PLANS to bring an international eco-friendly rallying competition to a former open cast coal mine near New Cumnock have been described as "a great example of environmental regeneration".
The Extreme E series will bring some of the world's top electric car rally drivers to Glenmuckloch, between New Cumnock and Kirkconnel, next month.
The series - which has teams backed by Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button - will hold its Hydro X Prix at Glenmuckloch on May 13 and 14
The former mine, just across the border into Dumfries and Galloway, is seen as an ideal 'green' location as it is being converted into a hydro power plant and wind farm.
The series, which is now in its third season, has already visited Greenland, Saudi Arabia and Senegal – but its organisers say Glenmuckloch is "probably the craziest location" it's ever visited.
The ship which carries the series' freight and vehicles around the world, MV St Helena, arrived on the Clyde earlier this month and is currently berthed at Fairlie, near Largs, where it will remain until after the event.
The Extreme E series will race at Glenmuckloch on May 13 and 14
South Scotland regional MSP Colin Smyth hailed the decision of the series' organisers to bring the event to a part of the country where many landscapes are being slowly returned to nature after the decline of heavy industries such as coal mining.
Mr Smyth said: “This is a great initiative and I’m really looking forward to joining the rally when it comes to Glenmuckloch.
"You really couldn’t get a more symbolic location for an electric vehicle rally.
"It’s a great example of environmental regeneration in practice and Glenmuckloch will also provide a pretty spectacular backdrop."
The off-road global rally series focuses on the promotion of electric vehicles and clean energy.
Schoolchildren from Kellholm Primary School with Catie Munnings (Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E) and Kevin Hansen (Veloce Racing) at Glenmuckloch
It is also gender equal with men and women competing against each other.
However, spectators are banned from the event so as to reduce the carbon footprint – with the action shown live on terrestrial TV instead.
The Scottish Labour MP added: “The south-west has an excellent reputation for hosting big rallies and I am sure this event will be no different and the fact it breaks down the gender divide is fantastic.
"I hope the local community give their full support and enjoy what will be a truly unique two days of the highest standard of rallying."
Prince William tested an Extreme E vehicle at the Knockhill racing circuit in Fife during a tour of Scotland in May 2021.
The Extreme E series will race at Glenmuckloch on May 13 and 14
Ali Russell from Extreme E said the event was like an off road version of Formula One but with zero emissions
She added: "Glenmuckloch is probably the craziest location we have ever gone.
"The drivers had looked at the course and think it will be really challenging."
Jenson Button, JBXE team owner, has welcomed the new venue, saying: "There is such a passion for motorsport in the UK, and it is great that the series is returning to its roots once again.
“Racing in Scotland will provide a totally new challenge for our team, but I am confident we will be able to kick-start our season there.”
Catie Munnings (Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E) and Kevin Hansen (Veloce Racing) pictured with Anna Fergusson, estate director of Buccleuch's Queensberry Estate, home of the former Glenmuckloch open cast coal mine near New Cumnock where the Extreme E
Anna Fergusson, director of Buccleuch's Queensberry Estate which owns Glenmuckloch, said the rally was a great opportunity to put the area on the map.
“Hosting Extreme E is a wonderful opportunity for Buccleuch and the local community," she said.
"Their commitment to the environment flows through everything they do, and using the sport to highlight local and international nature-based projects enables engagement on so many levels.
"For me, personally, recognising gender equality sends an incredibly positive message, which is important to recognise.”
All the action will be shown live on STV and ITV, over both days of the event.
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