Dave Thompson MSP

Highland Ski Centres to Benefit from £5.5 million Infrastructure Upgrade

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch is delighted to learn that ski centres in his constituency are set to benefit from an exciting infrastructure upgrade as part of a Scotland wide £5.5 million ski-centre upgrade being embarked upon by Highland and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Scottish Enterprise.

This is as part of the Scottish Government’s economic strategy across the region, providing 75% of the funding, with the remainder coming from the ski centres, which will be used to replace and improve chair lifts and upgrade tow lifts.

Commenting on this Mr Thompson said, “This is fantastic news for all the ski centres, and in particular, Nevis, Glencoe and Cairngorm range, which are all situated in my constituency of Skye, Lochaber and Badnoch.

What a great commitment to the Highland economy by the Scottish Government, safeguarding all-important jobs in the region and potentially creating even more, to what is such a valuable job creating winter industry, particularly as employment is scarce for many at this time of year.

Glencoe will benefit to the tune of £1.89 million, the money being used to replace existing chair lifts and this follows the upgrades that have already taken place on the Cairngorm ski-range, which combined will strengthen an already vibrant snow sports industry, supporting jobs and providing refinement to the fantastic ski options already available in the region”.

Nevis Range, which is run by Nevis Range Development Company, will now have a chance to enhance their already great ski services, by upgrading the gondola controls, improving the building which houses the top station, making bridge improvements, and assisting with the installation of lighting protection to those ski lifts which are routinely damaged by lightning strikes”.

Dave finished with,

“From the general tourist point of view it is good news too as it will enable the ski centres to run a more efficient service by reducing down time, which will ultimately improve the overall visitor experience on the respective range”.

Notes:

Nevis Range Development Company has owned and operated the ski centre on Aonach Mor since it was built 25 years ago. Over that time the company has grown the skiing infrastructure and developed mountain biking facilities to a world class standard. It provides the only mountain gondola system in the UK which is one of the Highlands busiest visitor attractions. As part of this project the gondola electronics and communications system will be modernised. Managing Director Marian Austin said: “It is exciting to embark on a series of improvements to the ski infrastructure. Much of it may not be visible to the public but it will enable a more efficient service and reduce downtime. In addition to upgrading the gondola controls and improving the building which houses the top station, the project will assist with the installation of lightning protection to those ski lifts which are regularly being damaged by lightning strikes. More obviously, a key ski run will be improved by a more robust bridge. The help from Highlands and Islands Enterprise will also free up resources to allow smaller projects to take place which otherwise would not have happened. These will enhance the skier experience.”

Cairngorm Mountain Ltd has already upgraded its infrastructure with support from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

HIE Communications

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About Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is an economic and community development agency delivering the Scottish Government’s economic strategy across a region which covers more than half of Scotland.