MSP's dismay at delay to re-opening of Cairngorm Funicular Railway

Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain has expressed his disappointment following HIE’s announcement yesterday that the re-opening of the Cairngorm Funicular Railway will be postponed.

He is now calling for HIE urgently to brief local politicians to provide greater clarification as to the causes of the delay.

Mr Mountain said: “This is deeply disappointing news and a big blow to our tourism industry in the Strathspey, who were led to believe the funicular would be up and running by early 2022.

“That re-opening date always appeared to be very ambitious and I’m not surprised the project has now encountered delays given the complexities of the repair work.

“We now need to know why HIE raised expectations that it could be completed by early next year and when it became clear that the repairs would delay re-opening the Funicular for around six to nine months.

“HIE need to be honest and transparent about the delivery of this project and I am calling on them to hold an urgent briefing for politicians to explain the reason for the delays in greater detail.”

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