Highlands MSP wants answers on Cairngorm Mountain masterplan funding impact
A Highlands MSP is asking HIE how the Cairngorm masterplan could be impacted after it emerged its unallocated funding has been used to help meet the rising cost of funicular repairs.
Work is now under way on the first phase of the 25-year vision to revive the fortunes of the resort.
Two magic carpets are being installed, mountain bike trails are to be created with an opening date scheduled for next Spring and the Ptarmigan top station has been given a major overhaul.
But Highlands and Islands Enterprise in an update on the project today revealed that some funding to implement the masterplan has been re-allocated to help cover the nearly £9m shortfall from the budgets repair cost of the mountain railway.
The exact total has not been announced by HIE.
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Highlands MSP Edward Mountain (Scottish Conservatives) commented: “Why am I not surprised that the costs have gone up by so much, indeed not far off what I have previously predicted.
"One questions who has been managing this asset for the country.
“Would we have been better installing a different form of lift to get the capacity we need at a lower cost? Also, how much will the previous operator contribute to the final repair bill?
“If the funicular is ready for winter 2023 then this would be a huge boost for a local tourism industry.
“While I am pleased, following my calls earlier this year, that the Scottish Government committed a further £7m to the repairs, I am however concerned that HIE have had to re-allocate funding from the Cairngorm masterplan investment package.
“Many will be left wondering what knock-on impact that will now have on the masterplan and I will be seeking further clarity on this matter.”
HIE's has been approached by the Strathy for an answer on the potential impact to the masterplan and how much funding has been re-allocated.