BARRHEAD teenagers have been getting their hands dirty as they embark on an environmental arts project.

Aimed at 16 to 19-year-olds who are currently out of work or education, the Creative Pathways initiative is teaching participants skills in landscaping, design, photography and art.

The 15-week course, which passes on advice about jobseeking and interview techniques, was set up to raise awareness of green issues among the town’s younger generation.

A similar project took place in Neilston last November, when youths transformed an unused plot of land into a community park.

And, earlier this year, youngsters enrolled on a Creative Pathways programme led by Impact Arts were responsible for painting a new mural at Barrhead’s Auchenback Resource Centre.

Nicola Wood, who co-ordinates the Creative Pathways project for community arts charity Impact Arts, believes the course is invaluable as it puts young people at the heart of community decisions.

She said: “Our environmental design programmes are all about making young people passionate about quality of life in their communities and finding interesting ways of doing this.

“Whatever level of experience they have with art or creativity, those taking part will get a lot out of this project while having fun, meeting new people and doing something a bit different.”

Those who are taking part in the Barrhead project stand to receive a SQA award on completion.

Kemi-Lyn, 17, who participated in the Creative Pathways project at ARC, said: “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done in my life.

“You work with the best people – you couldn’t meet better people.

“It was really good to be a part of something and do something for the community as well.”

The latest Creative Pathways course has been funded by Barrhead Housing Association, Inspiring Scotland and the Big Lottery Fund’s Our Bright Future programme.