I picked up earlier this winter that there has been a lot of discontent from downhill skiers and boarders about how Natural Retreats has been operating the ski area, with the general perception being they have neglected winter sports in favour of summer visitors.    There is also a lot of concern on Speyside about the quality of the tourist offering and the implications of this for the local economy.  What is really interesting is that people are now openly expressing this.   In the past there has always been a certain tension between conservationists and recreationists, mountaineers and skiers, local people and national organisations and this has allowed Highlands and Islands Enterprise to get away with a series of poor decisions, the latest of which appears to be its lease with Natural Retreats.   I believe the general discontent with Natural Retreats will help turn the spotlight on HIE.    There is now a great opportunity for the various interests to get together and rethink a vision of the ski area and the role it should play within the wider Glenmore corridor.