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The Lochside Press
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News from around the Clyde sea lochs at http://thelochsidepress.com Retweets are not endorsements.
One councillor said the idea - for sites including Rosneath, Rhu and Cardross - ‘sounded like a good excuse for the council not to cut grass’ and would not help bees
‘Supporting pollinators’ plan divides opinion
Council officials have discussed plans for ‘Supporting Our Pollinators’ in Argyll and Bute - but some concerns have been expressed. The authority is set to undergo a pilot project to encourage “a more wildlife-friendly environment” in the area, allowing grassland areas to host wildflowers and other plants. A list of 24 sites across Argyll and Bute to take part in the initial project was published in a report – it includes:
thelochsidepress.com
December 20, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Argyll and Bute has been criticised for ‘faffing about’ in reducing speed limits across the area, but this week the authority said consultations were needed first - and the timescale is still unclear
‘Data needed’ before 20mph speed limits are brought in
Reducing speed limits to 20mph across Argyll and Bute has taken longer because consultation is needed, a senior councillor has said. Speed limits have already been cut from 30 to 20mph in neighbouring areas such as Highland, as well as on some stretches of the A82 and A83 trunk roads in Arrochar and Tarbet. Last month a Cove and Kilcreggan community councillor criticised delays in reducing the speed limits, saying officials were…
thelochsidepress.com
December 19, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Work to install a new bridge at Bowling means there will be no trains at Helensburgh Central or on the West Highland Line between Christmas and Hogmanay
Helensburgh train services suspended – reminder
A reminder has been issued that there will be no trains at all from Helensburgh for more than a week after Christmas Eve. A new railway bridge is being installed at Bowling, meaning there will be no services between Dalmuir and Helensburgh Central, or between Glasgow Queen Street and Crianlarich. Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “Christmas and New Year give us a unique opportunity to deliver major improvements while fewer people are travelling.
thelochsidepress.com
December 19, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Officials say the cost of using newspapers is ‘challenging’ but changes would need to be made by the Scottish Government
Concerns over cost of council advertising
Council officials have defended the continuing practice in Argyll and Bute of advertising temporary traffic orders in local newspapers. Councillors from the administration and opposition agreed that an alternative method should be found if possible, highlighting the cost of placing an advertisement. But a council official said it was down to the Scottish Government to make changes to allow that to happen.
thelochsidepress.com
December 19, 2025 at 7:01 AM
The populations of Helensburgh and Cardross could increase enormously – based on the council’s figures, the population of the two communities would rise by up to 55% even if only two people live in each new property - so shouldn’t time be made for a proper discussion?
Opinion: Time and clarity needed on huge housing plans
There are just five days left to comment on plans which could see massive increases in the populations of Helensburgh and Cardross. Plans to zone land for up to 4,800 new homes were revealed last month and Argyll & Bute Council says it will be ‘open for views’ until Friday December 19. The change this proposal could bring would be huge – based on the council’s…
thelochsidepress.com
December 14, 2025 at 6:01 PM
The fridge was washed ashore during high winds – leaving ecologists with the headache of how to dispose of it
Storm Bram delivers fridge to nature reserve
Holy Loch Nature Reserve ecologist Dr Neil Hammatt is used to bizarre items washing up on the shoreline - but even he was taken aback when a large fridge made an appearance during Storm Bram. “This is the season for deliveries of all sorts but it was still a big shock when this particular ‘white good’ drifted ashore at the head of the loch!” he said.
thelochsidepress.com
December 14, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Jessica won MSP’s Christmas card contest

Talented young pupils from throughout the area showcased their artistic skills in MSP Jackie Baillie’s Christmas card competition. The annual festive event attracted entries from primary seven pupils at 18 schools throughout Dumbarton, Alexandria,…
Jessica won MSP’s Christmas card contest
Talented young pupils from throughout the area showcased their artistic skills in MSP Jackie Baillie’s Christmas card competition. The annual festive event attracted entries from primary seven pupils at 18 schools throughout Dumbarton, Alexandria, Helensburgh and Lomond. Jessica Killen, a pupil at Helensburgh’s St Joseph’s Primary, secured first place in the competition with her cheerful snowman design. Grace Murdoch of Lennox Primary, Bonhill, won second place, while David Douglas from St Mary’s Primary School, Alexandria and Daniel McLaughlin – a pupil at Dumbarton’s Knoxland Primary – shared third place.
thelochsidepress.com
December 13, 2025 at 12:01 PM