh today acts as a commuter town for nearby Glasgow, and also serves as a main shopping centre for the area and for tourists and day trippers attracted to the town's seaside location. Helensburgh is also influenced by the presence of the Clyde Naval Base at Faslane on the Gareloch, which is home to the United Kingdom's submarine fleet with their nuclear weapons, as well as a major local employer.

File:Helensburgh_St_Michael_and_All_Angels_Church_Exterior.jpg

Most of the major Scottish Christian denominations have churches in Helensburgh. The biggest of these was the Church of Scotland which by 1880 had 5 congregations in the town, each with its own building. However, with falling church attendances, and a vision to rationalise resources to better enable mission, these had all merged by 2015, so that the only Church of Scotland congregation is Helensburgh Parish Church in Colquhoun Square. Helensburgh is the largest Church of Scotland Parish in Scotland.

The Scottish Catholic Church has a significant influence within the town, with a parish church named St Joseph's on Lomond Street. St Joseph's church hall was originally the parish church in Helensburgh.

The St. Michael and All Angels Church holds distinction for being the town's only category A listed church. This building for the congregation of the Scottish Episcopal Church was designed in 1868 by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson.

Overall, there are seven schools within Helensburgh.

Among these are three state primary schools: Colgrain, John Logie Baird, and Hermitage Primary. These schools provide pupils for Hermitage Academy, the town's state secondary school. Helensburgh also has a Roman Catholic state primary school, namely St. Joseph's.

Parklands School is also provided by Argyll and Bute Council and is a purpose-built school for pupils with Complex Special Educational Needs. Standing in the School grounds is Ardlui House which provides residential short breaks for up to 2 weeks for the same types of children and young people.

The sole independent school, Lomond School, was founded in 1977 as a result of a merger between St Bride's School (which was for girls) and Larchfield School (which was primary only and for boys). Both primary and secondary education are provided at Lomond School and the school caters for both day pupils and boarders, a large proportion of the latter coming from abroad.

File:Victoria Infirmary, Helensburgh.jpg]]

The town has two medical practices, both located within the same Medical Centre in East King Street. There are also a number of dentists and opticians in the town.

Built as the Victoria Infirmary, the Victoria Integrated Care Centre no longer cares for in-patients and the original building is now little used. However a variety of clinics do take place in buildings in the grounds.

In 2006 the Helensburgh district opted to come within the NHS Highland area, which is based in Inverness. However, because of the great distance between the Helensburgh area and Inverness, NHS Highland has an arrangement with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde which ensures that the latter provides the services needed locally.

Sports are well represented with various football, rugby, cricket, athletics, netball, hockey, curling, bowling, golf, sailing and fishing clubs amongst others active in the town. The seafront has an indoor swimming pool, an esplanade walk, a range of shops, cafes and pubs, and sailing facilities including Helensburgh Sailing Club.{{Cite web|title=Home|url=https://www.helensburghsailingclub.co.uk/|access-date=2021-05-24|website=www.helensburghsailingclub.co.uk}}

Helensburgh is home to a number of annual events, with the local branch of the Round Table running an annual fireworks display on Guy Fawkes Night and hosting a Real Ale Festival.{{cite web|url=http://helensburghalefestival.co.uk/ |title=Helensburgh and Lomond Real Ale Festival | 20th & 21st May 2011 |publisher=Helensburghalefestival.co.uk |date=21 May 2011 |access-date=21 December 2011}} Helensburgh & Lomond Highland Games take place annually around the start of June.{{Cite web|url=https://helensburghandlomondgames.co.uk/|title=Welcome to the Home of the Helensburgh and Lomond Highland Games|website=helensburghandlomondgames.co.uk}}

In regard to the arts, Helensburgh has a digital arts centre, known as The Tower, which functions as a cinema and also hosts live performances in music and theatre.{{Cite web|url=https://thetower.today/about|title=ABOUT|website=thetoweronline.com}}

There are a number of footpaths in and around Helensburgh, and it is also the starting point for some long distance walking and kayaking. In the town itself there are footpaths inside the Duchess Woods, Argyll & Bute's only local nature reserve.{{Cite web|url=http://duchesswood.org.uk/Duchess-Wood.php|title=Friends of Duchess Wood}}

A longer footpath is the Three Lochs Way which connects Loch Lomond with Helensburgh, the Gareloch and Loch Long, and which runs for 34 miles (55 km).{{Cite web|url=https://threelochsway.co.uk/|title=The Three Lochs Way - one of Scotland's Great Trails - linking Loch Lomond, the Gareloch and Loch Long|website=threelochsway.co.uk}}

