Lecht Ski Centre in Moray £270k upgrade
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The Lecht Ski Centre in Moray has embarked on a £270,000 project to update its machinery and become more environmentally friendly.
The centre, one of the main employers in the Tomintoul area, is aiming for a 23-tonne reduction in its carbon emissions over the next three years.
Half the cash has been secured from Highlands and Islands Enterprise which has supported the visitor attraction for the past 25 years.
Angie Smith, HIE’s head of business growth in Moray, said: "There are several benefits to this project. It will enhance the year-round visitor offering and improve customer experience.
"It will also reduce running costs, thereby improving the longer-term sustainability of the business.
"This, in turn, will help retain and create new vital employment in this part of rural Moray.
"The significant reduction in carbon emissions, meanwhile, will contribute to wider efforts in the transition to a net zero economy."
An item of equipment called a low-carbon piste groomer is amongst the items on the upgrade menu.
Annette Cockburn, the ski centre's general manager, said: "Updating motors, gearboxes and the installation of new panels into some of the lifts will make them much more efficient.
"The new Pister will be able to cover much larger areas reducing the workload of the other groomers. This will help significantly in reducing our carbon footprint."
Outside of the ski season, the centre's lifts are used by mountain bikers.
Its workforce comprises a core of 12 permanent staff plus additional part-time employees during the busier winter season. All are paid at least the real living wage of £12/hour.
