DELIGHTED project workers in Johnstone got a share of a massive £100,000 windfall, seized from criminals’ ill-gotten gains, back in 2008.
The cash was spent on community youth projects across Renfrewshire, with

Johnstone Castle Community Learning Centre benefitting to the tune of £15,283.

Club secretary Jan Walker said a decade ago: “We are all very pleased about this new money.

“It will pay for two staff members.

“Our staff funding is running out and this will pay for our youth leader and another worker for the next year.”

Hundreds of youngsters from the neighbourhood used the popular centre every week and the cash boost helped secure its future.

SNP MSP for the West of Scotland, Dr Bill Wilson, welcomed the investment by the Scottish Government.

He said at the time: “This announcement will benefit young people throughout Renfrewshire, ensuring facilities are available for them to take a full and active part in their community.”

The £100,000 award was spent on youth ventures across the authority area, with the money being made available through the Cashback for Communities scheme, which had seen over £32million being seized from criminals and issued to over 100 projects all over Scotland.

Other projects which benefitted from the programme included Paisley YMCA, Moorpark Youth Centre, Ferguslie Park Sports, Recreation and Leisure, GO COUNTRY, Loud ‘n’ Proud and Paisley & District Scout Council.