Winter can't come soon enough for Skye and Lochalsh Ski Club, which has just taken delivery of £3000 worth of ski equipment in a bid to improve its service to members.

Thanks to a 50 per cent grant from Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise (SALE), the club has bought 13 pairs of skis and ski poles and various other items of equipment, mainly for youngsters.  And the equipment has arrived just in time for their annual ski trips to the Nevis Range, the Lecht and the Cairngorms during the coming winter season.

The club was established in 1987 to promote skiing to all ages living in the Skye and Lochalsh area, and is run by a committee of four office bearers and seven other members.  They may not be situated near any snowy mountain ranges but the popular club has 80 members, many of who come to improve their skills and take advantage of clothing and equipment hire at a fraction of the cost of commercial hire.  The club also provides free helmets and clothing to children.

The club is funded through membership subscriptions and local fundraising and has been able to contribute towards the cost of the new purchases.

Dr Julian Toms, the club's chair, commented: "It is important to have good quality equipment available for hire and we couldn't have funded this without help from SALE.  With more equipment available than before we look forward to welcoming new members."

Jennifer Robertson from SALE was pleased to offer support for this project:  "Promoting youth activity is one of our main priorities to help strengthen communities and I hope the club is successful in recruiting additional youth members.  I have no doubt that they will enjoy the use of this new equipment for many seasons to come."