Cairngorm funicular railway faces uncertain future as repairs drag on

As the festive season approaches, the Cairngorm funicular remains closed, raising concerns among locals and stakeholders.

As the festive season approaches, the Cairngorm funicular railway, a vital link for winter sports enthusiasts, remains closed, missing its planned reopening date of December 20. This situation has left many in the community frustrated and questioning the future of the railway, which has been plagued by ongoing repairs and delays.

History of the Cairngorm funicular railway

The funicular, which first opened its doors in 2001, has been a significant attraction for tourists and locals alike, providing access to the stunning slopes of the Cairngorm mountains. However, its operational history has been marred by issues.

After being shut down for repairs six years ago, it reopened in January 2023, only to close again seven months later due to further complications. The cost of repairs has escalated to an alarming £25 million, raising concerns about the management of public funds.

Current status and future prospects

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the organization responsible for the funicular, has repeatedly assured the Scottish Government that repairs would be completed swiftly. However, as the year comes to a close, it has become evident that the funicular will not be operational before the end of 2024. This news has been met with disappointment from local stakeholders, including campaigners who have long advocated for the removal of the structure.

Gordon Bulloch, a prominent campaigner, expressed his dismay, stating, “We got the inevitable. It is Groundhog Day.” The ongoing issues have forced contractors Balfour Beatty to conduct further work on the 1.8 km structure, with safety tests and trial runs still pending once repairs are completed. The uncertainty surrounding the reopening has led many to question whether the funicular will ever operate again.

Community response and political implications

The local community has voiced its frustration over the prolonged closure. SNP Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, who represents the area, has echoed these sentiments, stating, “I share the frustration of locals in the community at the funicular being in limbo.” Forbes has indicated that she is open to the possibility of removing the funicular if deemed necessary, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of the situation to ensure the sustainability of Cairngorm as a winter sports destination.

While HIE continues to advocate for repairing the railway, the financial implications of both repairing and potentially removing the funicular remain significant. Estimates suggest that it could cost £52 million to dismantle the structure and replace it with a gondola system, along with an additional £2 million penalty to the EU if removed within two years due to a historic agreement.

As the community awaits further developments, the future of the Cairngorm funicular railway hangs in the balance, with stakeholders calling for transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.