Tuesday September 10th 2024
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson
Council Leader Councillor Kelly Parry stopped just long enough to cut the ribbon on Scotland’s first Alpine Coaster when she jumped onboard for a ride.
The coaster, at Midlothian Snowsports Centre, is the longest in the UK and can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour.
Cllr Parry said afterwards:
“It was thrilling – fantastic fun and a real adrenaline rush!
“I’m here today, not just to mark the opening and enjoy the ride, but also with many of the project team who helped make the Alpine Coaster possible. It’s a thank you to everyone’s hard work but also the chance for us to be willing ‘guinea pigs’ so staff can test out procedures around aspects such as getting people onboard safely in a set time frame.
“It’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it!”
The Alpine Coaster opens to the public on Saturday 14 September. Book online from 9am on Wednesday 11 September at www.midlothian.gov.uk/coaster
Tickets are £7 for one ride and £19 for a bundle of three rides.
The coaster is the final part of Phase I of the Destination Hillend project to build a year-round, family-orientated, multi-activity leisure attraction to improve and safeguard the future of Midlothian Snowsports Centre.
Phase I also included opening a new freestyle slope, building a new A702 junction, additional car parking and widening the access road to the centre to allow for public transport drop-offs.
Further details of Phase II are still to be finalised. However, draft plans include a new reception building, retail space and indoor activity space.
Cllr Parry said: “We want to turn the centre into a national tourist attraction, with visitor numbers for the Alpine Coaster alone expected to exceed 150,000 a year.
“We want it to bring local employment opportunities and direct income to the local economy while profits can be used to help pay for vital council services.
“However, we also need to be mindful of the public purse which is why we are updating our business case and making sure that all the improvements are affordable and realistic. We’ll be updating customers on our decisions just as soon as we can.
“In the meantime, come along and enjoy what’s already on offer – including the Alpine Coaster. It really is the ride of your life!”
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