The receivers of Glencoe and Glenshee ski areas have reported that a preferred bidder looks likely to take over Glencoe ski area, Scotland's original ski centre.

The probable new owners, Glencoe Mountain Resort Ltd, will save two full time jobs and several seasonal positions.

Blair Nimmo, the joint receiver from KPMG, said: "We are confident that the sale will complete over the next few days."

After the previous owners announced Glencoe would not open last season, a group of volunteers opened it on the few snowy weekends.

The 25 strong Friends of Glenshee group who are hoping to take over the other ski area, are reported to have raised enough funds for the purchase but want to secure more funding in order to ensure successful operation if the first few seasons are poor ones.