A dry ski slope that’s giving school pupils and other groups across South Scotland the chance to experience a range of snow sports has been praised by local MSP Brian Whittle.
The centre began life as the local authority run Newmilns Ski Slope in 1975 but in 2001 a group of dedicated locals rescued the ailing facility and brought it back to life as the Newmilns Snow and Sports Complex with a commitment to create opportunities for everyone through snow sports. The group then secured £900,000 to upgrade the site, modernising the ski slope surfaces and installing a new ski lift.
Today, as well as being open to experienced skiers and snowboarders, the NSASC offers lessons for beginners as well as tubing to individuals, groups and parties. The site also plays host to a free mountain biking track. The group run the Complex as a social enterprise, investing all their profits back into the facility and subsidising visits from schools in areas of high deprivation.
During Brian’s visit he met with general manager Stevi Cambell along with some of the education groups visiting on that day from Symington in Ayrshire and The Playbarn in Lanark.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“The Snow and Sports Complex isn’t just great for Newmilns, it’s a fantastic asset for people across South Scotland.
Snow sports are growing in popularity, so having a facility like this on our doorstep where people can access these sports locally and at relatively little cost makes a big difference. I was delighted to see young people from Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire coming to the Complex and making the most of what it has to offer.
This is another one of Ayrshire’s hidden gems that we need to do more to promote. I’m grateful to Stevi and the others who took time out of their day to show me around and I’m looking forward to getting back there soon and hitting the slopes myself!”
