Cairngorm gets set to welcome return of mountain railway
The funicular looks set to be back in action towards the end of December or early in the new year.
Contractor Balfour Beatty has substantially completed an extensive remediation programme to strengthen the 1.8km viaduct, however detailed inspections have shown that further work is required in some areas.
Cairngorm Estate owner Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), along with the contractor and consultants, will review the scope and nature of the outstanding works early in January, with a view to bringing the funicular back as early as possible in the new year.
Once the remediation works have been concluded, a series of mechanical safety testing, trial runs and staff training will follow. At the same time, HIE will maintain ongoing dialogue with the Health and Safety Executive.
In the meantime, resort operator Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd has launched its winter season with manufactured snow providing cover in the beginners’ area which can be accessed from the car park.
When there is suitable natural snowfall to enable skiing and snowboarding at higher levels, surface lifts will be available to provide access.
Snowsports enthusiasts are advised to check condition reports that are regularly updated on the resort’s website: www.cairngormmountain.co.uk
HIE will provide a further update in January.
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