The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has invested more than £50m in Scotland's parks, it has been announced.

The news comes as the organisation made its 55th award, which went to Levengrove Park in West Dunbartonshire.

The park has received an initial support grant of £2.6m from HLF's Parks for People programme to restore the grounds and improve its amenities, as well as extend its social work activity by organising events and activities to bring more people into the public space.

Levengrove Park first opened in 1885. Originally part of the larger Levengrove House estate, its historic features include a medieval parish church, St Serf's, and an historic well. It is thought that as part of the investment, St Serf's Church and the historic well will be conserved, with the ornamental fountain being brought back into working order and the war memorial being repaired. New play, sports and cafe facilities will also be installed, while the original park entrances will be restored. In addition, there will be a specially designed play area, art and craft spaces plus a sensory room leading to a sensory garden for those with disabilities visiting the park.

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Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: "Levengrove Park is a place of sanctuary for many so we are delighted to be able to support its transformation it into a pleasant leafy green space for even more of the community to enjoy.

"We are particularly pleased as West Dunbartonshire is a priority area for HLF and we have been working with lots of local groups to make sure that they make the most of the Heritage Lottery grants available to them.

"I hope that today's news will not only encourage many more people through the gates of Levengrove Park but will also encourage other projects to come forward to benefit from Heritage Lottery investment."

Councillor Patrick McGlinchey, Convener of Infrastructure and Regeneration, added: "This is fantastic news for our area. I'm delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has recognised the significance of this park which is one of the oldest and most beautiful in our area.

"This funding will allow us to restore many of the Victorian features including the fountain, create a new pavilion and cafe and install new play equipment. We are making the park more accessible and are developing facilities, including a play area, specifically for our disabled residents. The work we have planned will enhance Levengrove and attract more visitors to this stunning setting."

(JP/IT)