A WEE COUNTY company has given its support to a Scottish skier ahead of an upcoming world championship.

Tillicoultry Quarries, a leading Scottish quarrying and construction materials company, have announced they will sponsor 2019 British Senior National Champion Owen Vinter as he builds towards the Europa Cup Tour and World Junior Skiing Championships in 2021.

Owen, 19, has an impressive sporting career history to date, and the Glasgow-born athlete is hoping for further sporting success as he looks to compete in the Europa Cup Tour in the coming season.

With a total of 10 athletes on the Europa Cup Alpine Ski Team for the 2020/21 season, the competition marks the start of Olympic qualification as they build towards the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in China.

Owen said: "The support from Tillicoultry Quarries has been amazing. I joined the Europa Cup team from an Academy level which has greater financial cost as we travel across the world to compete.

"It's an expensive sport but a hugely rewarding one - the sponsorship will really help me to make the most of this season.

"I'm excited to have been selected for the squad and I'm really looking forward to the start of competition, where I am looking to deliver some of my best ever performances and do myself, my team, my coaches and now Tillicoultry Quarries proud."

Wallace Menzies, Tillicoultry Quarries' managing director, added: "When Owen approached us for sponsorship, it was a very easy decision for us to make.

"As a family business, Tillicoultry Quarries prides itself on giving back to local people, businesses and communities. It's an important part of who we are as a business, as we know our successes are firmly rooted in the local communities which we work and live in.

"It's clear that Owen is a brilliant and committed athlete with a lot of talent. Tillicoultry Quarries is proud to support him in his sporting journey this season and in his development for the foreseeable future.

"We wish him the very best of luck in the Europa Cup and also at the World Junior Championships in 2021, which we know is a big focus for him.

"We'll be cheering him on every step of the way."