COMMUNITY representatives have welcomed the opportunity to work with James Windebank on a possible future event in Helensburgh after the cancellation of the Argyll Gathering.

Mr Windebank told the Advertiser last week that he was still keen to bring an event to his home town.

The Gathering, which was due to take place at Ardencaple on August 19 and 20, was called off because of poor advance ticket sales.

Responding to Mr Windebank’s pledge that he was still keen to bring an event to his home town, Argyll and Bute Council leader and Helensburgh councillor Aileen Morton said: “It was a real shame that the event in August had to be cancelled but it’s great to hear that the organisers are still interested in running an event in Helensburgh.

“I was very impressed with the scale of the event that was due to take place and the high profile performers who were due to participate so fingers crossed something similar can successfully take place.”

A spokesman for the Helensburgh and Lomond Chamber of Commerce said: “It is good news that the idea of a major music event in Helensburgh and Lomond has not been consigned to the waste bin and of course the Chamber of Commerce would be delighted to help the organisers in whatever way we can.

“If James would like a chat in advance of any decision to perhaps sound out the possibilities we would be happy to have a meeting with him.”

Helensburgh Community Council convener Norman Muir added: “The Helensburgh Community Council supports any event held in the town that is value for money and and brings economic benefit to the community.

“We were made aware of the Argyll Gathering a little late in the proceedings and with hindsight it may have been better to have been brought on board at an earlier opportunity.

“The Argyll Gathering was a new initiative which could have worked and the organisers should not be deterred from trying again.”