Scotland’s first alpine coaster ride opens in Midlothian

Scotland’s first alpine coaster has opened at Midlothian Snowsports Centre.

It is the longest in the UK at 980m (3,215ft), can reach up to 28mph (45kmph) and has a vertical drop of 170m (558ft).

Riders will be able to control the speed as they travel along downhill loops to the car park below.

Midlothian Council leader Kelly Parry who has been on the ride said: “It was thrilling – fantastic fun and a real adrenaline rush.”

The coaster is the final part of phase one of the Destination Hillend project to build a year-round attraction to improve and safeguard the future of Midlothian Snowsports Centre on the edge of Edinburgh.

Phase one also included opening a new freestyle slope, building a new A702 junction, additional car parking and widening the access road to the centre for public transport drop-offs.

Plans for phase two include a new reception building, retail space and indoor activity centre.

Ms Parry said the Alpine Coaster was “the ride of your life”.

“We want to turn the centre into a national tourist attraction, with visitor numbers for the Alpine Coaster alone expected to exceed 150,000 a year,” she said.

“We want it to bring local employment opportunities and direct income to the local economy while profits can be used to help pay for vital council services.

“However, we also need to be mindful of the public purse which is why we are updating our business case and making sure that all the improvements are affordable and realistic.”

Tickets are £7 for one ride and £19 for a bundle of three rides and are booked online.