Regional projects
We're involved in significant development projects that help grow the economy of our area and businesses thrive
A unique asset for Scotland
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.
Temporary withdrawal of funicular railway - FAQs
Last reviewed 4 December 2024
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 1.7km 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?
The funicular remediation works led by Balfour Beatty are continuing to progress, but completion is still some days away.
Weather permitting, we currently expect these works to conclude by mid-December.
Once remediation finishes, there are still several important follow-up actions that have to be carried out before the funicular can carry passengers again. These include mechanical safety inspections and testing, trial runs and staff training.
That, unfortunately, means the funicular will not be back in service for the official launch of Cairngorm Mountain’s winter season, Friday 20 December.
We are continuing to work hard to be able to relaunch the funicular as soon as possible during the winter season, either by the end of December or early in the new year.
What is this costing?
The budget for the funicular reinstatement programme is £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 except Christmas Day. Although outdoor activities have ended for the season, the resort's viewpoints, café, and mountain shop are all currently open.
The winter snowsports season is set to get under way on Friday 20 December 2024. Plan your visit at www.cairngormmountain.co.uk and check the resort's Mountain Report page for status updates.
Cairngorm masterplan sets out 25-year vision for mountain estate
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.
Cairngorm Advisory Group
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.
Meeting notes
2022
2021
CAIRNGORM MOUNTAIN - FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
In response to public interest, we are gathering a wide range of information on Cairngorm into a single resource.
Cairngorm Mountain - Freedom of Information
CAIRNGORM MOUNTAIN SCOTLAND
Visit the Cairngorm Mountain Scotland website for the latest snow reports, ski conditions and information on year-round activities on the mountain.
CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK
Find out what's on in and around the wider area of the Cairngorms National Park.
Strengthening the future of Cairngorm Mountain
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.
Regional projects
Discover some of our other larger scale, regional projects.
About Cairngorm
1,100
Cairngorm hosts the UK's highest restaurant
1.8
million visitors to Cairngorms National Park each year
250
jobs supported by Cairngorm Mountain