Ewing: funicular public inquiry 'inappropriate;
Highland MSP and rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing has responded to calls for a public inquiry into the running of the Cairn Gorm funicular railway:
He said today: “It would be inappropriate to undertake a public inquiry at a time when there is ongoing legal action.
“Furthermore, to undertake an inquiry now or anytime soon in the midst of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and Brexit crisis, when the reinstatement work is in progress and ski resorts are trying to survive, is not only a distraction but would use up the time and effort of the very people that are working to vindicate our rights in the litigation and oversee completion of the major project.
“Reinstatement of the funicular is anticipated to bring significant benefits to the area including supporting, over a 30 year period, an estimated 1,000 jobs and economic benefits calculated at just over £160 million.
“Lessons have been learned from the Audit Scotland Section 23 Report into Cairngorm Mountain and the Scottish Government and HIE have both worked hard to reflect on its content and the recommendations made.”