A SCOTS village is ­paving the way for a bright ­future.

Disused railway arches have been transformed into new retail and leisure units as part of a £1million makeover for Bowling, West Dunbartonshire.

The village is dubbed the western gateway to the Forth & Clyde Canal and the ongoing regeneration programme is being spearheaded by Scottish Canals and the local council. The aim is to transform the area into a vibrant tourism and leisure destination and is being backed by the Scottish Government which funded the arches project along with West Dunbartonshire Council.

The future blueprint for the Bowling Basin was finalised by the funding partners following extensive consultations with the community and a recent open day was held to allow residents and the local business sector to check out the arch units.

Estates boss Katie Hughes of Scottish Canals, said: "It's a very exciting time for the area. Over the coming months, we could see anything from a café to an art gallery taking up residence in the arches, bringing increased vibrancy to one of the most picturesque and storied villages on the Forth & Clyde Canal.

"The renovation of the iconic arches is just the first step in the transformation of Bowling. Working with the local community and West Dunbartonshire Council, we've developed a number of ideas to help shape the future of the area and we can't wait to explore them further as the project develops.

"Working together, I'm sure we can create a fantastic tourism and leisure destination fitting of Bowling's ­status as the western gateway to the Forth & Clyde Canal."

The council's regeneration convener Patrick McGlinchey added: "This project is helping to regenerate Bowling Basin so it has an exciting and sustainable future, and it is also a great example of partnership working between ourselves and Scottish Canals."

The new lease of life for Bowling comes after the village played a key role in the history of the River Clyde and the industrial heyday of Glasgow. It was a settlement in Roman times located near the Antonine Wall and was once a bustling tourism hotspot.

Its shipyard, harbour and entrance to the canal gave it a key role in the industrialisation of Scotland and has now been given major regeneration and development priority by council chiefs.

gordon.thomson@eveningtimes.co.uk