Monarch of the Glen

at Stoke Mandeville hospital who encouraged Philip’s love of snowsports.

Hi s Sp i t f i re had been shot down over the North Sea in 1942. While his injuries were being treated in hospital the doc suggested skiing might speed up his recovery.

Before the 1950s, the only people who ventured into the Scottish mountains in winter were hardened climbers.

But after Philip threw himself into the sport, he hatched a plan to bring skiing to the masses.

He hoped to build the country’s first ski tow at what is now the Glencoe ski centre – out of l e f t ov e r m e t a l w o r k s from Glasgow’s shipyards, where he worked.

By 1954 he’d left his engineering job in Glasgow and moved to the village of Ballachulish, just four miles from the tow, to concentrate on the venture full-time.

Family friend Louisa Gardiner, who is behind the campaign to see him recognised, said the metal plate and steel cables were “acquired” and carried up on the backs of these tough Clydesiders, all under Philip’s supervision”.

It was ready for use in February 1956 and its opening marked the creation of the first commercial ski centre in Scotland.

Philip, who went on to run the centre, remembered: “It was absolutely crucifying work.

“In order to make sure we were on a good line we had to start at the top and worked our way down, which meant everything had to be carried up the mountain.

“That took a lot of time, and sweat and tears.”

Campaigner Louisa added: “I feel he has been so fundamental to skiing in Scotland.

“He is the most wonderful man. I would hope that he gets recognition for the amount of WHEN Philip Rankin’s tow was built it meant Scotland’s first commercial ski centre was open for business.

The industry has grown to the extent that five resorts now welcome around 200,000 skiers a year, generating £30m.

The first record of skiing

The “crucifying” labour involved in creating Scotland’s first ski tow proved well worth the effort for war hero Philip, now nearly 100, as thousands of Scots embraced the sport. work he did and how it has influenced the ski industr y and tourism.

“Showing there was another winter sport, other than climbing, really was down to him.”

Friend and neighbour Hamish MacInnes, who was developing mountain rescue techniques when Philip ran the ski centre, backed the calls for him to be recognised for his work.

■