A Government fund which pumped almost £3 million into West Dunbartonshire has played a key role in creating new jobs.

That's the finding of an evaluation of the 'regeneration capital grant fund' which has been running since 2014.

Three projects in West Dunbartonshire received funding totalling £2,850,000.

Vale of Leven Industrial Estate was given £900,000, Maid of the Loch restoration received £950,000 and Clydebank Community Sports Hub was given £1 million.

A new report from the Scottish Government says the £138 million of funding across Scotland has the potential to create more than 7,000 jobs in the most disadvantaged communities.

An evaluation of the fund found that 110 regeneration projects have the potential to support over 400 community facilities and services, help more than 2,279 businesses or enterprises, refurbish 178 buildings, and create more than 113,959 square metres of business space.

At the Vale industrial estate, money from the fund and West Dunbartonshire Council paid for small and growing businesses to move into modern, purpose built accommodation.

The fund recognised that the Maid of the Loch restoration was a catalyst for economic regeneration and community development in the West Dunbartonshire Council area.

Meanwhile, the Clydebank Community Sports Hub project's aim was to redevelop an almost derelict site situated within Whitecrook into a modern, purpose-built community hub for use by all of the community.

Councillor Steven Heddle, environment and economy spokesperson at the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) said: “This fund continues to demonstrate the value of place-based, locally led regeneration to communities across Scotland.

"By placing community involvement and empowerment at the heart of regeneration policy, the fund aids local authorities in delivering positive social outcomes to Scotland’s most disadvantaged communities.

"With over £138 million awarded to 138 projects since 2014, I eagerly await further innovative projects and positive outcomes which will be delivered through future rounds of this fund.”