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An Olympic gold medalist was the surprise guest at a ‘Tennis Taster’ session in Shiskine.
Stephen McEwan from East Kilbride was holidaying on Arran with his family when he dropped by.
He was a member of the Great Britain tennis team at the Special Olympics in Shanghai last year and his success included a gold medal for the men’s singles and a bronze for the men’s doubles.
The ‘Tennis Taster’ on Saturday aimed to encourage more people to use the newly refurbished courts.
Organiser Sally Brookes was pleased with the turn out at Shiskine Tennis Club, which is affiliated with the golf course.
But she was equally delighted when Stephen dropped by.
She said: ‘At one point we had about 35 people playing so we must have had about 50 drop-in throughout the day.
‘It was a lovely surprise at one point for a tennis celebrity to drop in,’ said Sally.
‘He was a real hit with the children.
‘I think we’ve managed to recruit a few more players for our Friday night sessions which is great.
‘Everyone who helped to improve the courts deserves a big thank you as we now have a fantastic facility on our doorstep.’
Stephen said ‘The refurbished courts in Shiskine were excellent and a great asset for the Isle of Arran.’
Players ranging from six years old to 70 were shown how to play tennis during the day and were given balls and rackets to play with. For some it was the first time they had played the sport.
