A HISTORIC East End school will be given a new lease of life thanks to a £1.8million funding boost.

The former Westmuir Street School, in Parkhead, is to be restored and turned into a community centre after being awarded cash from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.

The vacant B-listed building will be converted into an enterprise centre, which will include community space and a range of offices for local use.

According to a report submitted to the Scottish Government, it is hoped the conversion of the old school will "act as a catalyst" to attract business back to the centre of Parkhead.

Bosses at Glasgow City Council, which is leading the project, want it to create more local employment and increase footfall on the high street. They also want to see the public space bring the community together.

The project is one of 18 across the country to benefit from £14m of funding.

Housing and Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess made the announcement yesterday. She said: "Regenerating disadvantaged communities is a key priority for the Scottish Government, and I am delighted to join with Cosla in announcing this £14m investment in 18 projects under the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund.

"Not only will these projects help transform neighbourhoods and deliver real benefits to local communities, but they will also contribute to stimulating economic growth by supporting and creating jobs.

"This announcement brings the total number of projects to receive funding under RCGF to 40, and increases our overall joint investment to £50 million over a two-year period."

Other awards for the West of Scotland include £1.3m for a business hub in Kilmarnock, £397,308 to a Horticultural Training and Community Facility in Greenock, and £250,000 to a community sport, leisure and culture facility in Girvan.

Meanwhile, £625,000 will be awarded for the redevelopment of Rothesay Pavillion and £1.4m will go towards the Denny town centre regeneration project.