The area has already produced Alistair Stang and Scott McBain, but another skier is looking to follow in their snowprints.

He's Graham Dickson (12), a first year at Williamwood who recently took the gold medal in his age category at the Scottish championships in Edinburgh.

But the youngster, who only started skiing three years ago at Bellahouston, couldn't put his finger on why the southside was sending such successful sportsmen up the slope.

He told The Extra: "I know there have been a few good skiers from around here but I don't know why that is, maybe it's just coincidence.

"I've been skiing since I was nine and I really love going fast — and of course getting good results like in Edinburgh."

Graham described his win as "pretty close" to a second place, but added: "It didn't feel real — it was such a good feeling.

"I was quite nervous before the race, it is quite nerve-wracking but that disappears on the slopes and is replaced by the burn in your legs.

"That's an important part of skiing — your fitness. That's quite hard to keep up, but usually you can keep up with school work because you are taught when you are away and most of the races are at weekends anyway."

The former Carolside pupil met his idol Alain Baxter at the Scottish championships and Olympic success just like his is what Graham is hoping for.

"He was a really nice guy and I'd like to get to the Olympics too, and the World Cup in six or seven years. I'll need to fundraise though and get some sponsorship first."

East Ren's latest ski sensation next hits the slopes at the Irish Open next month.