AN AGEING village hall given a new lease of life by a local food bank is set to open its doors to the public tonight after months of restoration.

The Napier Hall in Old Kilpatrick will host an Antonine Wall Consultation Evening on Tuesday in conjunction with West Dunbartonshire Council and Historic Environment Scotland.

The much-loved venue – built in and handed over to the village in 1958 – had fallen into disrepair but was taken over by good cause Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels (OKFP) who took on a 10-year lease.

And, after working away to bring the hall back to life for the last 14 weeks, OKFP founder Maureen Cummings admitted her joy and finally being able to open the doors again.

She said: “I am delighted to be ahead of schedule.

“It’s difficult to put into words just exactly what it means to be able to facilitate an important event like this only 14 weeks after taking possession of the hall.”

Tonight’s meeting is part of Historic Environment Scotland's bid to speak to members of the communities of the five local authorities that the Antonine Wall crosses.

Those attending the consultation session will be asked their views on the future management and contribution of one of Scotland’s most iconic heritage sites, focussing on the core themes of access, community engagement, tourism, and regeneration.

Initiatives will be suggested to improve access to the Wall for locals and communities, particularly groups who face barriers currently.

The Napier Hall is already taking bookings for events in 2024, with live music lined up in April and June alongside OKFP’s traditional nights such as Fish Supper Friday.

Maureen added: “We have a waiting list of groups, businesses and individuals interested in hiring one of our spaces when we open later in the year and we are excited to see what new services and activities we can attract to our village.”

For anyone looking to book the new-look hall, contact the admin team at okfp.napier@gmail.com.