THE volunteers who run Cove Burgh Hall say the community-run facility has enjoyed one of its successful years – but that the challenges they face aren't going away.

The facility is run by a dedicated group of volunteers, who purchased it for just £1 from Argyll and Bute Council in 2001.

A fund-raising effort is ongoing for a renovation of the façade.

But Alison Morrison, chair of the hall’s directors, is excited by the year the facility has just enjoyed and hopes it can continue going from strength to strength.

Addressing a recent meeting of the Helensburgh and Lomond Community Planning Group at the hall, Alison said: “We have 25 different groups using the hall on a regular basis every week.

“It is a very busy hall used by groups from toddlers right through to OAPs. They are using an environment where they can interact.

“We also use the hall for birthday parties, weddings and christenings, and it can be dressed up for these occasions. Do-it-yourself weddings are on trend at the moment.

“The Friends of Cove Burgh Hall was a money-making scheme we came up with asking for financial support for the hall.

"Gold 'Friends' pay £100 a year and others pay £10 a year. It is a steady source of income.

“We have hosted the National Theatre of Scotland, tribute bands and others. These events are of the same quality as you would find at a city venue.

“When people pay their money we want it to be as inclusive as possible, and they are blown away by the quality of the experience.

“One of the most successful ones we had was Judy Murray coming along to talk about her book. It was a Sunday lunchtime and the hall was full.

“Another successful money spinner is the real ale festival, which is in its 17th year. It brings in a whole different dynamic and we had about 350 through the door in September.”

The fifth Cove and Kilcreggan Book Festival was also held in the hall in November, with a line-up which, in 2018, included broadcaster Sally Magnusson, folk musician Rab Noakes, and former BBC correspondents Angus Roxburgh and Allan Little.

And there was one more event before the calendar year ended on a high.

Alison added: “In terms of keeping community traditions going, we have the Hogmanay ball, which has been going for 28 years and attracts 120 people.

“It is all very good – but it glosses over the challenges we have to face. There is so much going on in the peninsula that to some extent we are competing against other community groups for volunteers.

“We have been asked – why don’t we put up hire charges or charge more for live events?

“That’s not what we are about.”