Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities Keith Brown has opened a new Armed Forces Veterans Association centre in Dumbarton.

The new drop-in centre is located in formerly derelict premises in Dumbarton Central Station.

The site was reclaimed partly through funding from the Station Communities Regeneration Fund (SCRF), a scheme that funds small businesses and community enterprises to re-purpose empty station buildings.

The £84,000 investment was jointly funded through the SCRF, a legacy from the previous First ScotRail franchise and the Railway Heritage Trust.

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The drop-in centre will be fully staffed by a team of local volunteers who will work in partnership with Scotland's veterans organisations to provide support and access to health, education, housing and transport services for current and former service personnel.

Local construction professionals were employed to renovate the centre from an unused waiting room.

It now houses an information and advice point, social area and kitchen.

Cabinet Secretary Keith Brown said: "It is a real privilege to be asked to officiate at the opening of the Dumbarton Armed Forces Veterans Association drop in centre.

"The presence of this Centre in such a key location, together with the efforts of those who work here, stands as a testament to the respect and regard that this community, and Scotland, has for our current and our former Armed Forces personnel."

(LM)