MSP calls for charity trust to help save skiing centre

A CHARITABLE trust should be set up to help run Midlothian Snowsports Centre, according to Lothians MSP Ian McKee.

Europe's longest artificial ski slope is facing the threat of closure after it emerged it was running at a loss of more than 500,000 per year.

Dr McKee met with sports minister Shona Robison, Midlothian Council leader Derek Milligan and Hillend chief executive Kenneth Lawrie to discuss potential solutions to save the ski centre.

He said: "What I've suggested is the establishment of a charitable trust, either to run Hillend completely or to work in partnership with Midlothian Council. I believe there is a great desire in Edinburgh to allow this to happen.

"It would be a vehicle for donations, both from individuals and families and from businesses.

"A long-term future for the viability of Hillend could be to develop the site with a hotel and holiday chalets. Then Hillend could be marketed as a holiday destination."