West Dunbartonshire Council has officially opened its new offices in Dumbarton town centre.

The former Dumbarton Academy site has been transformed into a modern and efficient town centre base that features a retained William Leiper-designed, A-listed façade.

The preserved façade was the result of a conservation project supported by Historic Environment Scotland to ensure this important part of Dumbarton’s heritage was preserved.

More than 500 staff relocated to the state-of-the-art building at 16 Church Street in May improving access to services for residents and also bringing an economic benefit to businesses in the town.

Council leader Jonathan McColl and deputy leader Caroline McAllister unveiled a plaque to commemorate the opening.

Cllr McColl said: “Just a few years ago, the old Academy façade was nothing more than derelict shell, propped up by timber and steel supports.

“The project to sympathetically restore this building while also creating modern office space has not only played a part in protecting a piece of Dumbarton’s heritage, it has given a huge economic boost to the local area.

“Since May, when our staff moved in and we opened our doors to the community, the difference in the town centre has been clearly visible."

The council said their new building would save them about £400,000 per year compared to maintaining the former Garshake office estate.

The council worked with Hub West Scotland on the new office, with Lendlease as the main contractor. Keppie Design were architects and Rybka were the service engineers.