East Renfrewshire Council will invest £1.8m in a package of energy projects designed to lower running costs and reduce emissions across its estate.

The plan includes installing solar panels on three council buildings and replacing lighting with energy-efficient LEDs at six sites, delivering estimated annual savings of around £185,000.

Depending on the installation, the council expects a payback period of between five and ten years.

The works will be financed from the council's Investment in the Future Reserve, a £12.8m fund created using money available due to temporary reductions in employer contributions to the Strathclyde Pension Fund.

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Solar arrays are set for the Council's Barrhead Offices on Main Street, Eastwood High and St Ninian's High.

LED lighting upgrades have been approved for Eastwood High, Isobel Mair School, Eaglesham Primary, Braidbar Primary, Our Lady of the Missions Primary and Cross Arthurlie Primary.

Council Leader Owen O'Donnell said: "Council finances are extremely challenging, and we know that this will only get tougher in the years ahead. With rising energy costs an ongoing issue, investing wisely now will support reducing our costs in the future. These schemes will reduce our energy costs and represent a sensible spend to save investment. In addition to the ongoing cost savings, by investing in solar power and more efficient lighting, we're cutting carbon emissions, reducing energy use and creating more sustainable spaces for our staff, pupils and communities. These are practical changes that will make a real difference now and in the years ahead."

Work is due to start in 2027 and is expected to take 12 months to complete.