THREE restaurants in East Renfrewshire are hoping to taste success at the Scottish Italian Awards.

The annual ceremony is a celebration of all things Italian, with a Scottish twist.

There are a range of categories, with the competition open to all Italian restaurants in Scotland and finalists selected through a public vote.

More than 50,000 votes have been cast in this year’s contest.

And among the businesses going for glory is Nonna Gina’s, in Newton Mearns, which has been nominated for three awards.

It is a finalist for the titles of Cuoco (Chef) of the Year, Best Barista and Best Pasta.

Dimora, also in Newton Mearns, is up for the Best Newcomer gong, while Giffnock-based business Mario’s is a finalist in the Best Fish & Chips category.

The winners will be decided by an independent panel of judges and announced at a gala dinner in Glasgow next month.