Councillor Ian James MacQuire - Helensburgh Central ward

11/09/2026

Argyll & Bute Council Press Release
11 September 2026

Inspection goes ahead for Helensburgh Pier.

Argyll and Bute Council has taken the next step in in supporting the ongoing efforts of the Helensburgh Pier Company to bring the historic pier back into use.

The Council has announced the appointment of engineers from consultants Ramboll to undertake a comprehensive principal inspection of Helensburgh Pier.

Working alongside their specialist marine divers Shearwater Marine Services, who will carry out an underwater dive survey, Ramboll will deliver a detailed assessment of the pier's condition both above and below the waterline.

The findings will provide both the Council and the Helensburgh Pier Company with up-to-date information on the condition of the structure. This will help to identify potential repair requirements, future investment needs and options for the pier's long-term future. The survey work will also improve understanding of the structural condition of key elements of the pier, including timber components, foundations and berthing infrastructure.

This is one of the steps that needs to be taken to enable the pier to re-open safely.. At the same time the charity and Council are working together to develop a lease of the pier that the charity could take on and use to seek external funding for repairs needed to allow the closure notice to be lifted and the pier to be reopened safely.

Survey activity is expected to take place during October, with specialist dive teams and inspection personnel working on and around the pier. Members of the public are kindly asked to respect all temporary safety measures and keep clear of work areas while surveys are being undertaken to ensure the safety of both the public and survey teams.

Councillor Ross Moreland, Chair of Argyll and Bute Harbour Board, said: “Financial challenges facing the Council means that, more and more, we hope to strike partnerships with community organisations who are able to source additional, external funding that we cannot. Carrying out this inspection is part of our commitment to supporting the work of Helensburgh Pier Company and the future of a beloved local structure.”

Bill Purdon, Chairman of the Helensburgh Pier Company, said: “The charity is most encouraged by the award of this contract to determine the current condition of the pier as it moves the process forward whereby we obtain the 25 year lease we have been seeking. The report should highlight the repairs required to lift the closure notice and then once this is known we can launch our plans for the pier and start fundraising”.

02/09/2026

Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee is on Tuesday 8 September 2026 at 9.30am, on a hybrid basis, in the Marriage Room, Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre, Helensburgh and by Microsoft Teams. Take part in Public Question time during the meeting or submit your question in advance by emailing: [email protected]. Email: [email protected] to request a Teams link for the meeting.
More information about the meeting on our website:

26/08/2026

SCHEDULE PROHIBTION OF TRAFFIC

Road Closure.

Section of Road to be closed in Cardross Times and Dates of closures
1. A814 Cardross (South Of Cardross From Westerhill To Main Road)

From the extended southern kerbline of Craigend Road to the extended western kerbline of the access to Craigend Nursery, a distance of 385 metres or thereby.

From 1900 hours to 0600 hours, between the 8th September 2026 and 17th September 2026

22/08/2026

Helensburgh Skating Pond Update.
Works to repair the paths and remove the boardwalk began on Monday 10th August 2026 for three weeks and will also include the removal of Rhododendron Ponticum and car park improvements. All native dead wood will be left on site for the creation of bug hotels. These works have been possible due to funding from Crown Estates.
Officers continue to explore options and funding for the delivery of the preferred Hybrid Option which delivers both ecology and visitor benefits, as presented at the December 2025 Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee. Further funding in addition to the £75K Nature Restoration Fund is required for the pond works to progress

19/08/2026

I was saddened today to hear of the passing of Councillor Dougie Philand (Provost of Argyll and Bute).
He would always offer a helping hand if you needed it.
Condolences to his family and friends.

30/07/2026

Read the latest update on the dangerous building at East Clyde Street, Helensburgh.
👉

Read the latest updates and information on the closure of part of East Clyde Street, Helensburgh due to dangerous buildings.

27/07/2026

I submitted an item on the Member Zone (Councillors reporting system) in regards to requesting for a new sign or yellow lines at the 'passing lane' at the bottom of Colquhoun Street. This is the reply that I received.
I believe this would also be the case for parked cars outside the church on Colquhoun St opposite the old Bank of Scotland.
I must admit I wasn't 100% sure what a RPZ area meant before I became a Councillor.
The Area Committee have requested that Helensburgh be included in the councils parking review.

Dear Councillor MacQuire,

As this location lies within the Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ), we would not install additional signage. Entry signs at the boundary of the zone advise drivers that waiting is prohibited at any time except within signed bays. There are no signed or marked parking bays at this location and, as such, motorists should be aware that parking is not permitted.

In addition, there is a dropped kerb crossing point for pedestrians at this location, and drivers should not park in a manner that obstructs access to it.

During a recent site inspection, a vehicle pulled up and parked in the area. The Traffic and Development Officer advised the driver that they were at risk of receiving a Penalty Charge if a parking attendant was to pass by.
The driver acknowledged this, stating that she was aware of the restriction but intended to be there only briefly and was willing to take the risk.
In the Traffic and Development Officer's view, this reflects the majority of parking contraventions within the RPZ. The issue is generally not a lack of awareness of the restrictions; rather, some drivers choose to ignore them.

Kind Regards
Roads & Infrastructure Services.

25/07/2026

I attended the Jean's Bothy open day.
It was really busy, and the rain stopped just in time for it starting at 12pm.