Ambitious plans to transform a Barrhead beauty spot have received a significant cash boost from the Scottish Government.

The funding, worth £812,000, from the Local Bridge Maintenance Fund, will go towards replacing an existing weak road bridge over Brock Burn next to Balgray Reservoir.

The work is part of the Aurs Road project, which will see two sections of the road realigned, a roundabout created and the installation of an Active Travel pedestrian and cycle route.

In addition, it is also planned that the area will be enhanced with a range of facilities and attractions across Dams to Darnley Country Park.

This could include a smaller visitor facility with café, toilets at strategic locations and play areas.

Council leader Tony Buchanan told the Barrhead News: “This is a significant funding boost to support our ambitious Aurs Road project.

“Due to the design of the existing bridge over Brock Burn it is not suitable for public transport, so securing the funding for this part of the project is crucial.

“Once the project is complete it will make Aurs Road a safer, more direct local route between Newton Mearns and Barrhead, with improved connections for walking and cycling, as well as enabling a bus route between the communities by replacing the weak bridge and realigning the road.

“We hope to be on site next year and I can’t wait to see work getting started.”

East Renfrewshire is one of 19 local authorities to benefit from a share in the £32million fund over this year and next.

Barrhead’s MSP Tom Arthur, who is also the Minister for Public Finance, said: “I am pleased that this funding will help rebuild or maintain key local bridges where alternatives routes are either not available at all or involve an unacceptable level of inconvenience if they have to close.

“For some communities bridges provide lifeline links to local needs and necessities, and when they close it can deeply inconvenience residents and disrupt local economies.”