A WATERSIDE park is to undergo a major restoration after receiving a £2.7 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Levengrove Park in Dumbarton is to be revamped after the successful bid by West Dunbartonshire Council to refurbish the greenspace that sits on a stretch of land where the River Leven meets the estuary of the River Clyde.

Plans include restoring and conserving the character and heritage of the park, which has been used as a recreation area for events since its opening in 1885.

The council said examples where the grant money could be spent include improved pathways, restoring the pavilion, upgrading the play area, improving signage, increasing ornamental planting, upgrading the lighting, renewing fencing, improving toilet facilities and increasing the range of recreational facilities.

The council said moves were under way for a Friends of Levengrove Park group made up of people who have a particular interest in the park and who would be able to commit some time to help with the ongoing development.

The fund has also given four churches in need of urgent repair £260,000.

The churches in North Lanarkshire, Dundee, Craiglockhart and Shetland will receive repair work to help provide better facilities and make them more suitable for wider community use.

Colin McLean, head of the Heritable Lottery Fund, Scotland, said: "Places of worship are among the UK's most historic buildings, with fascinating stories behind them. This money will pay for urgent repairs, while also helping to tell the stories of these special places to visitors."