Regional projects
We're involved in significant development projects that help grow the economy of our area and businesses thrive
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Cairngorm is a place of outstanding natural beauty - a wild mountain environment that is home to many examples of flora and fauna.
As a mountain resort, it is also a key driver of the economy of Strathspey and Badenoch, at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.
In public ownership through HIE, Cairngorm estate has strong potential to grow and sustain its reputation as one of Scotland’s most important tourist destinations, attracting thousands of visitors every year and playing a key role in the country’s mountain resort sector.
We're committed both to protecting and enhancing Cairngorm estate's wonderful natural environment. We're also working to optimise the mountain's positive impact on the local economy by helping to build a sustainable resort business that caters to thousands of visitors every year.
Reviewed 13 January 2025
Why is the funicular not running?
The funicular railway at Cairngorm Mountain was reinstated in January 2023, having undergone an extensive programme of engineering works that began in November 2020 to strengthen the 1.8km viaduct structure.
A key element of these works was strengthening ‘scarf joints’ (see image, right) that securely connect the beams beneath the railway track with 94 piers that support the viaduct as it ascends Cairn Gorm to an altitude of over 1,000m.
In August 2023, during a routine inspection, it was discovered that the tension of some of these joints was below the recommended level. Recognising public safety as the number one priority, HIE took the decision, supported by operating company Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd, to withdraw the service.
What is being done to fix the problem?
A programme of remediation works led by contractor Balfour Beatty and entered its latest phase in April 2024 and remains ongoing, despite harsh winter conditions on the mountain. In addition to reinstating tension in scarf joints, teams of workers are also checking tension in beams and diaphragms, and carrying out grouting works on the piers.
When do you expect the funicular to return?
HIE aims to ensure the funicular can be returned safely to service as quickly as possible and will provide a date for its reintroduction once this can be confirmed.
Balfour Beatty had substantially completed the remediation programme before Christmas 2024, however detailed inspections showed that further work was required in some areas and work resumed in early January 2025.
Once the remediation programme finishes, a team of engineers from Swiss funicular specialist Garaventa will carry out routine mechanical safety testing and trial runs of the carriages.
Following this, the railway will be handed over to resort operator Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd for staff training and final preparations before passengers are again welcomed on board.
While these actions are under way, HIE will continue to liaise with the Health and Safety Executive.
Cairngorm Mountain’s 2024/25 snowsports season opened on 20 December, with manufactured snow providing great conditions in the beginners’ zone.
Anyone planning a visit is advised to check the Cairngorm Mountain website – www.cairngormmountain.co.uk – for the latest weather and operational information.
We'll provide updates as work progresses.
What is this costing?
The budget for the funicular reinstatement programme was £25m, funded by the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
The cost of carrying out the remediation works is currently being borne by the contractor, Balfour Beatty. HIE is also incurring costs for associated services including project management and investigative works, as well as meeting costs arising in the operating company as a result of the funicular not operating.
The final out-turn will be determined following completion of the project.
Is Cairngorm Mountain open?
Cairngorm Mountain is open every day.
The winter snowsports season was officially launched on Friday 20 December 2024. Plan your visit at www.cairngormmountain.co.uk and check the resort's Mountain Report page for status updates.
A set of 10 strategies to shape development of the publicly-owned Cairngorm Estate over the next 25 years was published by HIE on 2 June 2021.
The 3,500-acre estate (1,418 hectares) includes footpaths and trails offering access to wild areas that provide habitat for rare mountain flora and fauna, in addition to the well-known snowsports centre and funicular railway.
HIE prepared the Cairngorm Estate Masterplan following widespread consultation and public engagement.
The outcome is an overarching vision for the estate as: ‘a world-class mountain environment where nature thrives and people of all ages and abilities enjoy access to outdoor sport, recreation and education opportunities in every season of the year’.
Aiming to unlock Cairngorm’s full potential as an environmental and economic asset for the area, the masterplan is a framework to shape future plans on themes including ecology, sustainable transport, mountain biking, electrification, facilities development and more.
The Cairngorm Advisory Group first convened on 27 May 2021. It brings together public, private, community and sporting organisations who share a common desire to help Cairngorm Mountain Estate achieve its full potential.
Membership covers a broad range of interests and experience, reflecting Cairngorm’s impact on local people and businesses, the wider economy, the environment, sports, heritage and education.
The group usually meets quarterly to advise Highlands and Islands Enterprise on its strategy for managing Cairngorm.
2022
2021
In response to public interest, we are gathering a wide range of information on Cairngorm into a single resource.
Cairngorm Mountain - Freedom of Information
Visit the Cairngorm Mountain Scotland website for the latest snow reports, ski conditions and information on year-round activities on the mountain.
Find out what's on in and around the wider area of the Cairngorms National Park.
A hugely complex programme of civil engineering works to strengthen the 1.75km Cairngorm funicular viaduct was conducted between November 2020 and autumn 2022. A new funicular control system was also installed, followed by a period of testing and safety certification, and the railway came back into service on 26 January 2023.
In August 2023, the funicular was withdrawn from service again, after issues were identified with the tension of joints that link beams and piers. See our FAQs above for updates.
The decision to reinstate the funicular was taken following a detailed options appraisal that also considered replacing it with alternative uplift infrastructure, or removing it entirely.
Discover some of our other larger scale, regional projects.
We're involved in significant development projects that help grow the economy of our area and businesses thrive
Cairngorm hosts the UK's highest restaurant
million visitors to Cairngorms National Park each year
jobs supported by Cairngorm Mountain