'We're back': Bearsden Snowsports Club reopens one year after being badly damaged in fire

A sports centre in East Dunbartonshire has announced its grand reopening one year after a fire left it badly damaged.

The catering space inside Bearsden Snowsports Club was shut down after a fire in July 2023 left the upper floors of the building unsafe.

The damage was caused after a bin on the upper floor caught fire and the blaze spread to the rest of the building.

On Thursday, the club announced that all of its facilities had been formally reopened with an improved function suite, bar and glazed panoramic viewing point where skiers of all ages can be observed skiing down both the club’s slopes.

John Watson OBE cut a ribbon to mark the opening of the Bearsden Snowsports Club. BEARSDEN SKI CLUB via Supplied

In a further development, the 60-year-old club received a “substantial” cash boost from renowned businessman and philanthropist John Watson OBE.

As a thank you the Club bestowed the rare accolade of Honorary Membership on Mr Watson.

John, a former President of the ski club, cut a ribbon to mark its full reopening.

He said: “I’m delighted that the Club is fully operational again after the fire. The improvements are remarkable and enhance the facilities enormously. Here’s to the next 60 years!”

Firefighters from the Scottish Fire and Rescue service were invited along to join the re-opening celebrations.

The new suite offers a glazed panoramic viewing point. BEARSDEN SKI CLUB via Facebook

Gordon Scott, general manager of the club, said: “The fire was a real blow but happily we were up and running with our sporting facilities within a week.

“But due to the damage to catering area it was not possible to reopen this aspect of our operation. But we’re back now fully operational with new, enhanced and stylish facilities of which we can all be very proud.

“We want to say big thank you to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service whose skill in tackling the blaze last year prevented a much worse outcome. We will be forever grateful for their heroic actions.”

Club president Billy McNeill added: “We are thrilled to be back operating at full strength for our members and the local community of which we are proud to be part.

“We will now redouble our efforts in encouraging the community to use our new enhanced facilities notably our function suite for events ranging from lunches to special occasions so we can share our facilities with a wider audience.

“We can’t thank John Watson enough. He has a long and proud association with the Club and his generosity is greatly appreciated by all members.”