The Scottish Housing Minister offically opened new workshops at Vale of Leven Industrial Estate this morning.

Margaret Burgess MSP, Minister for Housing and Welfare personally welcomed the first businesses to their new units at Levenside Business Court.

The £1.8million project to create 13 new workshops was jointly funded by West Dunbartonshire Council and the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant.

The workshops range in size from 750 to 1500 square feet and have been build on an undeveloped area of the estate.

Ms Burgess said: “I am delighted to be here today, and that we were able to provide £0.9m from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund towards the construction of these new units.

"It’s a terrific example of how this funding is supporting local businesses, helping to both sustain and create new jobs for local people.”

Councillor Patrick McGlinchey, convener of the council's Infrastructure and Regeneration Committee, also welcomed the businesses to their new home.

He said: “These workshops are an important part of the council’s ongoing commitment to improving Vale of Leven Industrial Estate by making it a destination for business, employment and recreation.

"We are committed to improving economic growth and employability throughout West Dunbartonshire and I’m delighted that the two businesses which are moving in today are already looking to expand their operation.”

Alexandria firm SD Garage Doors and facilities management company Romac FM, previously based in Broadmeadow Industrial Estate, have already taken up the new units.

Steven Day, owner of SD Garage Doors, said: “We’ve currently got five staff but by moving to these bigger premises it will hopefully give us the opportunity to offer an additional three full-time jobs.

"We have really outgrown the place we are in and it is ideal that we have been able to move to these new workshops so close to our current base. I think this move will really benefit our business as we try to attract new business.”

Ronald MacPhee, owner of Romac FM, said: “We are delighted to have moved into this new unit and for us it was an absolute no-brainer.

"A lot of our work is at Chivas Kilmalid, so to be so close to that is going to be a massive advantage for our business. Moving into a modern unit will also allow us to start thinking about expanding the company in the coming years.”

Companies or individuals interested in letting one of the new workshops should contact the Council’s Asset Management team on 01389 737 201.