Aberdeenshire's Lecht Ski Centre rescued from closure after 'dire' snow season

A ski centre hit by a lack of snow in a ‘dire’ season has been saved from closure after a crowdfunding appeal.

Aberdeenshire’s Lecht Ski Centre, which has been operating for nearly five decades since 1977, was at threat of closure following losses from the pandemic and a season in which there was a lack of snow.

An online fundraising campaign was launched earlier this year in a bid to secure its future with a target of £35,000 which it hoped to achieve by selling lift passes.

In the appeal, chairman Pieter du Pon said: “We’d like to be able to continue doing this for many years to come but we need to ask for your support to do this.

“We do not want to be forced to shut down the centre and so I would like to ask if you could help by just buying one lift pass, or more, as a donation, so we can continue into 2025. By purchasing just one more lift pass you will help secure the future of the Lecht.”

In an update posted on Tuesday, the centre said it had achieved its target after securing additional funding.

The statement read: “A heartfelt thank you to our amazing community for coming together with support, kind messages, and donations during our funding appeal.

“We are delighted to say that with the high community spirit, additional funding has now been achieved and therefore the funding appeal is closed.”