Helensburgh Skating Pond Improvements Project
Argyll and Bute Council · 9 December 2025
Back to Helensburgh & Lomond Area Committee — 9 December 2025 and its agenda
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND AREA COMMITTEE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 9 DECEMBER 2025 HELENSBURGH SKATING POND IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 The main purpose of this report is to provide information on key findings and options for both ecology and recreation improvements at the Helensburgh Skating Pond. 1.2 Helensburgh Skating Pond is a popular local nature reserve located at the top of Sinclair Street on the edge of town and links with a number of active travel routes. Over time the pond has become silted and is now 95% covered by vegetation which will eventually lead to it becoming birch wood, and along with the growth of invasive species on site, will have a negative impact on ecology. In addition, the paths, furniture and fencing are in need of repair thus affecting the recreational and visual aspects of the site. 1.3 Funding was allocated from the Scottish Government Nature Restoration Fund to better understand the site and how the site could be improved from both an ecological and recreational perspective. This also included a community consultation which demonstrated a desire for more open water and information on the ecology and history of the site. 1.4 Findings were considered for nature and recreation benefits and a Hybrid Option, which represents a balance of these benefits is the preferred option. 1.5 To deliver this, a range of works are required to fix the drainage, remove invasive species and silt, upgrade surfaces, install furniture and interpretation amongst others. The estimated costs of all works are circa £1m and it may be that costs can be reduced through in-house delivery and in-kind. It is also worth noting that this Hybrid Option includes access improvements that are not on Council land and though it would be good to deliver this, it is not a priority at this stage. 1.6 In August, the Council’s P&R Committee agreed to allocate £75k from the Nature Restoration Fund as a contribution to support capital works at the Skating Pond. This funding is not sufficient to deliver the full package of
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enhancements identified in the preferred option and officers continue to seek external sources of funding to enable any works to be delivered. These external funds may include the Nature Restoration Fund and Crown Estates amongst others and are subject to Scottish Government allocations, as well as competing priorities and require approval by Policy and Resources Committee. 1.7 Given the estimated costs of the preferred option, it is proposed that the project will require to be delivered in phases. It is considered that this will require funding to be identified over a number of financial years and from several external sources. 1.8 Estimated maintenance costs for the Skating Pond are currently £5k per annum however, this figure does not include an allowance for tree or pond maintenance. It is anticipated that maintenance costs for the pond would be an additional £4k per annum. Any capital investment in the site would require to be underpinned by a commitment to fund an ongoing resourcing, management and maintenance plan. 1.9 It is recommended that the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee: i. To note and consider the findings and that the preferred option is the Hybrid Option which delivers both ecology and visitor benefits, and that officers are continuing to explore long terms options for the Skating Pond site. ii. To note that circa £1m is required to deliver the project in full which has not yet been identified, and that officers continue to seek external funding. iii. To note the £75k allocation of Nature Restoration Fund towards ecological improvements. iv. To agree updates regarding Skating Pond improvements as and when additional funding is secured.
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL HELENSBURGH AND LOMOND AREA COMMITTEE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 9 DECEMBER 2025 HELENSBURGH SKATING POND IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 The main purpose of this report is to provide information on key findings and options for both ecology and recreation improvements at the Helensburgh Skating Pond. 2.2 £75K was allocated by Policy and Resources Committee on 21st August 2025 as a contribution towards capital costs for the Skating Pond improvements however, further funding will be required to deliver the preferred option identified. 3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS It is recommended that the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee: 3.1 To note and consider the findings and that the preferred option is the Hybrid Option which delivers both ecology and visitor benefits, and that officers are continuing to explore long terms options for the Skating Pond site. 3.2 To note that circa £1m is required to deliver the project in full which has not yet been identified, and that officers continue to seek external funding. 3.3 To note the £75k allocation of Nature Restoration Fund towards ecological improvements. 3.4 To agree updates regarding Skating Pond improvements as and when additional funding is secured.