The longest by far of all the walks with a local start is the John Muir Way. This commemorates John Muir who is celebrated worldwide as the "Father of National Parks" and runs from Helensburgh for 134 miles (215 km) to his birthplace at Dunbar in East Lothian.{{Cite web|url=https://johnmuirway.org/|title=Home | John Muir Way|website=johnmuirway.org}}

The Clyde Sea Lochs Trail is a road route from Dumbarton, through Helensburgh, round the Rosneath Peninsula, and ending at Arrochar, with information panels along the way.{{Cite web | url=http://lovelochlomond.com/loch-lomond-and-clyde-sea-lochs-trails | title=Love Loch Lomond – Scotland's premier holiday and day visit destination}}

The Argyll Sea Kayak Trail also starts at Helensburgh pier, but finishes at Oban measuring at a distance of around 95 miles (150 km).{{cite web|url=https://paddle-argyll.org.uk|title=Paddle Argyll – The official website of The Argyll Sea Kayak Trail|first=Paddle|last=Argyll}}

{{Unreferenced section|date=September 2023}}

Helensburgh's only twin town is Thouars in France. A twinning agreement was signed in 1983.

{{div col|colwidth=30em}}

• W. H. Auden, poet{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturenews/9903678/Unseen-Cecil-Day-Lewis-poem-comes-to-light-showing-basic-rhymes-for-schoolboy.html|title=Unseen Cecil Day-Lewis poem comes to light showing basic rhymes for schoolboy|work=The Daily Telegraph}}
• William Auld, poet and author{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=literature-william-auld|title=Literature – William Auld – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Jack Buchanan, actor, singer, producer and director{{Cite web|url=http://www.helensburghheroes.com/heroes/jack_buchanan|title=Entertainment – Jack Buchanan – Heroes Centre|website=www.helensburghheroes.com|access-date=3 May 2015|archive-date=1 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201161307/http://www.helensburghheroes.com/heroes/jack_buchanan|url-status=dead}}
• John Butt, orchestral and choral conductor, organist, harpsichordist and musicologistRebecca Garrett, "Helensburgh musician John Butt gets OBE in New Year Honours," S1 Helensburgh, 10 January 2013, URL={{cite web |url=http://www.s1helensburgh.com/news/helensburgh-musician-john-butt-gets-obe-in-new-year-honours.html |title=Helensburgh musician John Butt gets OBE in New Year Honours - s1Helensburgh |access-date=5 May 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201142208/http://www.s1helensburgh.com/news/helensburgh-musician-john-butt-gets-obe-in-new-year-honours.html |archive-date=1 February 2014 }}
• Lawrence Chaney, drag queen {{cite news |last1=Hanvidge |first1=Ross |title=RuPaul: Drag Race star Lawrence Chaney's song tops iTunes chart |url=https://www.helensburghadvertiser.co.uk/news/19085835.rupaul-drag-race-star-lawrence-chaneys-song-tops-itunes-chart/ |access-date=28 March 2021 |work=Helensburgh Advertiser |date=12 February 2021}}
• Morven Christie, actress{{Cite web|url=http://www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=746:morven-heads-for-stardom&catid=81:the-arts&Itemid=458|title=Helensburgh Heritage Trust|website=www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk|date=17 April 2010 }}
• Andy Clyde, actor{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=movies-andy-clyde|title=Movies – Andy Clyde – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Stephen Conroy, artist{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=the-arts-stephen-conroy|title=The Arts – Stephen Conroy – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• James Copeland, actor{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=movies-james-copeland|title=Movies – James Copeland – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• A. J. Cronin, novelist and physician{{Cite web|url=http://www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=706:ajcronin-the-casebook&catid=81:the-arts&Itemid=458|title=Helensburgh Heritage Trust|website=www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk|date=4 April 2010 }}
• Cecil Day-Lewis, Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom
• Mary Alice Faid (1897–1990), writer, died in Helensburgh{{cite book |last1=Sims |first1=Sue |last2=Clare |first2=Hilary |editor1-last=Thomas |editor1-first=Tig |title=The Encyclopaedia of Girls' School Stories |date=2020 |publisher=Girls Gone By Publishers |isbn=978-1-84745-257-3 |page=193 |edition=2nd}}
• Tom Gallacher, playwright{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=literature-tom-gallacher|title=Literature – Tom Gallacher – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Georgie Glen, actress{{cite web |title=Call the Midwife's Georgie Glen: 'I feel helpless in the fight against climate change - and I'm not alone!' |url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/entertainment/theatre/2661186/call-the-midwifes-georgie-glen-often-people-think-i-was-a-teacher-who-taught-them-at-school/ |website=The Courier |date=29 October 2021 |access-date=27 November 2022}}
