At a meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee on Tuesday, councillors handed over grants to volunteer organisations to help with running events, festivals and help with running costs.

Six applications were received by the council, but councillors deferred giving money to Artmap Argyll and the Gibson Community Centre Committee until further information and guidance was sought.

Councillor Ellen Morton (pictured) said: “We need some clarity, we have several community centres who run New Year events every year and don’t come to the council for funding.

“I think we should defer the decision on these until September to acquire more information.” Helensburgh and Lomond Autism/Aspergers Society; Helensburgh Savoy Musical Theatre, Royal British Legion – Helensburgh and District Branch; and the West of Scotland Military Wives Choir all received grants between £400 and £1,500.

The total sum issued in grants this year to organisations in Helensburgh and Lomond is almost £30,000, and grants are given in April and August each year.

Helensburgh Savoy was given £1,125 towards the production and performance of the musical South Pacific which will run in November, and the Royal British Legion received £407 for the Service of Remembrance on November 9.

The West of Scotland Military Wives Choir, which is based in Helensburgh, was granted £645 for the running costs of the choir, including uniforms, stationery and the musical director’s expenses.

Finally, Helensburgh and Lomond Autism/Aspergers Society was given a top award of £1,500 towards a programme of activities for children with autism or aspergers through to March 2015.

Activities include visits to Glasgow Science Centre, Blair Drummond Safari Park, Centre 81, the Transport Museum and others.

Angela Beggs, chairwoman of the group, told the Advertiser: “Everyone involved with Helensburgh and Lomond Autism/Aspergers Society are delighted with the award of funding from Argyll and Bute Council of £1,500 to assist in providing Autism-friendly activities for children in the area.

“We already are holding a range of activities including, autism-friendly play sessions at Gogglebox, Helensburgh every second Wednesday, autism Youth Club at Centre 81 in Garelochhead every second Monday, and swimming sessions at Parklands School.

“This funding will help us continue to provide these activities and we have plans for much more.”