Levengrove’s new pavilion café and training suite was officially opened this week as part of a £4 million project to restore and revive the park.

The venue is being run as a social enterprise by West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Partnership’s (WDHSCP) Work Connect service.

It offers training places for some of West Dunbartonshire’s most vulnerable residents, including those with mental health issues, people in recovery from addictions and those with learning disabilities.

The enhanced training suite provides a range of different learning experiences as well as being available for community use.

On Thursday, invited guests and councillors gathered in Levengrove Park to officially mark the opening of the restored park and the launch of the two facilities.

Councillor Iain McLaren, convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, said: "I have watched the pavilion project progress with such interest and excitement.

"Today, I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the benefits it is not only bringing to residents who make use of the café, but to the people who are undergoing training in the café and learning suite and gaining vital skills which will last them a lifetime.

Councillor Marie McNair, vice convener of infrastructure regeneration and economic development, as well as vice chair of West Dunbartonshire’s Health and Social Partnership, added: “Work Connect does a hugely important job by giving some of West Dunbartonshire’s most vulnerable people a chance to move forward, learn practical employability skills and grow their confidence.

“West Dunbartonshire has one of the highest unemployment rates in Scotland, particularly among disadvantaged groups like those with long-term complex mental health issues, learning difficulties and people recovering from addiction.

"Giving them the tools to get themselves back into the workplace allows these marginalised groups to realise their full potential.”

The project was born in 2014, with a joint application by West Dunbartonshire Council and WDHSCP to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.

The bid was successful in gaining £2.8million of National Lottery money, which was added to council funding.