IT'S easy to see why Robert, Raymond and Andy love their new home.
With its light, airy, well-equipped rooms and tranquil garden, it is a world away from they formerly lived, an outdated 250-bed hostel.
All three men are in their 50s, and have been homeless for many years.
Each is fighting a long battle with alcohol.
Historically, vulnerable people like Raymond and Robert have been difficult to help.
But new housing projects such as this one - Fordneuk Street Continuing Drinkers Supported Accomodation Project in Bridgeton - mark a different approach by offering homeless people more than just a roof over their heads.
They offer hope: one-to-one support from staff, personalised care plans, nutritious food, health and training facilities, all in a warm, safe environment.
The Evening Times last met Robert and Raymond as they were preparing to leave James Duncan House in Bell Street, Carntyne, Glasgow's last all-male, council-run hostel.
The hostel was closing after 30 years as part of Glasgow City Council's £15million new strategy for tackling homelessness.
A large number of the men who used James Duncan House and other hostels had mental health problems or learning difficulties while many others were addicted to drink or drugs.
The facilities were basic and committed staff spoke of how it could be difficult to keep the place running smoothly because of problem residents, especially some of the younger men with drug and aggression problems.
Regardless of this, it had been home to Robert and Raymond for years, and they were worried about moving on.
But after just a couple of weeks at the £4.2m project, which is run by Lotetto Care, a community-based housing association and social care service, it's clear that they are already reaping the benefits of their new home.
The 42 men and women lucky enough to get a place at Fordneuk Street are being offered a brighter future and a standard of accommodation which would not look out of place in a hotel.
"I really love this place," smiles Raymond, 53, as he proudly shows us round. "I just can't believe how nice it is, and the atmosphere is really relaxing, no trouble at all.
"It's like a five-star hotel compared to the last place and I feel good about being here.
"It's a new start for me and the other boys.
"I'’s good because some of us know each other and we know some of the staff as well.
"Isn't it beautiful?”
The contrast between Raymond's last home and his new one is marked.
Gone are the drab corridors, cramped bedrooms and institutionalised canteen at James Duncan House, replaced at Fordneuk Street by relaxed communal spaces and bright bedrooms.
Raymond, once a master butcher who has been homeless on and off for more than 20 years, can't get over his new room.
It's got a flat-screen TV, kettle, big windows looking out on to the garden and something he's never had before - an en suite shower room.
His pal Robert is also settling in well.
The ex-soldier, aged 56, also has a lovely new bedroom.
"It's smashing here," he says as he takes advantage of the sun at one of the tables and chairs in the garden.
"I was worried about moving, but it's lovely, the food is good and the staff are great.
"I hope I can stay here forever."
Robert asks his key worker, Joe Green, if he can.
"Let’s just wait and see how you get on," answers Joe.
According to Joe, a care worker who moved with Robert and Raymond from James Duncan House, the aim is for Fordneuk Street to be a temporary home, where they can help equip residents with the skills and confidence to live more independent lives elsewhere.
He talks of the fully-equipped training kitchen, the treatment room, laundry, and the special care plans that aim to give the residents full support.
However he realises this may not be possible for all.
"After nine months here, we'll assess the residents and see how they are getting on.
"Some may be able to move on to other supported accommodation or even independent living.
"For others the transition will take much longer.
"But the most important thing about this place is that we have quality time to spend with the guys, face-to-face.
"That's what really matters.
"It's early days, but the best thing so far has been seeing how well the men from James Duncan House are doing.
"It's great to see them looking so happy.
"It's so different from where they came from, and they're doing brilliantly.
"One man who hadn't changed his clothes for five years did so off his own back a day after moving in - that's amazing progress."
Catherine Jamieson, head of the council's Homelessness Partnership, is also proud of how well the new residents are doing.
"I's taken us eight years to plan, fund and build this place," she says.
"And to see it open at last is just fantastic.
"Places like this give people back their dignity, privacy and self-respect, and improves every part of their well-being.
"This is the way forward for homeless services, and this project has been built to last."
Loretto Housing Association chief executive Simon Carr added: "Hopefully over time we can make a huge difference to the lives of all the residents."
The policy to close council-run hostels has been warmly welcomed by homeless groups such as Shelter.
However they say it's important that there is enough emergency accommodation.
Shelter Scotland director Archie Stoddart said: "We need to make sure there is enough temporary accommodation available at all times, so that people don't slip through the net.
"However, we acknowledge that Glasgow City Council is working hard to ensure this."
In the dining room, Andy, a resident just arrived from Ibrox, is strumming away on his guitar, singing Buddy Holly and Bob Dylan songs.
Andy, 54, is a human jukebox, and has an enthusiastic audience of residents and workers whenever he strikes up - which is often.
He's happy to talk about how his life is gradually turning around.
"I’ve been off the booze since October," he beams.
"I'm enjoying my life a lot more now.
"I'm getting help and the staff are brilliant - they look after us.
"Hopefully soon I'll get the chance to do a demo.
"Aye, life's definitely looking up."

According to Glasgow Homelessness Network, around 330 people sleep rough on the streets every night - that's 100 fewer than in 2003.
Last year more than 1300 people were referred to hostels in the city - 700 fewer than in 2003.
All Glasgow's council-run all-male hostels have now closed their doors - that's James Duncan House in Carntyne, Neil Robertson House in Bridgeton, Peter McCann House in Townhead. They provided 700 beds.
The city's only council-run all-female hostel, Inglefield House, is also due to close.
In total 610 places have been created in small, community-based projects including:
- seven small-scale projects with six to 10 beds for supported living
- specialist places for older people, those with alcohol problems and those with learning difficulties
- residential places for drug addicts
- a support project for people with alcohol-related brain damage