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Community trust chair wants 'sensible planned asset transfer' of Cairngorm resort


By Gavin Musgrove

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The recently appointed chair of Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust has said she wants a "sensible planned asset transfer" of Cairngorm Mountain.

But Hazel Pavitt suggested that this could mean the whole process takes longer than originally envisaged.

Her comments come as the trust is polling members on whether they would support plans to take forward a project for a temporary ice rink in Aviemore with the aim of it being in place by winter 2021/22.

It also follows the resignation of respected businessman Mike Dearman from the trust.

Mr Dearman has been the public face of the trust and a driving force behind the community bid.

But he has stood down citing that resort and estate owners Highlands and Islands Enterprise have not engaged with the trust in any meaningful way since it was formed two and a half years ago.

He wants the focus to be on the community transfer of the ski area and estate – as was the aim when set-up – whereas it appears recent changes in the make-up of the board have led to a wider scope for the trust.

Hazel Pavitt recently took over as chair of the trust from Mike Gale who remains a director.
Hazel Pavitt recently took over as chair of the trust from Mike Gale who remains a director.

AGCT chairwoman Hazel Pavitt said: "During the last weeks in my volunteer role with Aviemore Covid Response Group I have had the privilege to chat with some of our mature long standing residents.

"I’ve learnt so much about Aviemore after the Second World War and the changes to the growth of the resort as a result of development in the late 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.

"There seems to be a genuine community aspiration to return to Aviemore as a world class sports village both within the Cairngorm Estate and outwith in Glenmore and Aviemore.

"At a time when economic recovery from the collapse of the previous Cairngorm Mountain operator, loss of the funicular, effects of global warming and Covid 19 in particular is needed, I have had numerous requests for AGCT to step up to the plate and bring all of the groups together to create a forward looking aspirational trust that leads not only to the transfer of the Cairngorm Estate but also to link this strongly with the village.

"This view is reflected in feedback to the master planners, HIE and, other community groups."

Mrs Pavitt thanked Mr Dearman for all of his hard work to help make "AGCT a strong and recognised body".

She said: "I’m sad that Mike resigned but he felt that AGCT is about asset transfer and he cited needing to spend more time in his business."

The trust's board has indicated that proving they can launch and manage a project such as the rink will provide evidence of its capability to run Cairngorm Mountain. They have said HIE has also suggested that this is the way ahead for them.

Mrs Pavitt said: "As chairperson of AGCT, I am consulting with the board, our members and HIE as to the shape of our future efforts.

"Our actions are in keeping with the spirit of our transparency and our inclusive AGCT culture for us to do what our members ask of us within reason.

"I count us as increasingly fortunate to be surviving in the prevailing circumstances having acknowledged that we are looking forward to getting stuck in to asset transfer, projects if wanted and economic regeneration.

"These are the thing that matter and are relevant now.

"One thing Covid-19 has taught us is to plan, prepare and to achieve what our community want to bolster us and keep us economically robust through planned diversification and our unique sport pioneering heritage.

"We are not there yet but we want a sensible planned asset transfer.

"We are at the start of a structured way forward to achieve this goal and it will take time and a joined up effort.

"We are likely to need philanthropy and government help so credibility is key and community based projects of scale will be our best tool in illustrating our ability to achieve excellence."

For more information on the trust and becoming a member click here.


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