Resort 'major 'challenge'

AVIEMORE Highland Resort remains a "major challenge" for Macdonald Hotels, the group admitted yesterday.

The controversial proposals, which include improvements to the original resort, a new supermarket and 140 homes, have sparked political backbiting and criticism over Scotland's sluggish planning system.

A consortium involving Macdonald, HBOS and housebuilder Tulloch Homes is trying to push ahead with the plans.

It hopes to gain consent before the autumn, with work starting before the end of the year, but Macdonald yesterday said it faced challenges arising from the liquidity crisis and losses incurred during the "protracted" planning process.

The plans were originally opposed by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency on grounds of a flood risk, but the objections were later withdrawn.