Investors needed to save Scotland's oldest ski centre

THE company which runs Scotland's oldest ski centre has gone into liquidation in the wake of several poor winter seasons, it emerged last night.

However, there was hope that a buyer could be found for Glencoe Mountain Resort (GMR) and that the centre will remain open this year.

Formed by businessmen David Campbell and Neil Tait, the firm bought the White Corries ski centre in 2004.

But a combination of poor snow and a lack of year-round attractions led to the firm lodging a petition at Fort William Sheriff Court for liquidation.

Glasgow-based Invocas has been appointed provisional liquidator.

Colin Murdoch, of Invocas, said: "Our primary aim is to safeguard the business for its customers and the community. We have identified an interested party and discussions are at an advanced stage in order to conclude a sale as quickly as possible."

Mr Campbell added that he would do "everything I can to ensure" that skiing continues at the site.

Glencoe was Scotland's first commercial ski centre when it opened in 1956 but has struggled to maintain operations without summer attractions like the funicular railway at CairnGorm Mountain or the gondola at Nevis Range - its nearest ski rival some 35 miles away - which has also attracted major international mountain biking championships.

A source close to GMR last night said: "We need the public bodies to come together in terms of planning and investment to say that ski centres will follow the successful models at Nevis Range and CairnGorm. There has been lots of money put into the funicular at CairnGorm which is attracting visitors in the summer. To attract tourism you have to invest in tourism."

Charlotte Wright, the chief executive of the local enterprise company in Lochaber, said: "We have worked with the company over the last three years and we are disappointed to hear it has to be placed in liquidation."

Peter Weir, a former managing director of White Corries, said it would be a sad day for Glencoe if the centre shuts.

He added: "It has the best skiing in Scotland. But you have to have the summer activities to bring in income. You cannot exist just on winter trade."

Mr Campbell, who first took to the ski slopes of Glencoe as a ten-year-old more than three decades ago, returned as joint owner when he and Mr Tait bought the White Corries from the Glenshee Chairlift Company (GCC).

GCC, which also owned the ski resort at Glenshee, had to call in receivers with estimated debts of £1 million.

Following the collapse of GCC, the Glenshee ski centre was saved by a management buyout.

Mr Campbell, from Glasgow, previously worked as an investment fund manager and stockbroker, and with the Bank of Switzerland, while Mr Tait has worked in video retailing.

RESORTS PRAY FOR SNOW

LAST year was one of the worst ever for ski operators in Scotland.

The industry suffered through the fourth-mildest winter since accurate records began more than 90 years ago.

Based amid the relatively low mountains of Scotland compared to European and US resorts, operators have struggled with a decade of comparatively warm winters.

Some experts have blamed the problems on global warming.

However, early falls this year have raised hopes of good business on the slopes of all five of Scotland's ski resorts.