PLANS to install two new artworks to the award-winning Outdoor Museum in Helensburgh’s Colquhoun Square have been approved by councillors.

Members of Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond area committee backed proposals for a memorial to the 32 men who died when the submarine K13 sank in the Gareloch in 1917, and for a sculpture with the logo of the Arts Society Lomond and Argyll.

They will be mounted on two of the empty plinths around the square.

The Submariners’ Association had sought a grant of £3,000 for the K13 memorial from funds set aside for the expansion of the museum, while the Arts Society applied for £540.

Both bids were approved, though the Arts Society’s proposal sparked some debate among the committee, with Helensburgh and Lomond South councillor Richard Trail asking whether it was appropriate to have a sculpture of a logo which might change in a few years’ time.

Councillor Aileen Morton, however, pointed out that both ideas had been considered, and backed, by a design panel set up to consider suggestions for new artworks for the museum.

The two applicants will be responsible for the maintenance of their new sculptures.

The Submariners Association’s application details how its bronze monument would honour the tragedy in which 32 sailors lost their lives.

A statement said: “It is not intended to be a memorial; they exist elsewhere. A stonemason will engrave a short explanation of what happened on to the granite bollard.

“A quick response (QR) code will also be included to enable access to a more detailed account of events. The Helensburgh Library has an excellent section of documents recording events and this would be an appropriate reference point for the QR code.”

Meanwhile, the Arts Society’s proposed sculpture has been designed by a local artist, David Irvine of Creative Ironwork.