Investment in retail shopfronts and buildings in Renfrewshire has surpassed £750,000.

The council's Retail Improvement Scheme (RIS) has awarded more than £755,000 to 106 projects since 2016, helping more than 205 local businesses improve their shopfronts.

The scheme has also helped six vacant premises reopen in the past three years, with two more currently advertised for lease.

Recent beneficiaries of the scheme include the Auld Atelier sewing school in Paisley town centre, the Flower Shop in Elderslie, and the Green Herbalist in Lochwinnoch.

(Image: Renfrewshire Council) Lisa Thom from the Auld Atelier said: "The Retail Improvement Scheme has made a huge difference to my business.

"It allowed me to replace the existing shop front, which was falling apart, to a standard which I would have struggled to achieve on my own.

"This scheme is vital for local businesses, ensuring that our retail spaces are attractive places for people to visit."

So far this year, 13 projects across Renfrewshire's towns and villages have been awarded funding, with a total of £130,000 set to be allocated to improve town centres across the area.

Councillor Andy Steel (Image: Renfrewshire Council)Councillor Andy Steel, convener of the economy and regeneration policy board in Renfrewshire Council, said: "This fund has been hugely popular with businesses across Renfrewshire and I’m delighted to see so many benefit from our investment – particularly those premises that were vacant and have now been able to reopen thanks to our support.

"Investing more than £750,000 since 2016 outlines our commitment to supporting local businesses and improving the look and feel of our town centres.

"I look forward to seeing the latest set of projects completed early next year as we continue to make Renfrewshire a place that people want to live, work, visit and invest in."