Pressure mounts to save Edinburgh's 'Plastic Fantastic' dry slope

Thousands of Edinburgh ski and snowboard-enthusiasts have united on Facebook to fight the closure of Hillend's artificial slope.

The Scotsman reported earlier this month that the potential closure of Scotland's largest artificial ski centre is the result of a £500,000 funding gap in Midlothian Council's budget.

The group,which attracted over 18,000 members in the space of a week, has drawn the attention of local politicians in its bid to save the slope affectionately named 'Plastic Fantastic'.

SNP Councillor Owen Thompson has urged the Labour-run Midlothian Council to listen to the views of the public.

Cllr Thompon said: “I think it's important that we take into consideration the views of as many people as possible before any final decision is taken on the centre.

“With the Winter Olympics getting underway it is the perfect time for people to demonstrate their support for the Ski Centre and to put forward their ideas to save it.”

Gig Kingsford, British university snow sport championship organiser for the Edinburgh ski club, said the closure would have major effects on Scotland's ability to compete in British championships.

Speaking to The Journal, Mr Kingsford said: “Closing Hillend could be massively detrimental to the British ski public and reduce the amount of competitions held in Scotland.

“The closure of the dry slope would mean that we'd lose one of the major training facilities in Scotland.”

Finlay Mickel and Alain Baxter, two former Scottish Winter Olympians, have also joined the campaign, emphasising the importance the centre had on their youth and their passion for the sport.

Mr Mickel, former British number one downhill skier, said: “We would be losing so much for Edinburgh and the Lothians.

“It is the place where all the kids get started, it is where I started as a two-year old and where I first got my love for the sport.”

Cllr Thompson stated that the final say should lie with local residents, saying:

“It is important that Midlothian, and indeed Scotland, continues to support sport and especially sport at a grass-roots level. I accept the difficult situation the Labour Council is in, however we need to engage with the people of Midlothian on this—it should be their decision.”