Strengthening Cairn Gorm’s future

Cairn Gorm will benefit from more than £20 million to make it a year-round attraction, generating significant economic benefits for the local area and Scotland’s tourism sector.Funded by the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, more than £16 million of the investment will be used to support reinstatement of Scotland’s only funicular railway and bring it back into service during winter 2021-22.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.Initial work to strengthen the 2km structure, which has been out of action since 2018, is expected to start later this month. Once up and running, the funicular is expected to attract thousands of visitors a year, generating benefits for the wider economy in Badenoch and Strathspey, where the tourism and hospitality sectors have been hit hard by coronavirus (COVID-19).A further £4.35 million has been approved for potential additional capital requirements including building improvements, electrification of snow cannons, existing tow infrastructure, paths and car parking.