Picture courtesy Scottish Government; (c) Peter Jolly.

Sports Minister Shona Robison took to the slopes of CairnGorm Mountain today [Wed 5th Jan] to celebrate the best ever early start to the Scottish season. During her visit, Shona Robison announced that the previous bumper season last year is estimated to have contributed £38 million to Scotland’s economy, but that the new season is looking like it might surpass even that.

Shona Robison said: “This winter sports season has got off to a fantastic early start and is looking like it will be a record-breaking year. All five of Scotland’s ski centres have opened early this year and between them have recorded an outstanding 77,000 skier days since the end of November.

“Because of this and the extensive spin-off income in each of the ski-ing areas for accommodation, sport equipment shops, catering and outdoor clothing, this will give a big boost to the Scottish economy.”