THE FIRST publicly available mountain board track in Scotland has been created in Perth.

As part of the work to regenerate St Magdalene’s Hill on the outskirts of Perth, the hill community steering group, supported and advised by a local mountain board enthusiast, has developed the track.

A combination of aspects of snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing, it is one of the fastest growing sports in the country.

The mountain board track was the brainchild of Allan Gray, who lobbied fellow members of the community group for the track to be included in the development proposals.

Once some funding was in place, the community group commissioned Makin’ Trax to design and build the track.

It comprises a four-man race downhill course that includes a range of dips and embanked corners, finished with an armoured stone surface.

There is also a freestyle track that incorporates a multiple line jump park, table-top feature and grind rails.

A rough cross-country track has also been developed to encourage novice riders.

Once construction work was completed, the entire track area was sown with grass seed to reduce wear and tear.

“The track is even better than I initially thought it would be,” said Allan Gray.

“The positive messages on the websites all show how well the entire project has been received and I’m pleased that people from different places are visiting Perth to use the track.

“I think it might be possible in the future that our local group can organise some public displays and maybe even competitions with boarder teams from other areas.”

Bruce Reekie, chairman of the community steering group, has also welcomed the project.

“The mountain board track is the first part of the environmental enhancement of the area to be completed,” he said. “Once the other work is completed on St Magdalene’s Hill, there should be something for everyone to enjoy.”