REFURBISHMENT works to a Biggar youth group's building is now underway and will help the site be more energy efficient.

The Old Auction Ring - home to the Biggar Youth Project - is well on its way to being more environmentally friendly and becoming a "top-notch" space for youngsters in the region.

While the Biggar Youth Project has had to curtail operations while the refurbishments take place, the group's board is looking forward to returning with a fresh space.

Janey Moxley, a member of the Biggar Youth Project board, said: "It is exciting to see this project becoming a reality after several years of planning.

"Although the building work means that we have had to curtail our operations somewhat for a few months, we feel that when the work is complete it will give young people in the Biggar area a really top-notch space of their own.

"Once the building work is completed we intend to expand our opening hours and range of activities."

As part of the building works, most of the interior of the Old Auction Ring has been removed.

Further works to be completed include improving the insulation, new windows, upgraded kitchen facilities, changes to the internal layout, and adding solar panels and an air source heat pump - allowing the building to operate on zero carbon.

The refurbishments have been funded through grants from a number of organisations, including:

  • South Lanarkshire Place Based Investment Programme
  • Clyde Wind Farm and SSE Renewables
  • Scottish Government's Let's Do Net Zero Community Buildings programme
  • Garfield Weston Foundation
  • National Lottery Awards for All
  • Ventient Glenkerie Community Fund
  • RBS Regenerate Fund

Ms Moxley added: "We are running Friday afternoon drop-in sessions at the Snooker and Social Club hall, and planning events to take Biggar Youth Project on the road to surrounding villages as well as running activities for young people moving from primary school to high school as well as activities for the summer holidays.

"We are enormously grateful to our all of grant funders for the support that they have provided"

Those interested in supporting the refurbishment project, or helping the work the Biggar Youth Project does in Biggar and the surrounding area can visit the group's website.