Nevis Range in plea for outdoor enthusiasts to help it return to business
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Mountain bikers, skiers, snow boarders, hill walkers and climbers are being asked to help an outdoor activity centre get back up and running.
Volunteers are being sought for two events which will take place once lockdown restrictions are eased enough to allow them to take place.
Nevis Range near Fort William is asking people to sign up to join its bike trail maintenance day and a ‘clear the hill’ litter picking weekend on Aonach Mor.
The events are aimed at local people and the outdoor community who are keen to give something back and help to get the venue back on its feet and fully operational after lockdown.
The venue says it is facing the biggest challenge in its 30-year history after two tough winters.
Chris O’Brien, CEO of Nevis Range, said: “Following last year’s difficult winter and this year’s Covid-19 crisis, the company has run at a loss for two winter seasons.
“In the peak of winter there are 135 people employed at Nevis Range. We need to protect these jobs and we have to continue to attract people to Lochaber not just to enjoy what we have to offer but also to stay in Lochaber’s incredible hotels, book with fantastic mountain guides and hire mountain bikes from the excellent dedicated shops in Fort William.”
Nevis Range says dates will be publicised as soon as Scottish Government coronavirus restrictions are eased and it is safe for staff and local volunteers to work alongside each other.
More than 50 people have already signed up to the volunteer days, with others expressing interest in getting involved.
Mr O’Brien added: “We have been overwhelmed by the extremely positive reactions from the community to our volunteer days. We are incredibly fortunate to be part of an industry and community that stands together when things get tough.
“We take our responsibility as a top visitor attraction in the Outdoor Capital of the UK very seriously, and we badly want to be operational as quickly as possible, when it is safe, because we understand the role that we play in keeping a huge number of supporting companies and individuals in business.”
For more information about volunteering on the Nevis Range bike trail maintenance days and ‘clear the hill’ litter picking weekend, you can email Nevis Range marketing manager Michelle Osterhaus on michelle@nevisrange.co.uk
