The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Minister ‘flat out’ for CairnGorm
A Scottish Government minister has insisted that officials and agencies are working “flat out” to resolve issues at CairnGorm Mountain.
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said he was “absolutely determined” to find a solution after the resort’s funicular railway was put out of action.
An investment of £1 million is being made in snow-making equipment to try to save the snow sports season and a “response group” has been established.
Updating MSPs at Holyrood yesterday, Mr Ewing said: “The safety of passengers at this time is paramount. The Scottish Government continues to work closely with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to mitigate any economic impact.
“HIE and Business Gateway are supporting local businesses that might be affected, including offering one-to-one advice on access to loan funding.”
He added: “HIE is working flat-out on these matters and I myself am in touch with their staff on a very regular basis.
“And I know that they are about to receive a report on the potential problems facing the funicular. That report should be available at the beginning December.
“They are also working on ensuring the availability of snow-making equipment in early December, and it will be operational as soon as possible thereafter.
“And they are working hard with community representatives to ameliorate the problems posed by the loss – temporary we hope – of the funicular railway, to ensure that there is skiing on CairnGorm this year, as soon as possible and to the maximum extent possible.
“And we are absolutely determined to make those efforts bring as much success to the area as possible, because the funicular railway, and indeed CairnGorm Mountain, is essential to the success of the local economy of Badenoch and Strathspey.” of