West Coast Paddlers in Lochwinnoch is among 18 sports projects that will benefit from a share of £1.5m funding.

The Sport Facilities Fund by sportscotland is helping to develop existing facilities or create a new home for sport and physical activity.

West Coast Paddlers will receive £13,626 to provide a secure storage space for boats and equipment and create a training and teaching space.

The Gazette: West Coast Paddlers will receive £13,626 to provide a secure storage space for boats and

West Coast Paddlers are a Scottish Canoe Association affiliated kayaking club.

Peter Benson, chair of West Coast Paddlers, said: “This facility will make a big difference to all West Coast Paddlers members by providing secure storage for club and member equipment.

"It will also allow the club to engage more with the community introducing others to the social and fitness benefits of kayaking.”

The Sports Facilities Fund prioritises projects that widen access to participation or allow people to progress further within their chosen sport by removing barriers, especially in rural areas or areas of deprivation, and for under-represented groups.

The Gazette: The aim is to develop existing facilities or create a new home for sport and physical activity

Forbes Dunlop, chief executive of sportscotland, said: "The aim of the Sports Facilities Fund is to support sustainable and inclusive projects with their ambitions of using sport and physical activity to enhance the lives of their local communities.

"This investment would not be possible without National Lottery players who continue to raise vital funding for sport across Scotland.

“The physical and mental health benefits of sport are well documented, but equally important is the ability to create a space where everyone is welcome to participate at their own level.

“Projects like this one in Lochwinnoch not only create opportunities for people to take part in sport and physical activity but can also provide a place for communities to come together.”