Helensburgh's among Britain's best - and that's official!

The town was listed by the Times as one of the 20 best coastal hotspots in Britain and just days later was chosen as one of the 12 best places to live anywhere in Scotland.

The Sunday Times guide takes into account a range of factors including jobs, exam results, broadband speed, culture, community spirit and local shops.

The methodology relies on data and statistics on crime and education – combined with ‘the knowledge’ of The Sunday Times judging panel.

The judges blended the numbers with their own experiences of the areas such as local pubs, ease of transport and the range of property to ensure the chosen locations are places where people can thrive.

Helensburgh made the list alongside Cramond, Edinburgh, Dunblane, Stirling, Killearn, Stirling and North Berwick, East Lothian.

The town, home to around 14,000 people, has undergone significant investment in recent years, including the £6.6m regeneration of the town centre under the CHORD project, complementing traditional attractions including the seafront and Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed Hill House. And news of its inclusion in the lists has come as no surprise to many.

Argyll and Bute Council said it was delighted to see that the hard work of a number of organisations has been recognised, and said it hoped the recent improvements make the town stand out.

A spokesman said: “We have worked hard to regenerate the town centre, which has won many prestigious awards, as part of our £30 million pound CHORD scheme.

“Helensburgh enjoys a southerly aspect on the banks of the River Clyde and has an increasing array of award-winning restaurants, the innovative outdoor museum, an iconic Mackintosh building in the Hill House, together with a varied selection of independent shops and larger retailers.

“Helensburgh is within easy travelling distance of Glasgow, including its international airport, and the rest of the central belt, while also having the beauty of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park on its doorstep.”

Helensburgh estate agent Seona Cashmore believes the recent investment in the town, allied to the planned expansion of the nearby naval facilities at HMNB Clyde are all contributing to a town on the up.

And although she’s unsure if the listings will be represented in property prices, she expects it to generate a lot more interest in the town.

She said: “Some of the best homes, architecturally, in the West of Scotland can be found in Helensburgh. The homes are superb value for money for buyers compared to areas like Bearsden, Clarkston and the West End of Glasgow.”

Ms Cashmore, who grew up in Helensburgh and still lives in the town with her family, added: “I feel that this town has many qualities including a friendly, village feel, good amenities in the schools, shops, transport and leisure facilities and let’s not forget the stunning location and beautiful scenery around the town.”

The listing has also been welcomed by the Helensburgh business community, which highlighted the wealth of facilities on offer as one of its biggest draws.

A spokesman for the Helensburgh Chamber of Commerce said: “We can enjoy great shopping, fine schools, a truly modern new-look town centre and esplanade along with award winning restaurants and eateries.

“We have entertainment on hand including a unique cinema, sports facilities galore from golf courses to sailing at all levels as well as clubs and societies to suit every age and taste.”

Business owner, Cara Nikolic, opened her first restaurant in the town with husband Milan seven years ago and since then the couple have continued to invest in the town. Cara said: “There wasn’t much in the way of restaurants when we started out but Helensburgh has grown into a real foodie destination and our customers come from all over.

“We believe Helensburgh has the best restaurants between here and Glasgow making it a great place to live and socialise.

“We’ve always believed very strongly in this town and its potential and watched it grow over the years. You just have to look out the window to realise how lucky we are to be able to live and work here.”

Businessman Brian Keating, founder of The Tower Digital Arts Centre, added: “We have exciting new cultural, educational and visitor attractions set to open over the next 12 months and I suspect we will become an even better place to live and will get more media attention.”

Helensburgh Community Council convener Norman Muir told the Advertiser he was glad to see Helensburgh recognised, and while he endorsed the conclusions of the guide and the geographical appeal of the town, Mr Muir said that wasn’t the end of the Helensburgh story.

He said: “Perhaps one criterion that was missing from the analysis is the friendliness of the townsfolk and their willingness to welcome visitors. People make places, and Helensburgh is a friendly town.

“The renovation of the town centre has given a psychological boost to the town which has in turn encouraged inward investment and confidence in its future, as evidenced by the arrival of Waitrose and the spread and variety of new restaurants.

“Being on such a list brings its own competitive edge to remain on it.

“We have an extensive range of clubs and societies offering a wide variety of sports, hobbies and artistic interests, which can be used to bridge the inter-generational gap between young and old.

“We have to play to the strengths of our historical and architectural heritages in innovation and design; harness the skills and abilities of all our townsfolk to contribute to the welfare and well-being of those who suffer disability; maintain a reputation for quality and service; and the most simple of all, to keep Helensburgh clean and tidy to welcome our visitors.”

And plans to continuously develop the area and keep it on the list are ongoing.

Argyll and Bute Council’s spokesman added: “The area’s open for business culture continues to attract new businesses to expand in the area. We continue work with those responsible for making improvements to the area’s digital and transport connectivity and have plans to make around 650 affordable homes available.

“The local schools have an excellent track record of success and ensure its young people have great opportunities to learn, grow, be ambitious and succeed.

“When complete the regeneration of the town’s Hermitage Park and the waterfront development will make the town an even more desirable place to live and visit.”

* A HELENSBURGH estate agent hopes that the area making the list of best places to live will see the number of people looking to purchase in the Helensburgh area increase.

Seona Cashmore, senior negotiator at Clyde Property on West Princes Street wasn’t surprised to hear that the area she was born and brought up in made the list as she now raises her own family in the area.

She believes that Helensburgh has many qualities which may have contributed to it making the list.

She said: “Some of the best homes, architecturally, in the West of Scotland can be found in Helensburgh. The homes are superb value for money for buyers compared to areas like Bearsden, Clarkston and the West End of Glasgow.”

The recent investment in upgrading the town centre and the news of the naval base expansion, she believes will enhance the appeal of the town and promote growth and investment from local businesses.

Ms Cashmore added: “I feel that this town has many qualities including a friendly, village feel, good amenities in the schools, shops, transport and leisure facilities and let’s not forget the stunning location and beautiful scenery around the town.”

Although she isn’t sure if Helensburgh making the list will add to property prices she is hopeful that it will draw people’s attention to the town and lead to an increased footfall.

* HELENSBURGH has seen many upgrades in the last few years, including ones to the town itself and the businesses within it - and is set for even more.

And the Helensburgh and Lomond Chamber of Commerce isn’t surprised to see Helensburgh make the list.

A spokesman said: “Helensburgh is a place where country meets town with perfect ease. Where we can enjoy great shopping, fine schools, a truly modern new-look town centre and esplanade along with award winning restaurants and eateries.

“We have entertainment on hand including a unique cinema, sports facilities galore from golf courses to sailing at all levels as well as clubs and societies to suit every age and taste.”

Business owner, Cara Nikolic, opened her first restaurant in the town with her husband Milan seven years ago and since then the couple have continued to invest in the town.

Cara said: “There wasn’t much in the way of restaurants when we started out but Helensburgh has grown into a real foodie destination and our customers come from all over.

“We believe Helensburgh has the best restaurants between here and Glasgow making it a great place to live and socialise.

“We’ve always believed very strongly in this town and its potential and watched it grow over the years. You just have to look out the window to realise how lucky we are to be able to live and work here.”

Businessman Brian Keating, founder of The Tower Digital Arts Centre, said: “We have exciting new cultural, educational and visitor attractions set to open over the next 12 months and I suspect we will become an even better place to live and will get more media attention.”