A group of young people from West Dunbartonshire were showing off their certificates recently as they celebrated completing the first 'canal college' employability programme.

The programme aims to improve skills for young people aged between 16 and 30 wo are not in education, training or employment through working hands-on as part of projects centred around the Forth and Clyde Canal.

During canal college, the participants gain the chance at practical work experience and a wide range of heritage and environmental skills and awards.

The first group were recognised at a ceremony held at the Falkirk Wheel, where they also got the chance to show off some of the practical, cultural and natural skills learned through the course to an audience of family, friends and support workers.

Among the skills taught as part of the programme include stone carving, archaeological surveying and vegetation management, with successful completion of projects eventually leading to an SQA Level 2 qualification in Cultural Heritage.

Alan Forrester, programme manager for canal college Lowlands, added:

“We are delighted to celebrate with our first ever canal college students from West Dunbartonshire who have worked so hard to earn CV-boosting awards and certificates, including working towards a new SQA qualification in Cultural Heritage.

"We wish all of our young people the best of luck in the future and hope to welcome many more young people and volunteer mentors onto the programme over the coming years.”

The next 14-week programme starts in early September and recruitment is already underway, with interested applicants urged to contact Alan Forrester on 07768 951740 or Lesley Scullion on 07789 941266.