REPRESENTATIVES were last week given an insight into the work at Scottish Autism's Gartinny Nursery.

The Coalsnaughton facility, which provides activities in a real work setting for autistic adults, welcomed MSP Keith Brown and representatives from Social Enterprise Scotland, to provide a tour.

Visitors were shown around by Neil Clark, an autism practitioner with Scottish Autism who has worked at Gartinny for nearly three decades.

Gartinny Nursery aims to encourage supported individuals towards a more independent lifestyle and an improved quality of life and is open to the public every Saturday from 10am-4pm for the purchasing of plants and other items.

Dorry McLaughlin, CEO at Scottish Autism, said: "It was great to be able to show Keith Brown, our local MSP, and Social Enterprise Scotland, round our facilities at Gartinny Nursery.

“During the visit they had a chance to see some of the work our supported individuals do on site, and to learn more about how Gartinny helps to support them in living happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.

"Gartinny remains open to the public every Saturday, with a loyal customer base, and we are especially grateful to Keith and Social Enterprise Scotland for helping to highlight the service and the work that we do there."

In the run up to Christmas, Gartinny Nursery has been producing handmade wreaths and decorations for customers near and far.

MSP Keith Brown, representing Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, added: “I really enjoyed my visit to Gartinny Nursery.

“It was great to hear about how Scottish Autism supports adults with autism to take part in the day to day running of the nursery and how this improves their overall well-being.

"The nursery is currently gearing up for the festive season and I'd encourage local people to pop in when it's open to the public to see some of the fantastic wreaths and decorations that have been hand made by the supported individuals."