Glencore Mountain Limited (GML) said the HIE funding will help meet the costs of acquiring plant and equipment as part of wider plans to improve the attraction, enhance its year-round appeal, and reduce emissions.

The HIE funding will help meet the costs of acquiring plant and equipment as part of wider plans to improve the attraction, enhance its year-round appeal, and reduce emissions.

A new skidoo will enable more efficient checks, fencing, maintenance and rescue activities across the mountain’s full ski area, which now stretches to more than 30 hectares following the addition of the new Rannoch chairlift.

The skidoo itself is expected to operate around 20% more efficiently than other models, thereby helping to reduce the resort’s carbon footprint and further its net zero ambitions.

GML is also acquiring a new Rototilt digger that will enable work to be carried out on the hillside more quickly and efficiently, and with significantly less ground scarring. This will be used to expand the mountain bike trails, which are helping to expand the appeal of the centre beyond the winter season.

The £109,800 project is expected to improve the area’s tourism offering, boost company turnover and support the equivalent of around 1.5 full time jobs.

The Glencoe Mountain attraction has eight ski lifts, two cafes, accommodation cabins, camper van hookups and a camping area. The company has also developed mountain biking facilities in recent years to enhance the year-round offering. GML currently employs a team of 26 full-time and six part-time colleagues.

The company has been under its current ownership since 2009. Since then, it has invested continuously in the centre, with the support of HIE.

Elaine Jones, senior development manager with HIE’s Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross team, said: “We’ve been working with GML for several years now and supported the company’s investment in what is now a year-round attraction as well as an important ski centre.

“This latest project will make a welcome enhancement to the area’s wider visitor offering and support rural employment. It will also make a contribution to the region’s transition to net zero. I’m very pleased we have been able to provide support and look forward to continuing to work with GML as they implement their plans.”

Andy Meldrum, Glencoe Mountain managing director, said: “Glencoe Mountain Ltd are grateful for the continued help and support from HIE towards building a sustainable year-round resort. Covid and a couple of poor winters mean that cash flow has been even more challenging than normal, so HIE support has been absolutely vital. Glencoe Mountain Ltd look forward to working with HIE on further investment projects in the coming years.”