Home / Business and Economy / Cairngorms Funicular Faces Costly Future
Cairngorms Funicular Faces Costly Future
16 Jan
Summary
- Funicular repairs cost £25 million and it may need more.
- Campaigners suggest a new chairlift for better ski access.
- Investment needed for an appropriate mountain transport system.
Campaigners assert that the Cairngorms funicular railway will require significant future maintenance, suggesting a new chairlift would offer superior snowsports access. Millions have been spent on repairs for the UK's highest railway, located near Aviemore. Parkswatch Scotland has informed Holyrood's public audit committee that the ski centre cannot fully utilize the funicular.
The funicular, which opened in 2001 for £19.5 million, connects a base station to a ski area on Cairn Gorm mountain. After a four-year closure from September 2018 due to structural issues, it reopened in January 2023 following £25 million in repairs, only to close again in August 2023 because of snagging problems.
Parkswatch Scotland believes weather and track design contribute to breakdowns, stating repairs only slowed deterioration and future maintenance will be substantial. They propose up to four new chairlifts for future mountain activities. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), owner of the resort, confirmed a chairlift is in its 25-year masterplan but requires significant investment.
