Call for MPs to secure future of ski centre

MINISTERS are being urged to step in to help secure the future of the Hillend Ski Centre.

Following a meeting with campaigners yesterday, Scottish Green MSP Robin Harper has written to Scottish Ministers to request an urgent meeting and to propose that the Scottish Government provides match funding in the short term to keep the centre open.

Fears were raised last week that Midlothian Council would no longer be able to afford to maintain the centre, which operates at a loss of around 500,000 a year.

The centre is considered to be one of the best dry ski slopes in Britain and it is the second longest run in Europe.

The 'Stop Hillend Closure!' Facebook site now has more than 22,000 members, and the founders of the site are urging people to sign a petition on the Number 10 website.

Mr Harper said: "It's frankly embarrassing that we are having to fight to save one of our premier snow sport resources right in the middle of the Winter Olympics.

"This is not just a ski centre for Midlothian, it is a national asset, and it is only right that it receives national support."

Midlothian Council is currently reviewing the options for making the centre financially viable.