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
Reviewed 5 February 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 is currently ongoing, despite often harsh winter conditions on the mountain.
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.
On 5 February 2025, staff at Cairngorm Mountain began a series of maintenance activities on the electrical, mechanical and hydraulic systems that govern the movement of the two funicular carriages up and down the viaduct.
They are being joined by an engineer from Swiss funicular specialist Garaventa – the company that supplied and maintains the carriages and control system – who will carry out scheduled annual inspections of the mechanical systems.
The trains will be making frequent trial runs on the mountainside during the first two weeks in February. The programme of remediation works led by Balfour Beatty will continue in parallel with this activity and beyond.
While these actions are underway, HIE will continue to liaise with the Health and Safety Executive.
When do you expect the funicular to return?
HIE aims to ensure the funicular can be returned safely to service as soon as possible during the present winter snowsports season and will provide a date for its reintroduction once this can be confirmed.
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 and launched its 2024/25 snowsports season on 20 December, with manufactured snow providing great conditions in the beginners’ zone.
In January 2025, the company issued information for customers who may be planning to visit for snowsports during the February half-term school holidays.
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