Villagers are being invited along to view the outcomes of a series of design workshops carried out over the past few months.

Around 200 people attended the workshops, known as charrettes, which were organised by Scottish Canals (SC) and West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC).

However, earlier this month, we revealed Bowling and Milton Community Council had criticised the workshop progress, arguing the outcome wasn’t the “agreed vision” SC had first described.

However, SC reiterated its position that it had worked, and would continue to work with, the council and the local community.

A £1 million regeneration project is already underway in the village which has seen the disused railway arches transformed into retail and leisure units.

The basin’s revamped arches are already home to bike hire store Magic Cycles but units are still available to let, with everything from cafes, art studios and yoga classrooms showing interest.

John Gordon, owner of Magic Cycles, said: “We’ve been in Bowling for 18 years and ever since the canals reopened, the area has been getting busier and busier. More and more people are using the canal and its towpaths and I’ve seen a real positive change in the past year. The increase in the number of cyclists has been amazing and, obviously, that’s great news for us.

“The arches are a brilliant commercial space and I’m sure a wide range of businesses will jump at the chance to join us in them. We’ve worked closely with Scottish Canals and West Dunbartonshire Council throughout this project and it’s great to move into our new premises. It’s a very exciting time.” Chris Breslin, strategic planning and design manager at Scottish Canals, said: “Working with the local community and our partners at West Dunbartonshire Council, we’ve developed a number of ideas to help shape the future of the area.

“Looking at everything from the renovation of Bowling’s iconic railway arches into commercial units to the provision of family housing and outdoor recreation opportunities, the masterplan is a shared vision that aims to bring increased vibrancy and a brighter future to one of the most picturesque and promising villages on the Forth & Clyde Canal.

“Following the workshops, we are already moving forward with plans to refurbish the lower basin arches and the surrounding environment and have recently submitted planning applications for these improvements to West Dunbartonshire Council.

“Working together, I’m sure we can create a fantastic tourism and leisure destination fitting of Bowling’s status as the western gateway to the Forth & Clyde Canal.” The public consultation will be held between 2-8pm on Friday and between 10am-12pm on Saturday (August 30) at Bowling Village Hall.

Further details are available at www.BowlingBasin.com.

Anyone interested in taking on one of the arches is encouraged to get in touch with SC to discuss.