AN effort to rejuvenate an east end beauty spot has won a national award for 'most improved walking space' in the country.

Auchmountain Glen has been recognised by the Scottish Walking Awards.

A volunteer-led project has provided significant improvements for walkers, including new walkways at the glen off Kilmacolm Road.

Councillor Michael McCormick, who chairs the environment and regeneration committee and attends the Auchmountain group’s meetings, said: “I am over the moon that the group has been recognised for all the work they have been doing over the last seven years, in all seasons, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

"Auchmountain Glen is an example of what can be achieved when the community, local authority and most importantly hard-working volunteers work together with a common goal.”

"A number of people have contacted me in the last three months who said they didn't even know the glen was there.

"People have heard about it and have been up exploring the glen."

Cllr McCormick has been involved in bringing a series of improvements to fruition, including the erection of an archway and bridge repairs that open up the glen.

The archway was paid for through the council's participatory budget scheme,while the local authority also paid for a feasibility study and repairs to the bridge.

The next thing on the list is the removal of a burnt-out vehicle at the top of the glen.

Michael said: "It has been a pleasure for me personally to work with volunteers and I will continue to do so going forward.

Craig McLaren, chair of the National Walking Strategy Delivery Forum, said: “The range of projects nominated for the first Scottish Walking Awards shows that there is fantastic work happening all over Scotland, with community projects at the heart of a movement to get people walking.

“Projects like these are vital for keeping our communities active and connected and we were so pleased to see so many worthwhile nominations and winners.”

The Scottish Walking Awards are organised by Paths for All, Ramblers Scotland, and Living Streets, in conjunction with the National Walking Strategy Delivery Forum.