Huge new alpine coaster set for major Scots City as council issue warning

AN EPIC alpine coaster is set to open this summer but a Scots council has issued a warning as construction is under way.

The coaster will be the first in Scotland when it is expected to open in in Hillend, Midlothian.

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Plans will also see a multi-activity centre built in the area which will also feature a freestyle ski slope.

The new development is to help improve and safeguard the future of Midlothian Sports Centre.

Midlothian Council has now released images of the new coaster which will take thrill-seekers on a 600-metre journey.

The photos show the stunning views from the top, stretching right across the sea.

Workers are also still tending to the tracks as construction continues.

However, the council have warned against using drones to try and get a sneak peek of the new attraction.

Bosses say the use of drones have become a problem for those working on the track.

The warning came after a local YouTuber took their device to the skies to capture some footage of the construction process.

In a post on X, the council said: “Here are a couple of pictures of the new coaster ride at the snow sports centre.

“Please DO NOT take drone footage as recent attempts have become a potential hazard to customers & construction work.”

Alpine coasters are popular attractions in the mountainous areas of Europe.

Punters go along the tracks in a toboggan-like car at high speeds giving unreal views of the surrounding area.

Destination Hillend will see additional upgrades including a new junction at the A702, more car parking spaces and two-lane upgrades to the roads.

And there will be a new reception building for the Snow sports Centre due to open in Spring 2025.

A soft play and indoor climbing area are also expected in Spring 2025 and retail space is due in the Summer of 2025.

The new development is expected to boost employment with 150 new full-time jobs during construction and between 106 and 157 once the building is fully opened.

Destination Hillend is expected to increase tourism in the area from 139,000 to 485,000 per year.

More information on the project can be found here.