Highlands MSP renews call for public inquiry into Cairngorm funicular
A public inquiry into the beleaguered Cairngorm funicular railway has “never been more essential” following an update by Highland and Islands Enterprise, a Highlands MSP has asserted.
It was revealed earlier today that a contractor would be stepping up efforts on the repair works from today following confirmation of the end of another disappointing winter season at the resort.
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Repairs being stepped up on the Cairngorm funicular
However, Edward Mountain said a date for the reopening still has not been outlined, while the overall cost of the repairs and who is going to pay for them remains a mystery.
The Highlands and Islands region MSP for the Scottish Conservatives said users of the Cairngorm resort and businesses who depend on them deserved clearer answers.
Mr Mountain said: “If anything, the latest update from Highlands and Islands Enterprise only makes things more confusing.
“A public inquiry into this mess has never been more essential.
“Despite the appointment of contractors, we still don’t know when the railway will reopen, how much it’s going to cost, or how it is all going to be paid for.
“I know businesses across the area are desperate to know when they can expect this important attraction – the only one of its type in Scotland – to properly function.
“We also need to know, having opened again last January after repairs, why a whole load of new repairs are required - HIE and the contractors seem to be making it up as they go along.”
