THE Cove Park artists' centre has secured a share of £1.8 million being handed out to community arts projects across Scotland.

The centre has been awarded £39,485 from the National Lottery Community Fund's Young Start programme.

The money will be used to sustain and develop Cove Park's Community Arts Programme across Argyll and Bute, Inverclyde and West Dunbartonshire, which is aimed at young people aged between 8 and 18 years.

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The cash from the Young Start fund goes to 28 youth led groups which help young Scots to build their confidence and play an active part in realising their potential.

Maureen McGinn, chair of the National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Young Start helps ensure that Scotland’s next generation have the best chance by providing them with opportunities to develop their untapped talent and reach their potential.

"All of today’s successful projects are designed to engage and inspire young people to follow their dreams while building practical skills and confidence for the future."