SOAR AT BRAEHEAD IS SAVED FROM CLOSURE

SOAR at Braehead has been save d f rom administration in a “welcome” reprieve for the local economy. The leisure complex, formerly known as Xscape, houses a cinema, a mini- golf course, an indoor snowsports centre as well as a number of restaurants.

It has been taken over from its previous owners Intu by Debenture PLC.

The firm has appointed the asset and property management company to oversee the site, reports the BBC.

The centre will continue to be known as Soar until it is rebranded with a new name before the end of the year.

Jane Strang, from the local Tory council, has welcomed the news.

She said: “It is hugely welcome that Braehead has been bought out of administration.

“This will end the uncertainty surrounding the centre, which is so vital to the local economy.

“As we deal with a major economic downturn, the fact that Braehead will be continuing to trade is one that is a welcome relief for the Renfrewshire economy.”

Meanwhile, Britain’s Got Talent singing star Edward Reid was at intu Braehead taking part in a sponsored stair- climbing challenge to raise vital funds for leading mental health charity SAMH ( Scottish Association for Mental Health).

The team at intu Braehead took part in their self- organised fundraising challenge on the eve of World Mental Health Day today and the staff raised more than £ 200 for the charity by climbing 16,380 stairs.

The shopping centre is also running a series of short videos of Edward giving mental health and well- being advice and tips on their social media channels in the run- up to World Mental Health Day and will continue to do so throughout the rest of the month.

Edward said: “There definitely ain’t no mountain high enough for the big- hearted folks at intu Braehead.

“They put in a fantastic effort to climb all these steps and raise money for a very worthy cause.

And he added: “By the time I got to the top of the flight of steps for the umpteenth time, I thought I was on the stairway to heaven.”

Lydia Brown, intu Braehead’s community development manager said: “It’s important everyone looks after their mental health in the same way we look after our physical health.”