Cairngorm funicular update
The much-anticipated return of the funicular railway at Cairngorm Mountain will not take place in December, as had been hoped.
The project, by Rothes Glen Limited (RGL), will create up to ten new full-time equivalent jobs in rural Speyside.
Rothes Glen was built in 1893 in the Scots baronial style. It was designed by the famous Inverness-based architect Alexander Ross and built by Charles Chree Doig, the legendary whisky architect who introduced the pagoda to the distilleries of Scotland.
It is a Grade B listed building that lies close to the River Spey near the village of Rothes. The area is best known for its scenery, salmon fishing, malt whisky production and as a popular destination for people seeking activity and sporting holidays.
RGL bought the property in 2019 to convert it from a private home into a high-end exclusive use venue with world-class hospitality aimed at attracting malt whisky connoisseurs. The HIE funding will go towards the £0.5m final phase of the alterations, which are due to be completed by the middle of 2021.
Thereafter the business will offer private luxurious malt whisky-themed holiday experiences as well as hosting high-quality industry events.
Angie Smith, HIE’s head of business growth in Moray, said:
“This project by RGL will enhance Moray-Speyside’s overall tourism offering. It will support rural jobs and other local industries, notably the food and drink sector. It will attract more high-spending visitors to the area and encourage them to stay longer, which will also benefit the wider local economy.
“We are very pleased to be able to provide support to this high-end tourism project and look forward to its successful opening.”
Damian Riley-Smith, CEO of Rothes Glen, said:
“It has been a long-held dream to extend Paragraph’s drinks brands into a physical reflection of everything we do. Converting Rothes Glen into the home of the whisky connoisseur brings this all together in one stunning, iconic location. With building regulations requiring so much additional work we are delighted HIE have been able to help us raise Rothes Glen back to its former glory.”
Related Articles
West coast sand mine steps up production
Lochaline Quartz Sand Limited is set to double its production and increase annual turnover by more than £2.6m.
Argyll chocolate firm expands to meet growing demand
Fetcha Chocolates Limited is investing in new equipment to quadruple its capacity, increase turnover and create employment.
Inspiring STEM education for Grantown pupils
Pop-Up Newton Room delivers hands-on learning thanks to partnership with Vattenfall
Argyll marine firm scales up with new high tech survey vessel
The project by Oban based Tritonia Scientific Limited will support four jobs and is forecast to increase the company’s turnover by more than £1m within three years.
Work starts on new business units in Benbecula
HIE has appointed Benbecula company D Macdonald (Building Contractors) Ltd to create seven new units at Eabhal. Business Park
Caithness fabrication firm gears up for big contracts
Gow’s Lybster Limited is installing Migatronic CoWelders that will significantly improve productivity and ensure consistent high-quality workmanship.
Contract awarded for Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray
A £1.3m contract has been awarded for the refurbishment of a building on Enterprise Park Forres to create the new Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray (MICM).
Funding boost for new Isle of Mull recording studio
The project is forecast to generate more than £340,000 turnover in the next three years and create three jobs within five years.
New fund announced to support growth in life sciences sector
The funding can help cover the costs of equipment, new technology or fixtures and fittings, or to construct, adapt or upgrade business premises or other infrastructure.
Lochaber fabrication firm in further expansion
The improvements will enable the company to continue its growth through increased capacity and efficiencies in production.