A new training academy for young people has officially opened, East Renfrewshire Council has announced.

The £500,000 facility – The Young Enterprise Scotland Academy – is located at Rouken Glen Park and is run by Young Enterprise Scotland on behalf of the local authority.

It is understood some £400,000 will be invested by the council over the next four years in the venture which will deliver a wide range of training through vocational and modern apprenticeship programmes and help young people into sustainable employment. There will also be volunteering opportunities and work experience.

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The official opening of the facility included a tour of the five new training and classroom activities and workshops, and attending the ceremony, Convener for Infrastructure and Sustainable Growth, Councillor Tony Buchanan, said: "This is a very exciting new venture and the centre is an inspiring environment in which our young people can grow and develop.

"East Renfrewshire Council's investment of £400,000 over four years will help the Academy deliver its extensive range of activities that will enable our young people to access employment.

"It is a fantastic facility that has the potential to become a centre of best practice nationally and that will benefit not only our young people but the wider community.

"I look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength."

The Academy also works with other partners including Glasgow Clyde College, South Lanarkshire College, Grow Wild, Big Lottery, Mansell Homes and Skills Development Scotland.

(JP)