HOPES are rising that a management buyout of the Glenshee ski resort will succeed when offers are considered next week, following yesterday's closing date.

The Glenshee Chairlift Company, which also owned the Glencoe ski operation, was put up for sale in February, having lost (pounds) 1m in the past two years after a series of poor skiing seasons. In May, the company called in receivers Blair Nimmo and Neil Armour of KPMG Corporate Recovery.

At the start of the month, two Glasgow businessmen, Neil Tait and David Campbell, were named as the preferred bidders for the Glencoe operation. They have already announced plans to turn the ski centre into an all-year outdoor pursuits resort.

It had been assumed that the Friends of Glenshee, a group of more than 20 people, businessmen and staff past and present, would enjoy similar success in Glenshee. But earlier this week it emerged that some members of the group were launching a management buyout.

It is understood that this bid is being led by Stuart Davidson and Graham McCabe, respectively accountant and general manager of the Glenshee Chairlift Company. Neither could be contacted yesterday. At least three other staff members are thought to be involved.