YOUNG people from the Wee County have secured a place in the finals of a dual slalom event following a qualifying event in Tillicoultry.

Children from across the central belt flocked to Firpark Ski Centre as it played host to the Scottish Schools Snowsports Association (SSSA) Dual Slalom event on September 29.

More than 130 pupils attended to compete in primary and secondary school categories, supporting them were some 70 including staff from schools, Clackmannanshire Council's Sport and Leisure staff, those working at Firpark as well as parents and spectators.

Organiser Sharon Crossan, senior instructor at Firpark Ski Centre, said on the day: “Many of the competitors today have either learnt to ski at Firpark as complete beginners and have gone on to develop their racing skills or come to Firpark with their schools to hone their skiing skills with our experienced and qualified ski instructors – this was a very proud day for me especially with some outstanding individual performances.“

The event went ahead under glorious blue skies and in the P1-P4 category Ardvreck School A took first place, followed by Newton PS.

There were some Clacks successes in the primary open category where Craigclowan A earned the top spot, followed by Kilgraston A and Tillicoultry PS A claiming the bronze.

In the S1-S3 age group Edinburgh Academy A came first, Dollar Academy A earned second, followed by Kilgraston A.

The podium in the secondary open was a complete Clacks affair with Dollar Academy Senior Team A taking the top spot, their B team taking second and Alva Academy Team C earning third.

Feedback from competitors was positive with many complementing a very well organised affair and a great quality slope along with excellent service from staff.

The primary objective of the SSSA is to ensure every pupil in Scotland has the opportunity to access inclusive, safe and fun schools snowsports events while being inspired and motivated to go on to engage further in regular snowsports activity through school, a local club or with their family.

Robbie Stewart, senior manager for sport and leisure in Clacks, added: “It is great to have so many young people travel to Clackmannanshire from across Scotland to compete in this event.

“Many congratulations to the winning schools who have qualified at Firpark for the final which will take place in Snowfactor, Glasgow later this year.

“A special congratulations to the teams from Alva Academy and Tillicoultry Primary who also qualified for the final.

“We are extremely lucky to have such a fantastic facility in Clackmannanshire which is not only a local asset but and asset to the snow sports community locally and from further afield.”