Community control bid for Cairngorm Mountain gets huge boost
PLANS to take Cairngorm Mountain into community control have been given a huge boost with major funding creating a launchpad for the bid.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise has awarded £95,000 in support for Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust to develop detailed proposals to take over the running of the attraction.
HIE has also given its backing to ACGT’s plans to make mountain biking and an Alpine coaster top priorities to diversify the business on the hill and bring more visitors year-round.
The announcement comes as new operators Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd –owned by HIE – revealed fewer than 5000 skiers and snowboarders had taken to the slopes this past winter.
Resort bosses confirmed the end of the winter season on Tuesday with the SnowFactory still out of operation due to technical problems and temperatures in the strath forecast to top 20C tomorrow.
AGCT, formed in 2017 because of mounting frustration over the running of the resort by then owners Wilmslow-based Natural Retreats, will use the money to employ a project manager and administrative officer, with further scope to expand staffing if necessary.
Confirmation follows extensive discussions with HIE after previous operator, Cairngorm Mountain Limited, entered administration last Autumn.
AGCT director Mike Gale said: “This is a fantastic positive step and commitment to the community from HIE in recognising our professionalism and vision to deliver a sustainable future for Cairngorm being run by the community.
“The people living, working, managing and owning businesses in the area deserve to have a world class summer and winter attraction with a sustainable future."
Mr Gale continued: “One of the frustrations in the past has been the reluctance to be listened to. We are now seeing the community’s ideas being put into a plan, both with short term and long-term benefits.
“Everything from an Alpine coaster and mountain biking trails to changing the catering set up at the Day Lodge."
More on this story in this week's Strathy.
