Ski centre thrown a lifeline

THE closure-threatened ski slope at Hillend is set for a lifeline worth up to £600,000 from Scotland's national sports agency.

The future of the Midlothian Snowsports Centre has been uncertain ever since it emerged it was running at a loss of more than 500,000 per year.

Bosses at the centre, which has Europe's longest artificial ski slope, are now looking at alternative ways to bring in revenue and hope to secure between 400,000 and 600,000 from SportScotland.

It is hoped the money, which is yet to be confirmed, could be used to improve facilities at the site in the hope of attracting more paying customers.

News of the imminent intervention came in a report to be discussed at a meeting on the future of the centre on Friday.

The national sports agency is said to be considering investment through its Facilities Development Programme, which would allow the council to continue running the facility.

It is hoped the money could be used to extend and broaden the lower slopes as well as install a travelator, which would allow children under the age of six to use the facility.

The council is also looking at installing a toboggan run, a move it hopes would generate an extra 250,000 annually for the ski centre. And it is looking at leasing out the facility's cafe, which lost 17,000 last year, to a private operator. Local authority bosses are unhappy that the council has been left to fund a centre which they believe is of national significance and has been used by dozens of Olympians.

Other options open to the council include selling or leasing the site or closing it completely.

Councillor Derek Milligan, leader of Midlothian Council, said: "The council cannot continue to subsidise this national facility. Alternatives must be considered and this will take place at the special council on Friday.

"As shown in the report, the main concerns regarding the future of the centre have been raised outwith Midlothian."

A spokesman for SportScotland said: "As part of our ongoing discussions with local authorities, we continue to work with Midlothian Council in relation to their situation with Midlothian Snowsports Centre.

"Following consideration of the report by Midlothian Council we will continue to work with them to look at ways, including the potential for capital investment, in which the centre can have a bright future."