Ski centre to be given £500K makeover

Midlothian Snowsports Centre in Hillend, which is already said to have the longest and “most challenging” dry slope in Europe, will be kitted out with an additional 210-metre slope, as well as 80 metres of new nursery slope.

Plans also include new snowtubing runs and improvement work to existing nursery slopes which will be fitted with new matting.

Midlothian Council, which owns and runs the centre, said the developments are designed to improve the skiing experience for beginners as well as regular skiers and snowboarders.

The centre was threatened with closure last year, after the council said it could no longer afford to indefinitely fund it.

However, two injections of cash from sportscotland and the Scottish Government, announced in February this year, were accepted by the local authority.

Sportscotland, the national agency for sport in Scotland, offered £533,000 of funding, while the Scottish Government approved the release of £400,000 to support the use of the Hillend centre by children living in the Edinburgh and Lothians area.

Midlothian Council said the funding secured from sportscotland will be used for the snowsport centre’s revamp, which is expected to cost around £500,000.

It has discussed long-term plans for the centre, which could include a new hotel or accommodation complex.

Council planner Russell Imrie said: “This time last year the facility was looking tired but this investment will give the centre a considerable makeover.

“We also hope that the private sector will join us in looking at investment and business development opportunities to help make Midlothian Snowsports Centre as a national tourism gateway.”

Derek Milligan, leader of Midlothian Council, said: “We know there is huge enthusiasm out there for the centre and these improvements will offer something for everyone, whether it’s snowtubing, learning to ski on the new, safer nursery slopes or choosing a different slope from the top of the chair lift.

“We expect customers to be able to use the existing facilities and slopes as normal throughout the winter.

“We hope these exciting plans for this national facility will have a positive impact on snow sports for people across the country by helping to maximise the full potential of the site. However the long-term future of the centre relies on a commitment by the Scottish Government to provide ongoing national funding.”