SCOTLAND'S biggest Sikh temple has been unveiled in Glasgow after a community raised £4million to build it.

The Gurdwara, in the South Side's Albert Drive, is the result of months of hard work and years of planning.

The city's Sikh community is now rallying round to get it ready for a grand opening on Sunday, when the congre- gation will take part in a procession from the former site in nearby Nithsdale Road to the new building.

Situated next to the Tramway Theatre, the new temple's cost has been met by fundraising from within the Sikh community and donations from other faiths.

Gurdwara president Surinder Singh, 51, said: "The Gurdwara was a dream of ours and to see it now, almost complete, it is beyond my expectations.

"I have to commend all those involved in making it a reality."

The temple will be complete on Sunday with delivery of the Sikh holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib.

Five elders, known as Panj Piare, or "beloved ones," will lead a colourful procession which will transport the texts to the new temple.

Mr Singh, from Barrhead, Renfrewshire added: "At the moment this is just a building but the arrival of the holy scriptures and the congregation is what will make it a very special Gurdwara."

The president added that it is important that all feel welcome at the new temple.

He said: "Anybody can come here - as long as you do not bring in alcohol or cigarettes and you take off your shoes and cover your head.

"There is no race or gender discrimination, this is an integral part of Sikh religion."

The Gurdwara started off in a flat in the city's South Portland Street in the 1950s before moving to Nithsdale Road around 10 years later.

But the congregation outgrew the premises and the management committee decided to build a temple.

The foundations were laid in 2010 and building work, by Scottish firms CRGP and CBC, began in 2012.

The Gurdwara includes a volunteer-run kitchen and Langar Hall, where free food will be served.

The main area of worship, known as the Darbar Sahib Hall, is on the first floor and has space for 900 people.

There are also rooms for educational workshops.

Also newly unveiled is a painting of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, by Glasgow artist Jaz Sandhu.

Mr Sandhu, 51, who lives in the West End, worked 18 hours a day for four weeks to complete the painting for the foyer of the new temple.

linzi.watson@eveningtimes.co.uk