Mountain on the mountain: 'Much to do'

As work started on repairing Cairngorm Mountain's funicular railway after two wasted years Highland MSP Edward Mountain has posted his hopes for the resort on on social media, praising the staff whose job it will be to turn things around for the community and tourists alike.

Speaking from his study at Holyrood, he said last night: "I’m very pleased to see that work has started on Cairngorm Mountain. That’s good news.

"The sadness is that it’s starting as we’ve had our first falls of snow

"But there’s a lot more that needs to be done on Cairngorm Mountain than just sorting out the funicular railway."

The whole management structure, he said, had to be sorted.

"We haven’t done that and we also need to sort out issues like the crumbling car park, the what I would call really basic buildings that are there.

"And we also need to sort out getting the snow to the top of the mountain – and not pushing snow uphill from a snow station that’s been built at one of the lowest points."

Mr Mountain acknowledged: "We’ve got great staff up there, who are prepared to work on our behalf.

"Let’s make sure that we get them enthusiastic, and let’s support them, but let’s do that by making sure we have the best structures to do so and when that mountain reopens - the government says n a year’s time, I fear it may be longer - let’s make sure it’s really an inviting and attractive place to be."

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