If a petition was to be launched, what would it be asking for? What do we want politicians to do?
In reality, I think it would be extremely difficult to get any "subsidies", The pressure on providing for healthcare etc. would see it struggle to get on the agenda - especially if we were having to "fund" Glasgow on our own
Would it be possible to make a rational business case for public financial support for lift investment? i.e. the investment would bring in more revenue and be paid back? Unfortunaltely, many politicains seem to be convinved that climate change has already seen the end of the Scottish ski industry as a going concern.
It sounds to me like there would be some mileage in trying to get VAT reduced - but legal challenges are expensive.
For its long-term health, I think Scottish snow sports has to preume that public money is unlikely, so perhaps needs to concentrate on getting more revenue. One thing I've noticed is just how many people from Northern England have been on the slopes over the two days I've been up so far. Is this a market with potential (and added benefit of accomodation money coming in. i.e. less likely to be day trippers).
If there was to be centralised public support, perhaps it could come through marketing support to places such as NW and NE England, The Scottish Executives route developemnt fund for airlines has been kaboshed by Brussels - perhaps the money could go towards another way of attracting inward tourism.
I think the message would be something like; "Come to the Highlands for skiing ........ or mountain biking. And just in case, you've got whisky distilleries nearby."
Hope this isn't too much of a ramble!