THE new Helensburgh Heroes Centre will be officially opened to the public this weekend.

The ribbon will be cut at the Sinclair Street centre at 9.30am on Saturday, December 2, by Helensburgh resident Miss Laura Conley, John Logie Baird's great-niece, and Heroes chairman Professor Michael Baker.

Before then, though, invited guests will get a sneak peek at what the centre will offer at a preview evening on Thursday night.

Those invited to attend the preview evening include Cleland Sneddon, Chief Executive of Argyll and Bute Council; Sir Malcolm Colquhoun; Maurice Corry MSP's; representatives of many Helensburgh and Lomond organisations including the Helensurgh and Lomond Youth Forum; Argyll TSI; the Chamber of Commerce; Rotary Club; head teachers; Helensburgh Heritage Trust; Love Loch Lomond; Council officers; elected councillors; journalists and community councillors.

Guests will be treated to glasses of prosecco, malt whisky and a buffet while they view the exhibition before short speeches are made by Michael Baker and director Phil Worms.

All involved with the Heroes Centre are looking forward to welcoming people to the venue.

Phil Worms said: "We have been delighted with the reaction to the news of the Centre’s opening and are looking forward to both the preview evening and the opening later this week.

"Everyone involved with the project has worked incredibly hard over the past few weeks to bring us to this point, and the Charity is extremely grateful for their efforts on our behalf.

"With its town centre location, information point, Heroes exhibition, café and gift shop, we believe that the Centre offers something unique and will be valued equally by our local community and visitors alike.”

The John Muir Way, a flagship project of the Central Scotland Green Network commemorates the world-renowned conservationist and encourages people to explore the outdoors and the heritage of the area.

Keith Geddes, chair of the Central Scotland green Network Trust believes that the Heroes Centre will be a great addition to Helensburgh.

He said: "We are pleased to welcome the Heroes Centre to Helensburgh and think it will be a great addition to the local community showcasing the rich and diverse heritage of the area.

“We are very much looking forward to working with the centre to help reinforce this heritage, including that of John Muir’s whose philosophy was to enjoy the outdoors and we hope the centre will inspire people to get out and explore their local surroundings.”