Yes, I also fondly recall trips to the ski centre in Aviemore when it was brand new and a was a child (sorry, Lil!). I recall in particular the giant 'dishes' fountain in the heart of the complex, and small coin-operated electric cars for kids to race around the hexagonal paving slabs on the central plaza. It was a hugely exciting place for kids of all ages back then.
It had all gone into steep decline by the time I bought my time-share week up at the new Dalfaber Village annex, and over the past 20+ years I've been going up there, I've seen it dragged even further down, with the demolition of the last few remaining 'attractions', namely the swimming pool, ice rink, cinema, and finally the go-cart track. However, in the past three or four years, there seems to have been a bit of an upturn, with a new shopping complex put in (albeit at tourist prices), a number of new and varied holiday accommodation blocks, and a beautiful new swimming pool. The signs of growth are there.
Of course, Aviemore's biggest problem has been the change in climate over the years, with no guarantee of good skiing weather any more, coupled with the ease of access to slopes all over Europe and the rest of the world these days. But then that never was the attraction for me, and I think it's successful repackaging will have far more to do with it being the gateway to some of the most outstanding natural beauty on the planet, which it undoubtedly is. If you've never been, you're missing out!
End of nostalgic travelogue - sorry!
