MEMBERS of the Clydebank Synchronised Swimming Club were a splash hit with Prince Charles last week at the opening of a restored open-air pool.

The eight-strong female team demonstrated a series of continuous duets and displays at the New Cumnock Pool, before speaking with the Royal after the ceremony.

The new-look pool, which is heated and designed in a lido style, was saved from demolition by a community run group before undergoing a major facelift completed this month.

The Duke of Rothesay unveiled a plaque at the opening in East Ayrshire and was joined by Rio double silver-medallist Duncan Scott and other onlookers such Sir Tom Hunter.

Elizabeth Bowman, who coaches the team, told the Post: “The event was very well attended and the team thoroughly enjoyed it, including the chat with Prince Charles. All of our members are aged between 14 and 21 and they were all really excited for it. It was a fabulous experience and swimming outdoors can be quite a challenge.

“We were taken to the town hall before the opening and then went to the pool where the team performed routines continuously for about 40 minutes before and after Prince Charles arrived.

“Local schoolchildren also came down and they all jumped in the pool at the end as part of the big splash along with Duncan Scott.”

The Clydebank team trains twice a week at Drumchapel Swimming Pool for synchro, and twice a week at Clydebank Leisure Centre for speed swimming, but it was the first time they had performed in an outdoor pool.

Eilish Douglas, 18, who took part in the display, began synchronised swimming a decade ago and has been a member of the Clydebank club for the past five years.

She said: “It was really fun. It was the first time we have been in an outdoor pool, so it was different and quite cold.

“Prince Charles spoke to us and watched us do one of the routines. We were all star struck and he was very friendly.

“We knew we were going to be doing a display, but we only knew Prince Charles was going to be there a couple of days before.

“We were very surprised and nervous when we found out, but excited. It was a fun day and very different for us.”