21 December 2011 Last updated at 04:03 ET

Lochaber's Ice Factor buys SNO!zone in Glasgow

Ice Factor plans to invest significantly in the indoor ski slope at Braehead

Indoor climbing centre Ice Factor in Lochaber has taken over the SNO!zone at Xscape in Braehead, Glasgow.

The new owners said they planned to make significant investment into what is described as Britain's longest indoor ski slope.

Ice Factor at Kinlochleven has the world's largest indoor ice climbing wall.

Group managing director Jamie Smith said the centre was delighted to make an "important acquisition".

The Braehead facility initially cost £32m.

Mr Smith said: "Among our plans is the creation of an indoor ice climbing wall and the upgrading of the existing facilities, and to embed its position as the sixth ski resort in Scotland."

Ian Sykes, chairman of the Ice Factor Group, added: "Within the next few years it is our intention to open a new ice climbing centre in Inverness and plans are already in an advanced state for a similar facility at Burlington, Vermont, in the USA."