The current Helensburgh Amateur Athletics Club was established in 1983. This was at the time when the running bug was growing and the London Marathon was in its infancy. However the tradition of athletics in Helensburgh appears to date back to the 'twenties' when the Helensburgh Harriers existed. It is understood that the Harriers disbanded during World War 2 but the Club is endeavouring to discover more information on the history of the Harriers
The Club was setup by a handful of people, and initially used the old pavilion on Rhu Road Higher at the Ardencaple Sports ground, as its clubhouse. A number of more senior members still recollect tales of how they had to light the gas for the showers and other humorous stories.
During the late 80's HAAC continued to develop and the junior membership
expanded rapidly. The requirement for more space and additional
showers, etc. resulted in the Club acquiring an old School Hut that
was sited adjacent to the Helensburgh Cricket & Rugby Club and
was fitted out as the new clubhouse. It served the Club well during
the late 80's and early 90's and this was at time when we were at
our peak with commendable performances in various Scottish Track
& Field Leagues, a very active Road Running Group and some Juniors
successfully competing at National level.
By the mid 90's the Clubhouse had seen better days and, despite some renovation work, it was difficult to keep wind and watertight. Fortunately, resulting from a chance request for aid by John Turnbull one of the founder members of the Club, we were awarded a grant from the Foundation for the Sports and Arts towards the construction of a new Clubhouse. The new Clubhouse was eventually built on the site of the old tennis courts at Hermitage Academy with the help of grant aid from the Sports Lottery as well as the Foundation for the Sports and Arts grant. It was officially opened on 1st June 2000 by Tom McKean, former World Indoor 800m Champion, and named the TURNBULL PAVILION in honour John Turnbull for all the hard work and support he has given to the Club over the years.