A NEW co-working hub which supports the career development of military spouses is due to open in Helensburgh this spring.

The project is being set up by Nicky Watt, who had relocated to the town from Plymouth after her husband was assigned to HM Naval Base Clyde at Faslane, but has since moved back to England.

The centre, which will be sited in Churchill, - near the Drumfork Club, which will reopen this year as a community centre for families of serving Navy personnel - will offer shared office space for partners of servicemen and women to work and study.

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It will provide opportunities for members to establish professional networks, start their own businesses and gain extra skills and qualifications in the places where their spouses are assigned.

Nicky said that despite her departure, she is confident the facility will soon start to take shape.

She said: “There had been talk of establishing something like this in Helensburgh for quite a long time however I was the first to actually make it happen.

“These hubs are invaluable in creating not only a professional working space but also a group of individuals all working towards their own goals but facing similar challenges. Friendship, support and networking are what these hubs offer.”

The Helensburgh hub will be the first in the UK to be located in a naval stronghold and the idea has been welcomed by the community.

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West of Scotland MSP Maurice Corry said: “As a veteran myself, I support the hub due to open in Helensburgh this year. It will be a benefit for the servicemen and women and their partners to ease their transition home, while also benefitting the community.

“Co-working hubs like this connect veterans with employment and educational resources and I wish them the best.”

The hub will be run by the members themselves and the project has the backing of the Ministry of Defence, which provides the building and equipment.

A spokesman for the Navy said: “The Naval base has been working with Argyll and Bute Council and partner organisations to develop opportunities for service personnel and their families moving into the area.

“We are aware of the military co-working hub and have been exploring how we can support this initiative, including whether we can provide a venue and help with funding.”