Scotland's only indoor ski slope to be turned into electric go-kart track

Braehead Leisure Partnership have said the cost of repairs and energy bills forced the closure of the ski slope in 2022.

STV News

17th May 2024

Posted in

Renfrewshire

Scotland’s only indoor ski slope is to be turned into an electric go-kart track under new plans.

The ski slope at XSite, Braehead was closed in 2022 due to safety concerns and the rising cost of repairs and energy bills.

Proposals have been submitted by owners of the site, Braehead Leisure Partnership, to turn the ski slope area into an ekarting “attraction” with food and drink offering.

The owners have said the development of the site is “essential” for the future of the leisure centre and will also create new job.

In an application submitted to Renfrewshire Council, planners have outlined: “There have been several changes within the building since its inception.

“However, the ski slope has remained since the outset until its closure in 2022 due to safety, ongoing maintenance, and repair considerations as well as the sustainability of operating a real snow indoor ski slope which requires 5900kwh of energy to run every day which is unsustainable.

“The reuse of the vacant ski slope is essential for the future wellbeing of the XSite centre which requires the replacement of the former anchor use in the building to support the creation of new jobs and the long term
viability of the centre.

“There is huge investment required to convert the floorspace to allow the ekarting facility to become functional and this consent is required to enable the proposed use to function.”

The plans are due to go before Renfrewshire Council.