Paisley Abbey has submitted plans to Refrewshire Council for the £2m reconstruction of its fourth cloister, to house a visitor centre, café, gift shop and function space.

Architects Simpson & Brown have submitted the plans, received 28 February, and state the extension will complement the existing 12th-century abbey without copying what was there.

It is hoped the two-floor expansion- to be constructed of heavy masonry on the ground floor and timber on the first floor - will attract more visitors and secure the Abbey's financial future.

Reverend Alan Birss said: "We have a long tradition in the Abbey of welcoming pilgrims and visitors and of serving the parish and the community around the Abbey.

"Rebuilding the fourth cloister will greatly enhance our work in these areas and reaffirm for a new generation the Abbey's central place in the life of the whole community."