COMMUNITIES are ­being offered the chance to travel back in time thanks to a ­creative project blending history, culture and the great outdoors.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £280,800 to the East Dunbartonshire Trails and Tales Programme.

The scheme aims to help people preserve the history through the arts.

Chairman of East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust, Scott Hill, said: "The funding award from the Heritage Lottery Fund is superb news - ­congratulations to everyone involved in the Trails and Tales programme.

"There are exciting plans to bring heritage to life in East Dunbartonshire - tapping into the diverse, ­colourful histories of our towns and villages. We want to give people the chance to explore and learn about their local heritage by working with artists and by also establishing an authority-wide Heritage and Arts Network of people."

Funding has been secured by East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture (EDLC) Trust, which has been working for more than a year on the project.

To be run over three years, the plan involves the towns and villages of Kirkintilloch, Bishopbriggs, Milngavie, Bearsden, Auchinairn, Torrance, Twechar, Baldernock, Bardowie, Lennoxtown, Milton of Campsie and Lenzie.

EDLC, in partnership with East Dunbartonshire Council, will give people the chance to explore local history, heritage and industry by working with artists through creative projects.

As well as uncovering and rediscovering old stories and tales, the aim is also to create a series of walking trails across the authority, as well as establishing an arts and heritage learning website for young people.

Colin McLean, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, added: "The Heritage Lottery Fund is thrilled to be able to support this ­exciting project.

"East Dunbartonshire has a rich social and industrial heritage, although many of its industries are now long gone.

"ELDC is to be congratulated on its commitment to making heritage more accessible and we wish them every success in rekindling a sense of community identity and pride around the towns and villages of the trail."

Further funding will now be sought for the project and preparation work will begin.

catriona.stewart@eveningtimes.co.uk