Local MSP Pam Gosal has welcomed “fantastic” news that the UK Government will invest £175,000 in East End Park in Dumbarton.

The synthetic Dumbarton football pitch  is one of 40 other grassroots sports projects in Scotland, which collectively have received nearly £11.37 million in funding.

The West Scotland MSP said: "This investment in grassroots football is fantastic news for local people.

"Upgrading this synthetic pitch will mean it’s in first-class condition for many years to come.

"Direct UK Government funding for vital community assets like football pitches is very welcome.

"I think this funding boost for East End Park in Dumbarton will help to encourage more young people to play sport."

The announcement follows the investment of £20million into Clydebank from the UK Levelling Up Fund.

Through the UK Government's £325 million programme, active since 2021, new facilities or improvements to close to 2,400 sites across the UK has been delivered.

The goal is to 120,000 more people active and has supported grassroots clubs nationwide, including those for women and girls.

Malcolm Offord, minister for Scotland, while announcing the funding at the Glasgow Girls and Women FC, said: “It was amazing to see the work done by the coaches, the SFA and the charity trustees at Glasgow Girls and Women FC. We are so proud to support facilities like these.

"The achievements of Scotland’s men’s and women’s football teams are in no small part down to the dedication of those at grassroots level.

"Providing high-quality facilities the length and breadth of Scotland that are accessible to all is vital.

“These 40 projects will nurture the talent of the future, encouraging everyone in the community to have fun, be active and embrace all the benefits that brings for physical and mental health.”

Stuart Andrew, UK Government sports minister, said sport and physical activity is important for mental health and wellbeing.

He added: "We know that one of the major barriers in getting active is access to high-quality sports facilities, which is why we are delivering 40 new projects in Scotland.

“The UK Government and Scottish FA have already delivered another 40 projects backed by £4 million to give local communities the high quality facilities they need.”