MEMBERS of the Helensburgh company of the Boys’ Brigade enjoyed two fascinating outings recently as part of their ongoing programme of educational visits.

The group’s first trip out was to Dumbarton police office, and was organised by Police Scotland’s Helensburgh youth engagement officer, Constable Craig Stamp.

Subjects covered included general police work, traffic, mountain rescue and a spell in the lock-ups – but not long!

The second outing, just three days later, saw the Boys’ Brigade members joined by their Girls’ Brigade colleagues for a trip to the Tall Ship Glenlee at her berth next to the Riverside Museum in Glasgow.

The young Helensburgh visitors enjoyed seeing life both on and below decks – including an opportunity to swab the decks, a vital part of life on board any ship!

Built in Port Glasgow and launched in 1896, the Glenlee is one of only five Clyde-built sailing ships that remain afloat in the world.

Rescued from dereliction in Spain in 1992 by the Clyde Maritime Trust, who bought the ship for £40,000, she was restored over a six year period by the Trust’s paid and voluntary crew members.

In November 1999, the Glenlee was recognised as part of the Core Collection of historic vessels in the UK. Chosen from a list of more than 1,500 ships, the Glenlee is one of only 43 vessels recognised by the National Historic Ships Committee as being of pre-eminent national significance in terms of maritime heritage, historic associations or technological innovation.

Following their time on board the Glenlee, the group visited the Riverside Museum next door to look round the fascinating collection of historic transport exhibits from Glasgow’s past.