Staff pay-off 'worrying' to local MSP
HIGHLANDS and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has taken up the issue of the CairnGorm Mountain's funicular closure with HIE's Chief Executive, Charlotte Wright, following staff being paid off.
"I have had several constituents contact me about this, including a local business owner, and I am very concerned due to the huge spin-off a prolonged funicular closure could have on businesses and the wider community," said Mrs Grant.
"It is worrying that staff have been paid off so quickly.
"Given that skiing will be available this winter surely they could have been redeployed in the meantime?
"There also needs to be support funding for alternative employment as a matter of urgency.
"I will be taking up the offer of a further briefing with the chief executive and also writing to Natural Retreats about how it is going to operate pricing given that it appears to be a lack of clarity over season tickets, early-bird tickets, a reduced-price ticket, or itison vouchers purchased for the funicular railway.
"While it is positive news that CairnGorm will be open for skiing this season, the 10 surface lifts rely on good snowfall to operate and obviously there will be reduced facilities with the Ptarmigan Restaurant closed.
"HIE has promised good communication with stakeholders."
On Thursday HIE announced that plans were afoot to ensure CairnGorm Mountain was well-equipped to welcome skiers and other snowsports enthusiasts.
The first meeting of a new response team, held in Aviemore, had brought together key stakeholders to address the potential impact of the current closure of the CairnGorm funicular railway, due to safety concerns.
