This week's Councillor Column is written by Aileen Morton, Liberal Democrat councillor for Helensburgh Central and the leader of Argyll and Bute Council...

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I WAS lucky enough to attend the Argyll and Bute Doors Open Day launch event last week and see the presentation on Helensburgh’s history by Stewart Noble of the Helensburgh Heritage Trust.

Seeing 250 years of history condensed into Stewart’s fascinating presentation on Friday highlighted just how much the town has changed over the years.

It also made me think how slightly different decisions taken while Helensburgh was in its infancy could have resulted in a very different town.

Whether or not you agree that change is good, it is certainly inevitable, and the town is currently going through plenty of change at the moment.

At last week’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee meeting, we had an update on the sale of properties across the area. Most of these have been, or are being, sold to fund developments such as the Civic Centre and the new roads depot at the top of Sinclair Street.

However, the real benefit comes from seeing these properties brought back to life in new ways. Whether it is the interest in Blairvadach shown by a film company, Argyll College taking over the Kirkmichael Centre or the plans Peckham's have for the Municipal Buildings it is great to see these positive changes.

* A few weeks ago I had a tour of Hermitage Park to see all of the progress that has been made in another part of the town that is changing.

The park is going to look significantly different once the work is complete but it will also still be the park that I remember as a child – with key features retained and improved rather than a blank slate approach taken.

It’s good to see the heritage of the site respected while still embracing change.

* One thing that doesn’t change is the calendar. And while Christmas still feels a long way away it’s not that long till the Winter Festival will be here again.

In just nine weeks’ time – on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3 – the fun will start all over again. All the usual treats will be there with plenty of dashing Santas and skating penguins to be seen.

The Winter Festival committee is a very small group of volunteers who then rely on lots more volunteers to put this event on.

We are always happy to hear from local groups and individuals who would like to be involved. If you would be able to help out either in advance or over the weekend itself then please get in touch!

And if you aren’t able to help out then please just come along and join in the fun! I look forward to seeing you all then.