Home   News   Article

EXCLUSIVE: Cairngorm funicular set to return to full public operation from tomorrow


By Gavin Musgrove

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
The Cairngorm funicular in its new livery on the track on Friday.
The Cairngorm funicular in its new livery on the track on Friday.

The Cairngorm funicular is finally returning to full operation from tomorrow after being out of service for more than four years on safety grounds.

The UK Department of Transport has now issued safety certificates which were required to bring the mountain railway back into use by the public.

The green light comes following major repairs and testing with the final bill estimated to be in the region of £25m.

It also means that the Ptarmigan building including a brand new exhibition is coming back into use.

Susan Smith, chief executive of Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd, said: “The Cairngorm Mountain team is thrilled to be welcoming snowsports enthusiasts onto the funicular railway once more.

"The improvements across the resort have brought major changes to the visitor experience and we are so pleased to see the railway transport people to the upper slopes as well as our refurbished Ptarmigan building.

"Weather permitting and with the hope that our capacity will expand further as the season continues, 2023 promises to be a landmark year for our business, team and local community.”

Dave Macleod, who is head of property and infrastructure with resort owners Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said: “It’s wonderful to see the mountain railway back in action again.

"This will make a huge improvement to the customer experience at Cairngorm and strengthen the appeal of the wider area to attract visitors throughout the year.

“Reinstating the funicular has been uniquely challenging, not only in engineering terms but also for the care that had to be taken to protect the environment during these works while also contending with some of the most severe and changeable weather that Scotland has to offer.

“Cairngorm plays an important role in the local economy as an environmental, educational and sporting asset and the funicular will enable people across a huge range of ages and abilities to enjoy the mountain not only in winter but every season.”

Weather conditions permitting, the two kilometres funicular railway will now run a regular service taking snowsports enthusiasts to the top of the slopes in around five minutes.

It will also help reduce pressure on uplift elsewhere on the slopes.

The reinstatement of the railway comes alongside other major improvement works including new ‘magic carpet’ conveyor belts for the beginner slopes, car park improvements and the refurbishment of the Ptarmigan building.

Related articles:

The Eagle is nearly ready for take-off

Repair bill for funicular expected to come in well over budget at £25m

Boss calls for a united front on Cairngorm Mountain

Housing the UK’s highest restaurant, a 270° immersive exhibition space and viewing platform, the Ptarmigan is located at the top station of the mountain railway.

A CMSL spokesperson said: "The newly designed restaurant has been transformed into a light, contemporary space with an open plan gin bar, cosy log fire and floor to ceiling windows for guests to enjoy the spectacular views of the mountain range.

"In the meantime, the cafés and popular shop located at the foot of the mountain, are both open throughout winter and offer outdoor clothing, food and drink by the log burner, and seasonal gifts."

The resort as a whole offers year round interest for outdoor enthusiasts and visitors, with plans for the introduction of mountain biking in summer 2023 following on from the new improved visitor experience.

The Cairngorm mountain railway is Scotland’s only funicular and carries visitors to the Ptarmigan building at over 1,065m.

Reinstatement works have involved a complex engineering project to strengthen the viaduct and install a new control system, all within the strict environmental requirements of a unique mountain environment.

The re-opening comes after rigorous quality and safety testing, including certification and approval by the UK Department of Transport to allow operations to re-commence.

The mountain railway was taken out of operation in September 2018 after cracks were found in the concrete piers which carry the viaduct for the track.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More