THERE was a sea of colour and sound as the annual Sikh new year procession wove its way through Glasgow.

Thousands across Scotland took part in the Sikh community's Vaisakhi festival with the city's celebrations ending at the new Gurdwara on the city's Albert Drive.

Organisers said around 3000 people took part in the procession, which began at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in the West End before weaving through the city centre to the new temple. Charandeep Singh, of the Glasgow Gurdwara, said: "This is the first year the procession reaches the Gurdwara, the procession has been happening since 1991.

"It's a very memorable and important occasion for the whole community."

This year is the first time the procession, which marks the Sikh new year, will make its way to the new Gurdwara on the city's Albert Drive.

The Guru Granth Sahib Gurdwara, Scotland's first purpose-built Sikh temple, was completed last year at a cost of £3.8million. Celebrations were held at the Gurdwara including Indian Dhol players, an outdoor choir, speeches and performances.

The Albert Drive Gurdwara was 10 years in the planning but is now one of the country's leading community projects.

Just a few months after opening it had attracted more than 30,000 visitors.

The centre also hosts 2500 people a week attending lessons in Punjabi, Sikh history and religion or English.