The group behind moves to reopen Helensburgh Pier have said they are making positive progress.
Earlier this year over 500 residents gathered for a sail-past by the Waverley, with hopes high that she’ll be able to dock at the town once more in the future.
Now a registered company has been set up by three dedicated locals, The Helensburgh Pier Company Limited.
It currently has three directors all local to Helensburgh, Bill Purdon (Chairman), Dr Anne Foy, and John Beveridge.
John explained that the group have been working for some months to become a properly constituted body and have been in detailed discussions with Argyll and Bute Council, owners of the pier.
He said: “In addition we have applied for charitable status and I’m delighted that this has now been granted by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).”
Talks with the council are at an advanced stage, and the new charity is continuing these discussions. The new directors hope that, as it is now a company limited by guarantee and having charitable status, this will give the council the assurance it needs to reach an agreement with the new charity.
Anne Foy said, “We have applied to open a bank account as the charity will need to raise money and apply for funding to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to the pier.
“We are making enquiries regarding repair costs as this will determine our plans for the future.”
The charity has established a Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/HelensburghPierCo and will keep the town informed of progress.