Those keen to put on their ski jackets and hit the slopes as soon as possible may be interested in news that the Glencoe resort n the Scottish Highlands believes there could be an early start to the action again.

In its latest email to wintersports fans, the resort has revealed the latest forecast is for lots of wind and heavy snow in the next few days, which it described as "perfect base building conditions".

And it posed the question: "Could it be another early start to the season at Glencoe?"

Preparations for the new season are continuing with a snow cannon due to arrive next Wednesday (December 7th), while the resort has said it just needs some gullies to be filled in and rocks to be covered before the slopes can be opened.

Elsewhere in the west Highlands, the Nevis Range resort is preparing for the new season with maintenance work being carried out on the Gondola at present.

This will conclude on December 16th, with the cable car system re-opening the following day.