Links between a Lochwinnoch beauty spot and the centre of the village should be improved if Renfrewshire Council secures regeneration cash from the Scottish Government, a councillor has insisted.

The local authority has applied for money from the competitive Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (RCGF) for a variety of projects across the region including enhancing and extending facilities at Castle Semple.

There is no maximum amount of cash a council can win, but it is rare awards of more than £2million are handed out.

And if a boost of around £2m is secured, Andy Doig, who represents Lochwinnoch, has called for some funds to be put towards establishing better connections between businesses in the heart of the village and the popular loch’s visitor centre.

The Independent councillor said: “Back in 2012 when I was first elected, Castle Semple won an award of £400,000 from the National Lottery which was put to good use, but that was nearly a decade ago now.

“If the lockdown has done anything positive is has perhaps made us appreciate the great scenery and countryside Renfrewshire has and I think Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park showcases that.

“If we get the maximum bid of £2million to extend and upgrade the Castle Semple centre, one thing I think is important is to increase the links from the centre to the village itself so small, local businesses can also benefit from this work.

“Lochwinnoch has some fantastic shops and it would be great if they could be a part of this project if the funding is approved.”

Other initiatives which could receive support include Paisley Community Trust’s ambition to bring a cinema back into the town centre and the final phase of PACE’s ‘Exchange’ project, which will see the theatre group move into the old Mannequins nightclub in Old Sneddon Street.

Funding could also help to extend the Paisley to Renfrew cycle path into Gallowhill and develop land at Kirkpatrick Drive in Erskine for business units.

The RCGF looks to support regeneration projects which involve communities, help to tackle inequalities and deliver inclusive growth in deprived and disadvantaged areas.

All applications are subject to scrutiny by an independent panel that will make recommendations on the projects to be funded.

A final decision on awards will be made early next year.

A council spokesman said: “The scope of the Castle Semple project submitted to the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund was presented to the Leadership Board in June.

“Should our application be successful, and after the project is delivered, we expect that investment will be a catalyst for further benefits for the whole of Lochwinnoch.”