IT'S yet another busy weekend around Helensburgh and Lomond, with lots of events, sporting fixtures and more around the area.

Here's our pick of what's happening in the area over the next couple of days, listed in (very rough) chronological order – if you see something that takes your fancy, why not head along and get involved?

(Also, if you know of an event that's happening this weekend that isn't listed here, email us or send a message via our Facebook page and we'll add it to the list!)

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Helensburgh community beach clean

Saturday, September 28 from 10am-12noon

Organised by Helensburgh Community Council. Meet at the public toilets next to Helensburgh pier. Please wear stout shoes and gardening (or other sturdy) gloves. Other clean-up equipment will be provided.

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Ardardan Estate Scarecrow Festival

Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29 (10am-4pm both days)

The annual scarecrow festival at Ardardan Estate between Helensburgh and Cardross is one of the most popular events on the Ardardan calendar and has seen clubs, schools, nurseries and businesses create weird and wonderful scarecrows over the last few weeks.

Entries have now closed, but all the scarecrows will be on display around the grounds at Ardardan throughout the weekend – and visitors can vote for their favourites, with trophies to be presented to the winners.

There will also be tractor and trailer rides around the estate – click here for more details.

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Oxfam Upcycling Day

Saturday, September 28 from 10am-3pm

An ideal opportunity to see demonstrations and products from local 'upcyclers' at Helensburgh Parish Church, courtesy of the team from the town's Oxfam shop.

Includes Helensburgh Art Hub demonstrating Eco Bricking; Kate Jarvis (lightshades made of old maps and scarves); Sofia Perina-Miller (paint techniques on furniture); young Oxfam volunteers making tote bags out of T-shirts; a stall with beads from old necklaces; and a book stall with all sorts of books on craft and upcycling techniques.

There will also be a raffle and refreshments.

Click here to find out more.

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Macmillan Cancer Support coffee morning

Saturday, September 28 from 11am-1pm

Get your cash at the ready for some cakes and cuppas at St Modan's Parish Church in Rosneath.

The coffee morning has been organised by the Rosneath Who Let the Dads Out? group and is in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Every penny raised on the day will go towards the charity.

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Cove and Kilcreggan Real Ale Festival

Saturday, September 28 from 12noon-8pm

Sixteen ales, eight ciders, street food, live music and more at Cove Burgh Hall.

This is one of the hall's biggest fund-raisers of the year and to celebrate the festival's 18th birthday, many of the ales and ciders will have a Scottish theme.

There will also be family activities thanks to the fund-raising team from nearby Craigrownie Park.

Buses on route 316 (Helensburgh-Coulport) run every hour, leaving both Helensburgh and Coulport on the hour (the last bus back to Helensburgh leaves Coulport at 10pm) and stopping outside Cove Burgh Hall.

Click here for more information.

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Three Villages Galafest

Saturday, September 28 from 12 noon onwards

A packed programme of community events at the Three Villages Hall in Arrochar.

Includes the grand opening by the Gala King and Queen at 12 noon, live music from 12.30pm with Norrie McGregor, the Jennifer Ewan Band and The Camans, circus skills workshops, a team from Glasgow Science Centre's Fit-Lab, soft play, wood-fired pizzas, real ales, ciders and more.

Click here for more details.

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Hockey: Helensburgh 2nd XI v Helensburgh 3rd XI

Saturday, September 28 at 12.15pm

More than just club pride at stake as Helensburgh's second and third XIs play each other – there are also league points up for grabs in the teams' latest match in West District Division 3.

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Football: Rhu Amateurs v Callander Thistle

Saturday, September 28 at 2pm

After a run of numerous away fixtures Rhu are back on home soil with their first fixture at Ardenconnel Park since mid-August.

The local side haven't lost at home so far this season and lie seventh in the 15-team Caledonian League first division – though with games in hand on most of their rivals.

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Douse the House

Saturday, September 28 at 2.30pm

The Hill House in Helensburgh is inviting water pistol owners of all ages to come along and soak – or at least try to soak – the building, to check whether the metal mesh erected around the property earlier this year is doing its job in keeping out the weather.

A team from the house's owners, the National Trust for Scotland, will be checking how much of the water makes it through the mesh.

Admission to the grounds is free on Saturday, and everyone who takes a water pistol along will get a voucher from the Trust for free family admission to the house itself, valid on the day or any time during September and October.

For more information, click here.

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Rugby: Helensburgh v Cumnock

Saturday, September 28 at 3pm

After losing 26-22 at home to Paisley last Saturday, Helensburgh RFC are back at Ardencaple for the second of three home league matches in a row in West Regional Division 2.

Visitors Cumnock won their first league match of the campaign at the end of August, but lost 39-0 at home to Strathaven last weekend and, just like their hosts on Saturday, will be eager to bounce back from the disappointment of defeat.

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Helensburgh Parish Church Family Challenge

Saturday, September 28 from 5-7pm

Taking place at the church in Colquhoun Square, and features a barbecue, games, music and fun for all the family.

Entry is £2 per family – click here to find out more details.