FIRST PICTURES: Cairngorm funicular is back on track and here is the proof
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The Cairngorm funicular is finally up and running after being out of action for more than four years.
The first passenger train left the Base Station to head for the Ptarmigan top station two kilometres away at 9.30am this morning.
The return to public services comes after the UK Department of Transport issued safety certificates which were required to bring the mountain railway back into use.
Paperwork had been submitted just before Christmas.
Susan Smith, chief executive of Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd, said: “The Cairngorm Mountain team is thrilled to be welcoming snowsports enthusiasts onto the funicular railway once more.
"The improvements across the resort have brought major changes to the visitor experience and we are so pleased to see the railway transport people to the upper slopes as well as our refurbished Ptarmigan building."
Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes (SNP) has welcomed the mountain railway's resumption of passenger services.
She said: "The closure of the funicular has been an exceptionally challenging time for Cairngorm Mountain and I am delighted it is now operational again.
"This is great news.
“Everyone I have spoken to, whether that’s locals, businesses or visitors, agrees that there is huge untapped potential in the future of the mountain, and I hope the reopening of the funicular will help the resort move forward from the disappointment and frustration of the past few years.”