• Norah Neilson Gray, artist{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=the-arts-norah-nielson-gray|title=The Arts – Norah Nielson Gray – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk|access-date=23 May 2021|archive-date=13 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813015009/http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=the-arts-norah-nielson-gray|url-status=dead}}
• Sir James Guthrie, artist{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=the-arts-sir-james-guthrie|title=The Arts – Sir James Guthrie – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Kenny Hyslop, rock drummer in Slik and Simple Minds{{cite web|url=http://www.helensburghheroes.com/heroes/kenny_hyslop |title=Kenny Hyslop |publisher=Helensburgh Heroes |access-date=21 March 2013}}
• Deborah Kerr, actress, most notably in The King and I{{cite web|url=http://www.helensburghheroes.com/heroes/deborah_kerr|title=Deborah Kerr|publisher=Helensburgh Heroes|access-date=21 March 2013|archive-date=7 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707035710/http://www.helensburghheroes.com/heroes/deborah_kerr|url-status=dead}}
• William Leiper, architect and artist{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=the-arts-william-leiper|title=The Arts – William Leiper – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Robin Lloyd-Jones, author and educationalist{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=literature-robin-lloyd-jones|title=Literature – Robin Lloyd Jones – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Jimmy Logan, impresario and director{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=entertainment-jimmy-logan-obe|title=Entertainment – Jimmy Logan OBE – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• David MacDonald, director, writer and actor{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=movies-david-macdonald|title=Movies – David MacDonald – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Helen MacInnes, author{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=literature-helen-macinnes|title=Literature – Helen MacInnes – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Lex McLean, music hall comedian{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=entertainment-alexander-mclean-cameron|title=Entertainment – Lex McLean – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Fergus McNeill, author and game designer
• Neil Mitchell, musician{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=entertainment-neil-mitchell|title=Entertainment – Neil Mitchell – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Neil Munro, journalist and literary critic{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=literature-neil-munro|title=Literature – Neil Munro – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Viola Paterson, artist{{cite web |url=https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/search_the_collection_database/term_details.aspx?bioId=112141|title=Viola Paterson (Biographical details)|access-date=5 February 2019|work=British Museum}}
• George Rickey, kinetic sculptor{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=the-arts-george-rickey|title=The Arts – George Rickey – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Randolph Schwabe, draughtsman and painter{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=the-arts-randolph-schwabe|title=The Arts – Randolph Schwabe – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Louise Scullion, artist{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=the-arts-louise-scullion|title=The Arts – Louise Scullion – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Martin Smith, director{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=movies-martin-smith|title=Movies – Martin Smith – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Tom Vaughan, film and television director{{cite web|url=http://www.helensburghheroes.com/heroes/tom_vaughan |title=Tom Vaughan |publisher=Helensburgh Heroes |access-date=21 December 2011}}

• Gavin Arneil, doctor, paediatric nephrologist{{Cite web|title=Childrens doctor famous worldwide|url=http://www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk/index.php/heritage/people/1597-childrens-doctor-known-worldwide|access-date=2021-05-24|website=www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk}}
• Tina Gray, medical pioneer
• Robert Aim Lennie, doctor
• R. D. Low, pilot and doctor{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=public-service-ronald-waterson-low|title=Public Service – Ronald Waterson Low – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}

