Improvement works to refurbish tennis courts in Barrhead have been completed.

The six full-size courts are available for visitors to Cowan Park to use free-of-charge.

Three of the courts have been upgraded from red blaes to tarmac with new fencing and gates, and all six have been painted.

Julie Porter, chief operating officer at the LTA, added: “After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts in Barrhead’s Cowan Park are back open to the public, and in better shape than ever.

“Public tennis courts are such vital facilities for getting active and we want as many people as possible of all ages and abilities to pick up a racket and enjoy playing tennis.

"Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players for years to come.”

(Image: Newsquest)

A total of £124,000 of the funding came from the UK Government and LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) Tennis Foundation, with £5,000 also invested by East Renfrewshire Council (ERC).

Already underway at the improved courts is East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure Trust’s ‘Tennis For Free’ programme, which occurs every Saturday from 10am to12pm.

These sessions, run in partnership with Giffnock Tennis, Hockey and Squash Club, welcome children and adults of all ages and abilities.

They are completely free of charge and all equipment is provided.

Councillor Danny Devlin, ERC's environment convener, said: “I am delighted to see this project complete.

“This investment has been fantastic for Barrhead and the wider East Renfrewshire community.

“We’re committed to maintaining and upgrading our public facilities and these improvements in Cowan Park provide local residents and visitors with six top quality tennis courts.

“Playing sport and keeping active has a real positive impact on physical and mental health, so I look forward to seeing lots of people enjoy the newly improved courts.”

Sessions at the upgraded courts can be booked for free HERE.