The elderly Midlothian ski centre above Edinburgh is facing closure as the local council in the area struggles to fund the dry ski slope, which opened in 1965.



Originally known as Hillend, the slope is one of Europe’s largest and longest at more than 400m. It is one of the few artificial surface slopes to have its own chairlift. Many of the UK’s top skiers in the 1970s, 80s and 90s can trace their racing roots back to Hillend training and more recently the slope has hosted British snowboard championships and many University championships.



However, it is still predominantly a Dendix slope, although it does have a Snowflex jump run. It is reported to be making a £500,000 loss each year at present, which Midlothian council say is unsustainable.

Green Member of the Scottish Parliament Robin Harper wants the Scottish government to match council spending in the short term to help keep the centre open.

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