The local MSP joined young residents in testing out virtual reality technology at a gaming and VR event.

Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, attended Bellsmyre Digital’s School Holidays Involve Nurture & Engage (SHINE) sessions as part of a range of Easter holiday events supported by West Dunbartonshire Council.

The gathering took place at Dumbarton’s Concord CE Centre.

Funding from the council's 2024 Easter SHINE fund, which supports free social activities and food clubs for school-aged kids during holidays, financed these sessions.

Local non-profit entities, interested in alleviating Easter holiday stress for families, were invited to apply for funding worth up to £2,000.

Apart from the VR and gaming workshops, Bellsmyre Digital also arranged for 3D printing sessions and drone events.

Ms Baillie went along to pick up some gaming tips.

She said: “I was delighted to go along to Bellsmyre Digital’s Easter SHINE sessions.

“West Dunbartonshire Council’s SHINE programme provides much-needed support for cash-strapped families during school breaks, so it was great to see what Bellsmyre Digital were doing as part of their sessions.

“The organisation already provides help to members of the community to get them digitally connected and assist them in developing the skills needed to progress in today’s world.”

The organisation provides digital support sessions, classes, clubs and certificated courses to the community.