NEW CUSTOMISED SIT SKI OPENS DOORS FOR ADAPTIVE NORDIC SKIING IN SCOTLAND

A new customised sit ski, funded by Arnold Clark, has been unveiled, marking a major step forward for adaptive Nordic skiing in Scotland and creating new opportunities for athletes to access the sport for the very first time.

With a recognised lack of Nordic adaptive ski equipment across Scotland, access has long been a barrier for potential sit skiers. This new sit ski rig directly addresses that gap, offering safe, comfortable and efficient equipment that enables more people to try Nordic skiing and progress within the sport.

The sit ski was designed and built in collaboration with a local engineer, following a detailed development process. Adaptive equipment often involves significant trial and error or makeshift adjustments, but this rig stands out for its thoughtful design and user comfort from the outset. The result is a sit ski that is not only functional but also efficient and enjoyable to use.

On a day-to-day basis, the sit ski will be based at Lochgelly Cycle Park in Fife, where it will be used for learn-to-ski and training sessions in partnership with Fife Nordic Ski Club. This provides local sit skiers with regular, reliable access to rollerskiing opportunities close to home. Beyond Fife, the rig will also support development camps across Scotland, extending its impact nationally.

The availability of this sit ski now makes it possible to run local taster sessions using high-quality adaptive equipment. Sessions have already begun with a local wheelchair basketball club, enabling teammates to experience skiing together. As more sit skis are developed, the goal is to allow multiple athletes to train and participate at the same time, strengthening the social and sporting experience.

The sit ski was fully funded by the Arnold Clark Fund, whose support made the project possible. Crucially, this rig is the first of its kind produced by the engineer involved. With a completed design blueprint now in place, future sit skis can be manufactured more efficiently and at a lower cost, helping to build a sustainable pathway for expanding adaptive Nordic equipment in Scotland.

Looking ahead, the long-term aim is to see regular use of the sit ski through development sessions, ultimately supporting an athlete to compete using the rig at the Scottish Rollerski Championships in 2026. This purchase represents not just a single piece of equipment, but the beginning of a wider commitment to growing inclusive Nordic skiing opportunities across the country.