Around £100,000 is to be spent on returning a famous Barrhead landmark to its former glory.

The famous bandstand in Cowan Park – which dates back more than 80 years – will undergo major improvement works in the coming months to bring it back into use.

They include the installation of solar lights and a new entrance to allow better access to the stage.

The bandstand, which has been closed to the public since 2021 due to safety concerns, is set to reopen by September.

It is currently fenced off due to its poor state of repair and prior to the closure had been seldom used in recent years.

The derelict bandstand refurb will be funded through the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme – a fund for capital projects which support community-led local economic development and regeneration.

The fund has previously supported other projects in East Renfrewshire, such as the Neilston Shop Front Improvement Scheme and new play equipment in Busby.

An East Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “The refurbishment will allow the local community to once again utilise this popular asset.

“It highlights our ongoing commitment to maintaining, improving, and upgrading our parks and public spaces across East Renfrewshire.”

The bandstand repair costs were previously questioned by a local councillor over whether they were best value for money.

The refurbishment proposals were first approved by East Renfrewshire Council last October but environment and housing convener Danny Devlin expressed concerns over the decision at the time.

Councillor Devlin, who represents Barrhead, Liboside and Uplawmoor, felt the money could be better spent in other areas of Cowan Park.

However, it is understood that his previous fears over the bandstand plans have now been addressed by council officials.

Six years ago, it was revealed that an air raid shelter had been built beneath it during the Second World War.

Local residents would head there to escape German bombers flying over the town.

Last week, a number of local residents posted their support for the bandstand proposals on social media.

Anne Irvine said: “It would have been a shame if it had been left to rot.”

While Alasdair Smith added: “Great if it’s used for musical events and bands or buskers.”