NEW community facilities have been launched in Milngavie – including public toilets, meeting space and a new information point for locals and visitors.

The Waypoint at Milngavie Youth Centre was officially opened on Thursday.

East Dunbartonshire Council previously allocated £60,000 in capital funding and £12,000 in revenue funding for a community management and empowerment programme at the centre.

The Waypoint – situated off Mugdock Road – includes an information point – with details of local attractions, facilities and popular routes such as the West Highland Way and Clyde Coastal Path; access to toilets – including male, female, disabled and baby-changing facilities from 7.30am-5pm; a new home for Milngavie in Bloom; and office facilities for community groups.

Gordon McCorkindale, Milngavie Youth Centre chairperson, said: "This is a wonderful day for the Youth Centre and Milngavie.

"It has taken longer than we anticipated – due to a number of logistical challenges – but the trustees are delighted that The Waypoint is now open. We are grateful for the support of the council and a number of organisations for their assistance."

In addition to reconfiguring and refurbishing the former youth centre toilets, the project included the installation of a building to the side – offering bookable office and meeting space, which will be of particular use to organisations requiring rooms for confidential meetings with clients.

The site at Mugdock Road is owned by the council, but leased to the youth centre on a long-term basis.

Joint council leader, councillor Andrew Polson, said: “I was pleased to be able to help officially open these important new facilities for the town centre.

"Not only does The Waypoint meet a long-standing demand for local toilet facilities, it supports a range of local groups and services – as well as catering for visitors and walkers embarking on the world-famous West Highland Way.

“I'm delighted that the council has been able to facilitate this development, which has been a great example of partnership working with community organisations to benefit the local area.

"I hope The Waypoint proves popular with local residents, shoppers and visitors."

Mr McCorkindale paid tribute to The Rotary Club of Allander (Bearsden and Milngavie) for its support.