A Barrhead good cause is among the finalists to be celebrated at the third annual Scotland Loves Local Awards next month.

The event, hosted by STV weatherman Sean Batty, features people, businesses and community organisations who have been nominated by those who have seen and felt the positive impact of their efforts.

There are seven awards up for grabs and the town's Include Me 2 Club (IM2C) is one of three organisations shortlisted to pick up the Enterprising Communities accolade.

Barrhead News:

Paul McIlvenny, chairperson of IM2C, said: “We’re delighted to be shortlisted for our work in our local communities, transforming two disused and abandoned buildings into thriving community hubs, social enterprises and thriving spaces in Barrhead.

“Where our projects deliver services and impact to our members, families and wider communities.

"Developing strong partnerships and relationships with our local business improvement district, community groups, partners and local authority."

In Barrhead, the charity, which works tirelessly to create inclusive opportunities through clubs and events, has hubs at the James McGuire building and at Cowan Park. 

In February this year, it celebrated the opening of its new Ideas Academy in a freshly-kitted out space at the town's Crossmill Business Park.

The Ideas Academy is a three-in-one space that includes a training centre, storage for bicycles that have been donated and a general store for the charity’s growing collection of equipment and resources as it continues to expand.

Described as “a genuine incubator space to test, try and develop ideas into reality,” it also provides a base for projects and services which will “springboard from” the facility.

“It’s fantastic recognition for all the hard work, effort and time that goes into the development of our local communities, but mostly the impact directly on our members removing the barriers, hurdles and blockers to provide a safe and sustainable space for them at the hearts of their communities,” added Paul.

In their category, IM2C is up against the GALE Centre, which is a community café and gift shop in Gairloch, and The Furniture Project, a community reuse shop in Stranraer.

The awards are organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) as an extension of Scotland Loves Local, the drive for people to build stronger communities by choosing local and getting behind people and organisations in their area.

The achievements of all of those shortlisted will be celebrated at a ceremony to be held at The V&A Dundee on Tuesday, November 28.

STP interim chief officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “Our team never fails to be amazed by the dedication, determination and innovation which make our communities great - and are making them stronger for the future.

"Our shortlisted entries fly the flag for creativity, entrepreneurship, sustainability and so much more.

“I can’t wait to hear more about the difference they make. My thanks to our sponsors for making these awards possible.”