• Martin Alabaster, Royal Navy officer
• Phil Ashby, Royal Marines Commando officer{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=public-service-major-phil-ashby-qgm|title=Public Service – Major Phil Ashby QGM – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• George Findlay, Victoria Cross recipient{{Cite web|url=http://www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56:burghs-victoria-cross-hero&catid=37:topical&Itemid=53|title=Helensburgh Heritage Trust|website=www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk|date=11 April 2008 }}
• John Gilmour, World War I pilot{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=public-service-major-john-gilmour-dso-mc|title=Public Service – Major John Gilmour DSO MC – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• James Jardine, Medal of Honor recipient{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=public-service-james-jardine|title=Public Service – James Jardine – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Sir Ian McGeoch, Royal Navy officer{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=public-service-vice-admiral-sir-ian-mcgeoch|title=Public Service – Vice Admiral Sir Ian McGeoch – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Philip Tower, British Army officer{{cite web |url=http://www.helensburghheroes.com/heroes/majorgeneral_philip_thomas_tower_cb_dso_mbe_goc_middle_east_land_forces_1967 |title=Major-General Philip Thomas Tower, CB, DSO, MBE, GOC, Middle East Land Forces, 1967 | Helensburgh Heroes |access-date=20 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201161511/http://www.helensburghheroes.com/heroes/majorgeneral_philip_thomas_tower_cb_dso_mbe_goc_middle_east_land_forces_1967 |archive-date=1 February 2014 }}
• Alexander Ure, Liberal politician and judge{{Cite web|url=http://www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=244:the-1st-baron-strathclyde&catid=37:topical&Itemid=537|title=Helensburgh Heritage Trust|website=www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk}}

• Marco Biagi, politician{{cite web|url=http://www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1308|title=Scottish Minister Grew Up in Burgh|date=25 March 2016 |publisher=Helensburgh Heritage}}
• Andrew Dunlop, Baron Dunlop, politician{{Cite web | url=http://www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1245:burgh-man-became-peer-and-minister&catid=39:people-&Itemid=399 | title=Burgh man became peer and minister| date=14 June 2015}}
• William Jacks, Liberal politician and ironmaster{{Cite web|url=http://www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=763:helensburghs-prime-minister&catid=37:topical&Itemid=537|title=Helensburgh Heritage Trust|website=www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk|date=13 May 2010 }}
• Bonar Law, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
• Samantha Poling, journalist{{Cite web|url=http://www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=739:reporter-wins-third-bafta&catid=81:the-arts&Itemid=458|title=Helensburgh Heritage Trust|website=www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk|date=5 April 2010 }}
• Sir William Raeburn, 1st Baronet of Helensburgh, Unionist politician and shipping magnate{{Cite web|url=http://www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=20:the-1st-baronet-of-helensburgh&catid=37:topical&Itemid=537|title=Helensburgh Heritage Trust|website=www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk|date=7 October 2006 }}

• Bruce Cameron, Anglican bishop{{cite book |title=Scottish Episcopal Clergy, 1689–2000 |last=Bertie |first=David M. |year=2000 |publisher=T & T Clark |location=Edinburgh |isbn=978-0-567-08746-1 |page=201}}
• Daniel Lamont, Church of Scotland minister
• Alexander Robertson MacEwen, Moderator of the United Free Church of Scotland
• A. E. Robertson, Church of Scotland minister{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=sport-rev-archibald-eneas-robertson|title=Sport – Rev Archibald Eneas Robertson – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Patrick Rodger, Anglican bishop and ecumenist{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=public-service-patrick-campbell-rodger|title=Public Service – Patrick Campbell Rodger – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Adam Cleghorn Welch, biblical scholar

• John Logie Baird, first to demonstrate the working television
• Henry Bell, engineer
• Horatio Scott Carslaw, mathematician{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=science-innovation-horatio-scott-carslaw|title=Science & Innovation – Horatio Scott Carslaw – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• John Arnold Fleming (1871–1966), chemist, author and historian{{Cite web|url=http://www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=619:jarnold-fleming-burgh-benefactor&catid=39:people-&Itemid=399|title=Helensburgh Heritage Trust|website=www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk|date=2 April 2010 }}
• Duncan Gay, scientist and submariner{{cite web |title=Burgh MAEE man escaped from sunk sub |url=http://www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk/index.php/heritage/military/1347-duncan-gay |website=www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk |access-date=21 April 2021}}
• James Ballantyne Hannay, chemist{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=science-innovation-james-ballantyne-hannay|title=Science & Innovation – James Ballantyne Hannay – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• John Hammersley, mathematician{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=science-innovation-john-michael-hammersley|title=Science & Innovation – John Michael Hammersley – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Zachary Macaulay, mathematician and abolitionist{{Cite web|url=http://www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=246:l&catid=37:topical&Itemid=537|title=Helensburgh Heritage Trust|website=www.helensburgh-heritage.co.uk|date=11 April 2008 |last1=Fullarton |first1=Donald }}

