Scotland’s oldest ski resort is to be turned into a downhill mountain bike track to generate income in the close season.

The Glencoe ski centre has not had its financial troubles to seek in recent years but new owner Andy Meldrum has a master plan to convert it into a year-round attraction.

Glasgow businessman David Campbell acquired the centre in 2004 but put the business up for sale earlier in the year following citing poor snowfall and financial problems as the reason.

But Falkirk businessman Meldrum says he has been overwhelmed by local support.

He said: "We've only been in the door ten days or so but so far already we have had brilliant support from ski rescue, Glencoe ski club and the local community who have been turning up in their droves at weekends to help get the place back ship shape for the start of the ski season."

Andy has re-hired the staff who he believes are key to implementing his plans to make Glencoe famous for more than just skiing.

Mr Meldrum added: "A big part of the plan is based around downhill mountain biking which is growing very fast at the moment. We are planning to put in some extra trails, we are planning to hire some mountain bikes from the centre, we are also hoping to put an adventure playground in so that we can attract more young people to the area. "

There are also plans to bring in snow-making machines to combat the often unpredictable weather.