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4.0 DETAIL Background 4.1 Helensburgh Skating Pond is a 2.1 hectare site located at the top of Sinclair Street and is within an Area for Action identified in the LDP2. It forms part of what was originally three reservoirs and is an important recreational and biodiversity site with a Local Natural Conservation Site designation. It is also an open space protection area which forms part of the Green Network and the Core Path Plan and the Green Belt bordering Helensburgh. 4.2 The site is regularly used by people who walk the perimeter and also to access the adjoining paths to the fishing reservoir, the John Muir Way and others. Over time the pond has become silted and overgrown with 95% vegetation cover therefore very little open water. Invasive species have taken over some areas and the paths, furniture and fencing are in need of repair. 4.3 The Helensburgh Skating Pond Improvements project therefore aims to provide an improved ecological and recreation site that demonstrates environmental excellence and is easily managed and maintained. 4.4 Funding to undertake the current phase of investigations came from Scottish Government Nature Restoration Funds and were approved by P&R Committee in August. The Fund has four strategic themes: • Habitat restoration – management for enhancement and connectivity • Freshwater restoration, including hydrological change • Eradication of invasive non-native species impacting on nature; and • Coastal and marine management to promote restoration and resilience. 4.5 Following a tender process, Scott+Simmons were appointed to address the following objectives at the Skating Pond: I. To catalogue and understand the ecology of the site II. To understand community requirements for the site III. To identify solutions and costs for a larger area of water to be opened up IV. To consider a sustainable future that includes environmentally sensitive management and maintenance that fits with budget V. To consider suitable access at the site including the path surrounding the pond and car parking VI. To consider environmental interpretation and learning opportunities VII. To provide costed options for the improvements, management and maintenance (preliminary estimates or detailed estimates?) VIII. To provide a technical brief for the preferred option to input into the tender process
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Current Position 4.6 Scott+Simmons have delivered objectives I-VII and identified a number of options for the regeneration of the Skating Pond site. They will now begin preparation of a technical brief for tender purposes to be issued when sufficient funds are available. Further investigations and design works will be required as part of this. Key findings are listed below. 4.7 Community Consultation: To understand community requirements for the site a community consultation and engagement exercise took place in spring/summer 2025. This included a questionnaire, an in-person day on site, and also an artist session with both John Logie Baird and Colgrain Primary Schools (140 pupils) and the young carers group. The consultation resulted in 440 responses with the majority of respondents requesting improvements to the pond and to know more about the wildlife and history of the site. The majority of respondents are aged 65+ and 11% have mobility issues. Most people visit the site weekly in the afternoon and arrive by car, closely followed by monthly visits and on average 75 people visit the site each day. This level of use demonstrates the importance of the site for recreation, requirement for appropriate access and a desire for learning about the site. 4.8 Ecology Reports: To understand the ecology of the site a number of studies were undertaken including invertebrates, Protected Species, Scottish Biodiversity List priority species and habitat. The key findings of the Ecology Reports are that if left unchecked the willow scrub will eventually cover the whole of the Skating Pond leading to a less diverse system however, too much removal of pond vegetation will lead to less biodiversity. There is no ’right’ amount of vegetation, however too little is undesirable. Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) include the Crassula helmsii in the pond which requires specialist removal and draw down of water, and the Rhododendron ponticum which should be controlled and managed to prevent regrowth. A total of 31 bird species were recorded with 19 breeding species. Just under half of those as species of conservation concern. Sightings of frog tadpoles and a palmate newt were noted. At least three species of bat were recorded foraging in high numbers and two trees with bat Potential Roosting Features (PRFs) were located at the pond edge. Suitable habitat is present on site for hedgehogs and amphibians and will therefore likely be present. Any vegetation work must be carefully carried out to ensure no impact to nesting or hibernating species. No evidence of otter, badger, water vole, or red squirrel were recorded. The main biodiversity consideration for the council are the aquatic invertebrates which must be sensitively managed and appropriate mitigation measures implemented to ensure minimal impact. 4.9 Drainage Assessment: To understand how the pond functions a drainage assessment was undertaken. The key findings were that the pond has reduced in levels from 1.5m to between 200-400mm and may be fed only by rainfall and a small catchment area comprising of the field above the pond rather than an
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inlet. Local model boating enthusiasts were consulted and a level of 1.2m is necessary for boating. The requirement was therefore to consider how to increase the water levels and three options were presented namely 1) raising the exiting outfall spill, 2) reprofiling the wider catchment and 3) formalising a spillway from the Milligs Burn. 4.10 Conditions Report: This considered the surfaces, edges, structures and furniture, water, boundaries and fencing, planting, entrances and car park. Overall the condition of all these elements have degraded over time and require repair, replacement and/or redesign with the timber decking requiring most urgent attention. The paths at both ends linking to Reservoir Two (Fishing Reservoir) have historic kissing gates which are a barrier to access, and also upon exit at the north corner nearest to Reservoir One there is a collapsed bridge. Although this is not within the Skating Pond itself it is worth noting that replacement of this might be a project for partners to consider. The far corner near the road is used as a desire line for those walking the John Muir Way to avoid local road traffic and this requires to be formalised. Issues have been highlighted related to speeding traffic and zebra controlled traffic calming measures are proposed for consideration by Roads and Infrastructure Services. 