RESIDENTS have come together to celebrate the completion of a £1.3m facelift.

People in Govan joined in the celebrations of the Big Launch which marked the official opening of the new Harland Way walkway.

It was named by young people in tribute to the former Govan shipyard Harland and Wolff.

The improvement work has included 15 new sculptures on Riverside by artist Matt Baker, a new playpark and the launch of the Govan Fairway project celebrating the show people of the area.

The environmental improvement works were carried out by Glasgow Housing Association, Glasgow City Council and Ayrshire based Land Engineering.

The housing association's south area committee has also agreed to fund the refurbishment of the nearby Riverside Halls.

GHA chairman Gordon Sloan, said: "The Riverside really has been transformed and it was great to see so many people celebrating that.

"Govan has a fascinating and distinctive history and it has been great to see that sense of community pride.

"The art work really enhances the look of the whole area and complement the improvements we have carried out to homes. The Riverside has never looked better."

Local MSP and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon attended a family fun day to mark the end of work.

She said: "Govan is a fantastic place with a great history and the regeneration work carried out there has really transformed the area.

"The extra investment in the Riverside Halls shows GHA's commitment to Govan."

The sculptures by Matt Baker include recycled kerbs from the docks and an arts project has focused on the history of Govan, shipbuilding and the Clyde.

The artist said: "Govan is such a vibrant community and it has been a great experience working with the people of the Riverside.

"Govanites take a fierce pride in their culture and it has been a rare privilege to bring out some of the layers of this rich history."