CREATIVE kids enjoyed decorating their own bird boxes as part of a free family event in Barrhead, writes Monica Gibson.

East Renfrewshire Council (ERC) is offering a series of free activities throughout the summer.

Mark Brand, part of the development planning team with ERC, attended Saturday’s workshop at the Barrhead Water Works, which he said marked a great start to the summer programme.

He added: “We work with the Culture and Leisure Trust who bought 50 bird boxes for the event.

“It started to rain but people still came along and the youngsters decorated the boxes with poster paints or glitter or whatever they wanted.

“This was the first event of the summer and we have den building, a woodland fairy day and other activities planned in the coming weeks, so there is lots on offer to keep the little ones entertained.”

Mark also hopes the fact the sessions run on a ‘drop-in’ basis means they are more accessible to families.

He said: “It can be difficult for parents to keep thinking up things to do during the holidays without spending a fortune and quite often plans can change.

“Most of the events run for two hours and there is also a bit of a nature theme. But really, the idea is to offer simple, outdoor activities that everyone can join in with and to encourage a wider range of people to visit the Water Works now that the site is established.”

The next event will take place on July 19 and is called Tenterhooks; call of nature.

For further information, visit barrheadwaterworks.co.uk/events