POLL: Should the closed system at the top of the Cairngorm funicular be scrapped?
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All the signatories to controversial restrictions in place for nearly 20 years at the top of the Cairngorm funicular are finally prepared to review the exit constraints, it has emerged.
Highland Council, Scottish Natural Heritage, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and CairnGorm Mountain Ltd signed a visitor management plan (VMP) legal agreement including the closed system as a precursor to the mountain railway opening in December 2001.
It bars passengers on the mountain railway from leaving the Ptarmigan station outwith the ski season in order to protect nearby areas on the Cairngorm plateau designated under the European Habitats and Birds Directives.
But the arrangement has been pinpointed by some as a key reason why projected visitor numbers for the attraction have failed to live up to expectation.
With a new masterplan setting out the next 25 years for the resort to be unveiled soon by owner HIE, there will be renewed focus on the closed system. And there are indications some major changes could be afoot.
The issue was raised at Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust’s virtual AGM with HIE’s representative Dave Macleod, head of property and infrastructure.
AGCT chairman Duncan Swarbrick said: “This is a question that comes up repeatedly... There are strong views on the closed system that it should be gotten rid of and is out of date.
“There is also the reality that there are e-bikes and other means of getting up the hill these days... I do wonder whether it should be revisited and reassessed.”
Mr Macleod confirmed it had formed part of discussions on the masterplan: “It is fair to say that all the key stakeholders involved in the VMP are all agreed we can discuss its evolution.
“Evolution is the right word to use. It is there for a good reason – to protect sites and for many people the habitats and the environment is a huge part of the Cairngorms.
“I think one of the challenges has always been the monitoring of any new use and the way technology is moving, we are hopeful that this will work in our favour.”
Mr Macleod said this could involve some projects being progressed, to highlight they were possible without damaging the environment.
He said: “It is a high bar we are having to hit – and that is fine. E-bikes, ski touring, there are lots of ways to access this area now. The important thing that is coming out of this is that people are willing to engage.
“There are going to be challenging conversations – we all know that and there is point trying to hide that – but they are going to happen.”
There have been some more minor relaxations to the closed system over the years.
NatureScot (previously Scottish Natural Heritage) said it is for HIE to propose any changes to the VMP and they would then consider these.
A spokeswoman said: “In the past, the VMP has been revised to accommodate initiatives such as guided walks from the top station with appropriate controls in place.
“The Habitats Regulations remain in force on the Cairngorm plateau.”
Murray Ferguson, the Cairngorms National Park Authority’s director of planning, said they are looking forward to seeing HIE’s finalised masterplan.
He said: “Alongside the original signatories of the VMP, we will consider any implications or changes this may mean for the VMP as more detail is provided.”
HIE said it continues to support the principle of an effective VMP that recognises the need to protect particular areas around the plateau.
A spokesman said: “The issue of visitor management was raised by several people who took part in our masterplanning consultation last year, and we will be reflecting on their comments with our partners once the upcoming masterplan is finalised.”
The current full VMP can be read here