• John Black, football player
• Bobby Blair, football player
• Bobby Brown, football player and manager{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=sport-robert-bobby-brown|title=Sport – Robert "Bobby" Brown – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• John Buchanan, Olympic Gold medal-winning sailor{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=sport-john-buchanan|title=Sport – John Buchanan – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Peter Canero, football player
• Joe Carson, football player
• Charlotte Cooper, Olympic Gold medal-winning tennis player{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=sport-charlotte-cooper-sterry|title=Sport – Charlotte Cooper Sterry – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Arthur Downes, Olympic Gold medal-winning sailor{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=sport-arthur-drummond-downes|title=Sport – Arthur Drummond Downes – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Malcolm Finlayson, football player{{cite web |url=http://www.helensburghheroes.com/heroes/malcolm_finlayson |title=Malcolm Finlayson | Helensburgh Heroes |access-date=20 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201161253/http://www.helensburghheroes.com/heroes/malcolm_finlayson |archive-date=1 February 2014 }}
• Jimmy Gunning, football player
• Jack Hill, football player and manager
• Duncan Airlie James, kickboxer
• Billy Jeffrey, football player and manager
• Murdo MacLeod, football player and manager{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=sport-murdo-macleod|title=Sport – Murdo MacLeod – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Bob McGregor, Olympic Silver medal-winning swimmer{{cite web|url=http://www.helensburghheroes.com/heroes/bobby_mcgregor_mbe |title=Bobby McGregor MBE |publisher=Helensburgh Heroes |access-date=21 March 2013}}
• Michael McIntyre, Olympic Gold medal-winning sailor{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=sport-michael-mcintyre|title=Sport – Michael McIntyre MBE – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Moses McNeil, co-founder of Rangers F.C.{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=sport-moses-mcneil|title=Sport – Moses McNeil – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Peter McNeil, co-founder of Rangers F.C.{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=sport-peter-mcneil|title=Sport – Peter McNeil – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Charlotte McShane, triathlete
• Tommy Muirhead, football player and manager
• W.C.W. Murdoch, rugby union player
• Gary Orr, golfer{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/local-sport/helensburgh-golfer-gary-orr-misses-2618713|title=Helensburgh golfer Gary Orr misses cut at Qatar Masters|work=dailyrecord.co.uk|date=30 January 2009}}
• Derek Parlane, football player{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=sport-derek-parlane|title=Sport – Derek Parlane – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Luke Patience, Olympic Silver medal-winning sailor{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=sport-luke-patience|title=Sport – Luke Patience – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Gordon Reid, wheelchair tennis player{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=sport-gordon-reid|title=Sport – Gordon Reid – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Emma Richards, yachtswoman{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=sport-emma-richards-mbe|title=Sport – Emma Richards MBE – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Nick Sharkey, football player
• Gordon Sherry, golfer{{cite web|url=http://www.golftoday.co.uk/news/yeartodate/news00/sherry.html|title=Gordon Sherry on the comeback trail}}
• Max Simmers, rugby union player
• Walter Smith, football player and manager{{cite web|url=http://www.helensburghheroes.com/heroes/walter_smith_obe |title=Walter Smith |publisher=Helensburgh Heroes |access-date=21 March 2013}}
• Peter Such, Test cricketer{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=sport-peter-such|title=Sport – Peter Such – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Fergus Tiernan, football player

• James George Frazer, social anthropologistJaques Waardenburg. 1999. Classical Approaches to the Study of Religion. Aims, Methods and Theories of Research, Volume I: Introduction and Anthology, p244. New York : Walter de Gruyter. {{ISBN|3-11-016328-4}}
• Herbert Guthrie-Smith, author and conservationist{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=science-innovation-william-herbert-guthrie-smith|title=Science & Innovation – William Herbert Guthrie-Smith – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}
• Steve House, senior police officer
• Kim Winser, businesswoman{{Cite web|url=http://www.heroescentre.co.uk/?project=commerce-kim-winser-obe|title=Commerce – Kim Winser OBE – Heroes Centre|website=www.heroescentre.co.uk}}

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• List of places in Argyll and Bute

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{{Wikivoyage|Helensburgh|Helensburgh}}

• [http://www.helensburghcommunitycouncil.co.uk/ Helensburgh Community Council]
• {{cite EB9 |wstitle = Helensburgh |volume= XI |last= |first= |author-link= | page=630 |short=1}}
• {{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Helensburgh |volume=13|page=220|short=x}}

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{{Argyll and Bute settlements}}

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Category:Burghs

Category:Seaside resorts in Scotland

Category:Towns in Argyll and Bute

Category:Firth of Clyde

Category:Highlands and Islands of Scotland

Category:Populated coastal places in Scotland