Cairngorm chairlift scrap metal money finally handed to charities
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Money from the sale of scrap metal from the pylons of the two chairlifts in Coire na Ciste has finally been handed over more than two years on.
Campaigners had questioned why no handouts had been made so long after the work with the proceeds due to go to two local charities.
A spokesperson for resort owners Highlands and Islands Enterprise confirmed that the money totalling £5100 had now been handed over.
He said: “I can confirm that the two charities have each received donations of £2550 from the sale of scrap metal from the Coire na Ciste clear up works.”
The two beneficiaries are Disability SnowSport UK and Badenoch and Strathspey School SnowSport Association.
HIE said the handover was scheduled for when the total value of the scrap metal was known. They had pursued the matter with construction advisors Torrance Partnership, who co-ordinated the clear-up, following the concerns.
Alan Brattey, of The Save the Ciste campaign, said: "We are delighted to hear that the cash from the Coire na Ciste and West Wall Chairlifts scrap has now been handed over to the charities.
"We're pleased to have been instrumental in finally bringing this to a conclusion."
The pylons, their concrete bases and other infrastructure from the Ciste and West Wall Chairlift were removed several year ago.
The lack of consultation over their removal – costing HIE £267,000 –in August 2017 was heavily criticised by campaigners.
They claimed the infrastructure could have been used in part for any new chairlifts being constructed on the Ciste side of the mountain.
A post at the time on a post on the popular Winter Highland Facebook page read: “Tonight the West Wall Chairlift, along with the ideas, hopes and dreams of the original generation of pioneers of Scottish snowsports, lies smashed up on the slopes of Coire na Ciste.”
The two chairlifts were mothballed in the mid 2000s as part of the controversial 'core lifts' policy implemented at the ski resort.