4.11 Interpretation: Currently there is no information on ecology or history at the site nor signposting to other paths/routes. This could be undertaken in a creative way that includes both interpretation panels, functional elements such as interpretation/identity of the site on gates and a wildlife hide or dipping pond structure. Proposal/Preferred Option 4.12 All of the above reports have fed into a range of options which will be the subject of a presentation on the day of the Area Committee and are summarised in the next paragraph. 4.13 The options are a) Do Nothing – results in the pond turning into birch wood over time thus loosing biodiversity, b) Mosaic – high ecological benefit, more costly to manage and lower quality nature site for visitors, c) Open Water – lowest ecological benefit and d) Hybrid – provides both ecological benefits and a quality nature site for visitors. 4.14 The preferred option is considered to be the Hybrid scheme as this provides the best compromise of ecological and recreational benefits. Cost Estimates 4.15 A range of works have been considered as part of the options and these include the following: i. Drainage ii. Pond – silt removal iii. Removal of invasive species iv. Planting
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v. Roads, paths, pavings and surfacings vi. Fencing, railings and gates vii. External features incl. benches, picnic tables and improvements to boardwalks, signage and interpretation 4.16 The estimated capital costs are circa £1m. This include prelims, contingency, design development, additional surveys, statutory approvals and project management. Officers continue to seek external funding to progress this project and Members will be updated when further funding is secured. 4.17 The estimated capital costs include works to improve access at the far corner of the Skating Pond which is not in council ownership. It may be that this could be funded in later years, delivered in-kind or excluded from scope as although important for access, would require permissions and consideration of liability. 4.18 Maintenance costs for the Skating Pond are currently circa £5k per annum for grass cutting and edging, and there are no figures available for pond or tree maintenance which are required but are not cyclical. It is anticipated that there will be a need for circa £4kpa for pond maintenance in addition to grounds maintenance costs. Any pond works will require a commitment to a sustainable Management and Maintenance Plan that ensures resources are available to maintain any investment. 4.19 Officers were aware that the costs would be high and have succeeded in securing £75k of funding at this stage. It is anticipated that funding for the Skating Pond improvements could be accessed from both the Nature Restoration Fund and alternative external funds such as Crown Estates and Active Travel programmes subject to suitability (the criteria of funding needs to match the works undertaken) and the availability of funds. This is dependent on Scottish Government allocation of funding, and also allocation of funds to a level that would allow for consideration of the Skating Pond as one of a number of projects going forward to P&R Committee each August for approval. Given the amounts required it is proposed that the project is delivered in phases, depending on the funding allocated in each year and any changes to costs within tender returns. Table One – Example Funding Plan outlines how this may be achieved. 4.19 It should be noted that the costs set out in this report are estimates and may rise or fall when a full tender exercise is undertaken. Some of the works could also potentially be delivered in house subject to resources. In addition, exploratory talks with MoD to consider volunteering and in-kind contributions to the Skating Pond are underway and this may off-set some of the costs.
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Table One – Example Funding Plan 5.0 CONCLUSION 5.1 The Helensburgh Skating Pond is a well used local nature reserve, leisure and recreation site, and an area for action in the LDP however is in need of extensive restoration. External funding has enabled detailed assessments of the site to provide a range of options which will improve ecology, leisure and recreation whilst being appropriate to manage and maintain. Of the options presented, the Hybrid Option is considered to provide the most balanced way forward for ecology and community aspirations. 5.2 The preferred option will cost circa £1m to deliver in full with associated maintenance costs of c£9k per annum of which £5k is currently budgeted. Members are asked to note that funding has not been identified to deliver this project in full. Funding of £75k has been allocated to date via the Nature Restoration Fund and officers will continue to explore external funding opportunities for this project. 6.0 IMPLICATIONS 6.1 Policy: Open Space Protection, LDP2 Area for Action, Local Nature Reserve, Green Network, Core Path. 6.2 Financial: OPEX circa £4kpa. Capital costs will be requested from Nature Restoration Fund and others such as Active Travel and Crown Estates funding. 6.3 Legal: Discussions required with Scottish Water for pond works. 6.4 HR: Delivered within current staff compliment and potentially lead design consultant. 6.5 Customer Service: Improves access for customers. Source 25/26 26/27 27/28 Total Nature Restoration Fund (NRF) £75,000 £150,000 £150,000 £375,000 Crown Estate (CE) 0 £200,000 £250,000 £450,000 Active Travel (AT) 0 £27,700 0 £27,700 External Funding/In-kind (this is for the works required outside of council owned site) 0 0 £250,000 £250,000 Totals £75,000 £357,700 £650,000 £1,102,700
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6.6 Risk: Dependent on Scottish Government funding. 6.7 Climate Change: All options provide benefits for biodiversity to a greater of lesser degree and improved links with other paths supports active travel. 6.8 Fairer Scotland Duty 6.9 Equalities - protected characteristics: Improves access by improving paths should works take place. 6.10 Consumer Duty – n/a 6.11 Island Communities – n/a 6.12 Children’s Rights and Wellbeing – n/a Kirsty Flanagan, Executive Director with overall responsibility for Development and Economic Growth Councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess, Policy Lead for Business Development 29th October 2025 For further information contact: Fergus Murray, Head of Development and Economic Growth fergus.murray@argyll-bute.gov.uk Arlene Cullum, Snr Economic Development Officer Arlene.cullum@argyll-bute.gov.uk APPENDICES None